“It is amazing to me that more people with this dreadful illness do not commit suicide…” (224)

“Shirley’s daughter had been on antibiotics for so long she has to lie to her doctor about why she needs them.” (225)

“Do I believe her? I nod. I tell myself I can agree with a declaration of pain without being certain I agree with the declaration of cause.” (226)

“‘Its harder when you know your own body,’ I add awkwardly. ‘I know that.” (227)

I think Jamison is practicing empathy effectively. The third quote especially to me shows that she knows how to practice empathy correctly. Jamison does not pretend to know exactly what is going on with these people; hover she is willing to listen and offer support to them, to say she believes them, which for some, may be enough. Her own experience with something similar to Morgellons allows her to understand the fear and paranoia that these people face, but she does not need to share that with them to emphasize with them. Often times, when people try to emphasize, they talk about their own experience because, “look, I understand, I went through the same thing, see?” But this brings the attention to oneself instead of the person currently facing the problem.