How to understand your emotions
by Patrick Ibsen on Sunday 15 December 2024
3 min read
Understanding your emotions is an essential part of prioritising your mental health and well-being. Emotions can often feel overwhelming, leading us to ask... "why am I so emotional?".
Here, we’ll explore the nature of emotions, debunk some mental health myths, and provide a helpful list of emotions that might help you answer this question.
The nature of emotions
Emotions are complex reactions to various stimuli and situations. They’re influenced by our thoughts, experiences, and environment. They can range from fleeting feelings of happiness to deep-seated sorrow. Accepting that emotions are a natural part of being human is the first step towards understanding them.
Why am I so emotional?
Given the chaotic nature of our modern world, many of us ask ourselves this very question. Am I emotional because of work? Social responsibilities? Or something completely different?
Generally speaking, feeling overly emotional can stem from various factors, such as:
Biological influences - Hormonal changes, varying neurotransmitter levels – brain waves, and genetics can all play a role in how we experience emotions.
Environmental triggers - Stressful situations or significant life changes can heighten emotional responses.
Cognitive patterns - Our thought processes can amplify emotions. For instance, negative thinking patterns may lead to heightened feelings of anxiety or sadness.
Debunking mental health myths
There are many misconceptions about emotions and mental health that can hinder our control of them. Here are some common mental health myths:
Myth: 'emotions are weaknesses'
Fact: Experiencing emotions is a fundamental part of being a human being. They support us while we navigate our environment and experiences. This is not weakness - it's the ability to connect with oneself and others.
Myth: 'you should always stay positive'
Fact: If you constantly seek the "positive outlook", you can easily fall into the trap of invalidating your real emotions. It's okay to feel. And it's good to feel! Processing emotions helps us grow and develop, allowing us to recover from setbacks (or lessons). Acknowledging these experiences and the emotions that come with them, is the first step to solving the issue, enabling us to come back even stronger.
Myth: 'therapy is only for severe issues'
Fact: Emotions are not black and white - they are grey. And we all feel them differently. You do not need to be experiencing 'severe' mental health conditions to access therapy. It's a great tool for self-discovery, managing stress, developing relationships, solving issues, and discover coping strategies.
A list of emotions
Basic emotions:
Happiness: Joy, contentment, excitement.
Sadness: Grief, disappointment, loneliness.
Fear: Anxiety, apprehension, panic.
Anger: Frustration, irritation, rage.
Surprise: Shock, astonishment, disbelief.
Disgust: Aversion, contempt, distaste.
Complex emotions:
These often blend basic emotions or arise from specific situations.
Guilt: Feeling remorseful about actions or decisions.
Shame: Feeling inadequate or unworthy.
Jealousy: Resentment toward others' successes or possessions.
Pride: Satisfaction in one's achievements or qualities.
Ways you can better recognise your emotions
Journaling - Writing down your thoughts and feelings can clarify your emotional state and reveal patterns over time. Our article, journalling for mental health and wellness, provides heaps of great information on this activity.
Mindfulness practices - Techniques such as meditation can help you observe your emotions without judgment. If you want to discover the benefits of this practice, but aren’t sure where to start, check out our guide to meditation.
Talk it out - Discussing your feelings with trusted loved ones or professionals can provide new perspectives and insights. If having these conversations are tricky then our article, what to say to someone with anxiety, may help you out.
Just a heads-up
We’re not health professionals, so if you’re finding it hard to manage your emotions or mental health, it’s always a good idea to chat with a qualified health professional. They can give you the right support tailored to your needs. If you're looking for mental health services in Australia, there are numerous resources available, such as Lifeline Australia, Beyond Blue, and headspace.
Before you go
With practice and patience, you can cultivate a deeper understanding of yourself and navigate life’s emotional landscape with confidence. Remember that alongside your emotions, your body tells you it's time to rest and recover. Virgin Active has our rest and recovery facilities that can assist you mind, body and soul.
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