The Importance of Empathy and Understanding: A Personal Reflection in Life and in Business
As the editor of both DisabilityUK.co.uk and DisabledEntrepreneur.uk, I made an important announcement a few months ago. I decided to step back from the front end of my business to focus on recovering from mental health issues. This was a necessary step for me, as my well-being had taken a significant hit due to various pressures and personal challenges. Throughout this journey, I have maintained an online journal to update on my disabilities and share my experiences. While I do not disclose all the traumas to everyone, I have encountered, anyone interested can easily research “Renata’s Story,” which appears as the top search result thanks to my expertise in search engine optimization (SEO).
I am acutely aware that many people are also navigating grief, depression, and other mental health problems. My own experiences have made me empathetic and supportive of others facing similar struggles. Through mentorship and counseling, I have aimed to offer a helping hand to those in need. However, a recent encounter with a client has highlighted the complexities of balancing professional commitments with empathy and personal well-being.
This particular client stopped payment for his website hosting without notice, citing a lack of incoming work. This was despite the fact that I had secured a lead for him that was worth conducting safety checks (EICR) for 50 landlord and tenant properties. When I reached out to discuss the situation, he informed me that his friend had only days to live, and he was ceasing to trade due to his own mental health struggles. He also had no intention of fulfilling the remainder of our contract.
In response, I offered him a grace period, only to be met with aggression and accusations of harassment. This triggered my intrusive thoughts and OCD, bringing me to the verge of tears. It was a deeply distressing experience, compounded by my commitment to understanding and supporting mental health.
Business and the Importance of Contracts
Legally, written signed agreements and 30-day notices of cancellation are crucial. My client, however, gave no notice at all. His accusations of harassment were unfounded, and his abrupt cessation of payment breached our contract. My business partner has advised taking the matter to court, but my preference is to settle things amicably, avoiding further animosity. Consequently, I have suspended the website and Facebook page and removed all his banner ads.
It is important to note that he could have accepted my offer to work for him until December for free, providing ample time to generate leads. Instead, he chose a lump sum payment option with a significant reduction, albeit through my own error that the contract was due to end in April 2025, not December 2024. This highlights a common misconception about the role of a website designer, which should not be confused with that of a marketing manager and the creation of content. His business had immense potential, and losing a lead of 50 properties was a significant setback. His traffic was nearly 2K visitors a month.
I also had my client’s advert featured on a page called “Landlords and Tenants Useful Links,” which is prominently displayed on the first page of search engine results on my digital marketing site, ‘Cymru Marketing Journal.’ This placement was intended to drive significant traffic and business to my client, providing valuable exposure and potential leads. Despite these efforts and the additional support I offered, the unkind and aggressive treatment I received has not only impacted my professional relationship but has also taken a severe toll on my mental health.
The entire situation has caused my mental health to spiral. This is particularly painful given that my client has been known to share posts advocating for mental health awareness. The irony of this is not lost on me.
Understanding Intrusive Thoughts and Mental Health Sensitivity
Intrusive Thoughts: Intrusive thoughts are unwanted, involuntary thoughts, images, or impulses that can be disturbing and distressing. They often occur in people with anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), depression, and other mental health conditions. These thoughts can be violent, inappropriate, or bizarre, and can cause significant emotional turmoil. Importantly, experiencing intrusive thoughts does not reflect a person’s desires or intentions, but rather an aspect of their mental health struggles.
It is crucial to remember that while someone might openly struggle with mental health issues, it does not mean the person they are interacting with is free from their own challenges. The person you are communicating with may also be dealing with depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions. Therefore, it is essential to approach every interaction with empathy and understanding, acknowledging that everyone has their own battles, even if they are not immediately apparent.
Conclusion
This experience underscores the importance of being mindful of what others may be going through. We often have little insight into the full extent of another person’s struggles. As someone who has faced significant challenges and is committed to supporting others, it is disheartening to encounter such a lack of empathy.
I hope that sharing my story will encourage others to be more considerate and understanding and to remember that kindness and compassion are always the best approaches, both in business and in life.
It is not a matter of the money, as I was willing to work until December for free to support my client, however to the contrary he agreed to pay a lump sum last week which I then generated an invoice for. Instead, I have been faced with abuse, which has rendered me unwell and caused me to isolate even more from human interaction. This distressing experience has exacerbated my mental health issues, highlighting the profound impact that harsh and unkind treatment can have on individuals who are already struggling. It is a stark reminder of the importance of empathy and the need to approach every situation with compassion and understanding.
My client’s direct actions have caused my mental health to deteriorate significantly. His unkindness, aggression, and false accusations have not only been distressing but have also exacerbated my existing mental health issues. The reason I struggle with my mental health is largely due to the way people treat me, and this recent experience has further highlighted the profound impact that unkind and unjust behavior can have on someone already facing mental health challenges.
Further Reading:
- The Responsibilities of a Website Designer – iRenata – Renata Entrepreneur
- https://disabledentrepreneur.uk/category/intrusive-thoughts/
- https://disabledentrepreneur.uk/category/ocd-cymru/
Renata The Owner & Editor of DisabledEntrepreneur.uk and DisabilityUK.co.uk Online Journals, suffers From OCD, Cerebellar Atrophy & Rheumatoid Arthritis. She is an Entrepreneur & Published Author, she writes content on a range of topics, including politics, current affairs, health and business. She is an advocate for Mental Health, Human Rights & Disability Discrimination.
Whilst her disabilities can be challenging she has adapted her life around her health and documents her journey online.
Disabled Entrepreneur - Disability UK Online Journal Offers Digital Marketing, Content Writing, Website Creation, SEO, and Domain Brokering. Disabled Entrepreneur - Disability UK is an open platform that invites contributors to write articles and serves as a dynamic marketplace where a diverse range of talents and offerings can converge. This platform acts as a collaborative space where individuals or businesses can share their expertise, creativity, and products with a broader audience.
0 Comments
1 Pingback