Social pain (psychache), such as ostracisation/rejection/bullying, can hurt as much as physical pain. Forgiveness and acetaminophen have interactive effects on experiences of social pain. Telling victims to just “let it go” is just like withholding pain medicines from patients recovering from surgery.

We need to tell the victims that psychological wounds are like physical wounds. They will heal but the healing processes can be long and painful. Psychological pain may come back in waves, and the scars may remain just like physical scars. If the psychological pain is unbearable, don’t hesitant to seek mental health. “It’s okay not to be okay.” Don’t be persuaded to think “it is all in the head.” Psychological wounds are as real as physical wounds. Good luck.