Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Is empathy a superpower that allows us to understand others and that binds social groups together, or can understanding the pain others feel paralyse us and affect our own mental health? Do some have no empathy?

If you have any questions or comments, email Ian and James at [email protected] . Let them know any other topics you’d like them to cover.

To find out more about depression and support services, you can contact Head to Health at www.headtohealth.gov.au , Beyond Blue at www.beyondblue.org.au , Lifeline at www.lifeline.org.au or on 13 11 14 and www.headspace.com . Thanks to Future Generation Global.