Communication the key for us humans ....

Been listening to one of my favourite Pink Floyd albums again tonight. What a joy.

The album is the Division Bell. If you aren't from the UK, the Division Bell from which the album gets its title is a bell in the UK parliament which calls our MP's together to divide, mostly for a vote on a proposed law.

The albums theme is Communication, and what happens when we do, or don't, communicate.

There is a song on it called "Keep Talking". Again for UK readers, you will hear Professor Steven Hawking on it, from the BT advert from years ago. It has a wonderful lyric.

I think I should speak now (why won't you talk to me?)

I can't seem to speak now (you never talk to me)

My words won't come out right (what are you thinking?)

I feel like I'm drowning (what are you feeling?)

I'm feeling weak now (why won't you talk to me?)

But I can't show my weakness (you never talk to me)

I sometimes wonder (what are you thinking?)

Where do we go from here (what are you feeling?)

(copyright Pink Floyd!).

But what is saying is how hard communication is. It's very hard.

I tried to talk to my office today. I didn't feel like they listened. It felt to me they didn't know HOW to help, but if they had listened, II was telling them what I needed.

Does this sound familiar to you? You shout and no-one hears? You talk and no-one listens? The frustration can rage because your words fall on ears not able to hear, or minds not able to comprehend what you are saying.

It shows communication is a two way thing. We each must talk (when we are ready) and we must be ready to listen (always).

It also shows me that understanding must be a patient thing. i cannot expect them to understand issues immediately.

And there is a happy thought. On the album is a song called High Hopes.

This has the lyric.

With friends surrounded

The dawn mist glowing

The water flowing

The endless river

Forever and ever

I had this put on the inside of my wedding ring. Thank you Mr David Gilmour!

We can only be better people if we talk, when we are ready!

Best wishes to all here.

CB.

[Hidden]

It doesn't need to be like this .... all we need to do is make sure ... we keep ... talking.

Professor Steven Hawking

[CarolinChangingFaces Partner]

Hi Hidden Thanks for sharing those lyrics and updating us on your current situation. Sorry to hear you spoke to your office and felt like they didn’t listen. It sounds like you have taken a brave step to open up and be honest about how you feel and what you need, and it is understandable to feel frustrated if the outcome was not what you would have expected. It sounds positive that you are feeling hopeful that things may change with time and maybe others on here will be able to share about their experiences or things that have helped them in navigating challenges in the workplace.Take Care

Caroline – Changing Faces.

[Hidden in reply to CarolinChangingFaces]

Hi Caroline, great to hear from you.

I would say it is funny, They want to help, they are keen to help, but don't know how to help and but also need to be seen to help! duh.

The end result has been almost putting me in protective bubble wrap , which is almost certainly more stressful than the original issue.

In helping in a not-at-all=helping kind of way, they made it worse.

all in all, it's quite easy to see why some people choose never to speak out!

[CarolinChangingFaces Partner]

Hi Hidden , thanks for explaining a little more about the situation and sorry to hear that changes made have resulted in a more stressful situation for you. It sounds positive that they want to help but having measures put in place that feel overprotective must feel hard. We do hear from those in our community who contact Changing Faces that their visible difference can result in them experiencing extra challenges in the workplace which can impact on their wellbeing. I hope the forum feels like a supportive space for you whilst you navigate these changes and challenges and if you want any further advice or guidance on the topic we also have self-help materials on the Changing Faces website too.