Anger
Being angry doesn't mean you are a bad person.
True! Anger is a natural human emotion. Being angry doesn't make us a bad person. It's about how we respond to our anger. Remember- all feelings are valid, but not all behaviors are.
Writing is a way to communicate feelings without necessarily speaking them.
True! Sometimes putting our thoughts and feelings on paper can be a great way to express ourselves. You could even write letters to other people to let them know how you're feeling if saying it out loud is too hard in the beginning.
Feeling sad means something is wrong with you
False! Everyone feels sad sometimes. It doesn't mean anything is wrong with you. It's a normal and natural feeling. It can be a powerful tool for processing loss, fostering empathy, and motivating positive change
Taking deep breaths can help calm your body and your brain.
True! Deep breathing can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for calming the body down.
Emotions are "good" or bad"
False! Although some emotions are uncomfortable, they still play a vital role in our lives. For example, fear alerts us to danger, guilt reminds us we’ve gone against our values, and anger motivates us to stand up for ourselves.
Physical aggression is not a good response to anger.
True! Physical aggression is not helpful when dealing with anger. Other strategies are more helpful and will actually resolve the issue without getting hurt or in trouble.
Yelling is more productive than talking quietly because it forces people to listen.
False! Yelling shows aggression and is not productive. It can cause people to fear you or not want to listen to you because you can't speak to them in a calm way. We also can't properly express ourselves and feelings if we are consumed with anger and yelling.
Crying is an unhealthy way to release emotions.
False! Crying can be a healthy way to release pent-up emotions like sadness, anger, or frustration, leading to a sense of relief and emotional balance. Crying can trigger the release of stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can help the body cope with stressful situations. It can also activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for calming the body down.
Drawing is not a productive way to express emotions
False! Drawing can be a great way to get your feelings out there. Sometimes it's easier to express ourselves with pictures, colors, symbols, or shapes than it is to put feelings into words. It can also increase feelings of peace and relaxation.
There is a right way to feel.
False! There is no "right" way to feel. People experience situations and emotions differently, so what might make you feel a certain way, won't necessarily make a different person feel that same way.
Other people can force me to feel angry and react.
False! What others do can affect how we feel, but no one can make us feel a certain way. We have to take responsibility for what we feel, how we respond, and the consequences of that response.
Asking for help is a sign of weakness.
False! It is actually a strength to let others know when you need help. No one can do it all alone.
Exercise is a good way to increase mood when sad.
True! Exercise is a beneficial tool for managing sadness because it triggers the release of mood-boosting chemicals like endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine in the brain. These neurotransmitters can improve mood, reduce feelings of pain, and promote a sense of well-being.
If I ignore my feelings, they will go away
False! Ignoring feelings can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and depression, and can also affect physical health by causing headaches, digestive issues, and even cardiovascular problems. It can also hurt relationships.
I should feel happy all the time.
False! Happiness is great, but it’s not the norm, even if social media posts create that illusion. By seeing happiness as an occasional gift rather than a guarantee, we can savor it more fully and not blame ourselves when we don’t feel that way.
If I feel too much, I’ll lose control.
Many are afraid that if they allow themselves to feel a difficult emotion—even if just for a second—they’ll lose control. But refusing to feel an emotion actually gives it more power than when we go ahead and let ourselves feel it.
It's normal to have trouble expressing your feelings sometimes.
True! Everyone struggles at times to express themselves, but it doesn't mean we shouldn't try.
Crying is a sign of weakness.
False! Everyone cries whether they want to admit it or not. Crying is a healthy response to managing intense emotions.
There is no such thing as an unhealthy coping skill
False! Unhealthy coping mechanisms are harmful behaviors individuals use to deal with difficult emotions or situations. Examples include drug use, self-harm, avoidance, and overeating. These strategies may provide temporary relief but ultimately worsen problems and hinder emotional well-being.
Emotions can show up in your body- like tight muscles or a racing heart.
True! Our bodies react to our emotions in different ways. When we feel certain emotions, our brains send signals around the body. It can release different hormones and trigger different responses in our nervous system. It's our bodies way of processing what is going on and preparing us to react.
It's better to express myself than stuff emotions down.
True! Stuffing emotions down doesn't resolve the issue and can lead to more intense emotions or explosions in the future.
Talking about feelings leads to healthier relationships
True! People who are able to express their feelings and talk through problems tend to have healthier relationships.
Share some of your favorite skills/activities when you're sad
Any answer is correct!
Sometimes walking away can be the best coping strategy in the moment
True! Sometimes we need a break and that's okay!
Women are emotional, men are more logical.
False! Research shows that men and women experience emotion in similar ways. But social expectations can push people to change how they express their feelings. It can be challenging to ignore these expectations and risk being authentic. How have you f