General Emotions
Everybody feels every emotion
YES!! Feelings/Emotions are one of the few universal human experiences. All people experience happiness, anger, sadness, anxiety, etc. It may look differently or feel differently for each person, but we all feel!
T/F: It's possible to be happy all the time
FALSE: Happiness is a temporary emotion we feel - similar to anxiety, anger, and sadness. No person is happy all the time - that's not really possible!
T/F: Crying is healthy
TRUE!!!!
Crying is a healthy way to release our emotions. Imagine crying as your feelings "overflowing". Some therapists (cough cough me) recommend crying whenever you need to! Don't hold back those tears!!
FALSE!! Anger is a normal human emotion.
BOTH! Anxiety can look different for everyone.
Anxiety can be felt physically: stomach pain, racing heart, sweaty hands, can't sleep, etc
Anxiety can also be felt mentally: racing thoughts, can't focus, constant worries, irrational thoughts, etc
______ & ______ are the most common mental health disorders
Anxiety and Depression are the most common mental health disorders.
What are some types of happiness (positive feelings) ?
Joy
Excitement
Gratitude
Love
Optimism
Contentment
What are some ways to cope with depression?
Seek support/Ask for help: talk to someone you trust and feel comfortable with
Therapy
Medication
Exercise
Practice Gratitude
Have a routine
There are so many options, do what works for you!
What are some different levels of anger?
Frustration
Annoyed
Aggravation
Irritation
Rage
Passive Aggression
Aggression
What are some ways to cope with anxiety?
Deep breathing
Take a walk
Talk to someone in your support system
Therapy
Medication
Exercise
Meditation/Mindfulness
T/F : when it comes to feelings, you can just "snap out of it"
FALSE!!!!!!
Emotions are complex and look different for everyone. There is literally no way a person can "snap out" of feeling depressed or anxious. We can practice coping skills that lower our levels of anxiety, depression, or anger - but that takes time and it's not like a switch you can just turn off.
1. Exercise - it releases endorphins
2. Practice Gratitude - scientifically proven to increase happiness
3. Connect with other people
4. Laugh
There are an endless amount of ways to increase happiness, you have to find what works for you!
What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (also known as the winter blues)?
What are some ways to cope with anger?
Physically release it: go for a walk, exercise, scream into a pillow, etc.
Talk it out
Cry
Take a time out
Use humor to relieve tension
T/F: If you're feeling anxious, you should avoid what's making you feel anxious
FALSE! Avoiding the things that make you anxious, actually makes you more anxious over time. Taking baby steps towards exposing yourself to what makes you anxious will actually decrease anxiety over time.
Describe the connection between thoughts, feelings and behaviors
THOUGHTS ----> FEELINGS----> BEHAVIOR
Thoughts impact our feelings, which then impact our behaviors. Therefore if you want to change your behavior or feelings, start with challenging your thoughts!
T/F : Happiness affects your immune system (getting sick)
TRUE!! Feelings of joy and happiness improve the functioning of your immune system. Low levels of happiness can actually make you physically sick!
What's the difference between sadness and depression?
Every human feels sad. Sadness is a reaction to loss, disappointment, hurt, or rejection. We usually experience sadness for a short period of time and then we move past it.
Depression is a chronic, low mood that affects the way you understand yourself, relationships and the world around you. Sometimes depression can come up for no reason and last for a longer time.
Anger can be used in a variety of positive ways.
It can push you forward to achieve your goals
Anger can ignite a fire inside of you to create change
Anger can help you stand up for yourself
What's the difference between stress and anxiety?
Stress usually has an external cause - a deadline we have to meet, an event coming up, not knowing how to approach a situation
Anxiety is usually internal - it's a nagging feeling of constant worrying or dread.
How can hard emotions lead to change?
Negative emotions like loneliness, envy, and guilt have an important role to play in a happy life; they’re big, flashing signs that something needs to change.
Feeling anger, sadness, or anxiety is NOT a bad thing. See them as indicator lights that there is something in your life you need to work on or change.
How does gratitude impact happiness?
Gratitude increases happiness because:
it helps you feel more positive emotions
gratitude shows you that there IS goodness in the world/outside of yourself
gratitude helps strengthen relationships
gratitude helps you cope with hard times
What are some ways people self medicate or cope unhealthily with depression?
Drugs/Alcohol
Self Sabotage
Isolation
Unhealthy/Toxic Relationships
Deep Distractions/Numbing
Avoidance
Denial
Is there a connection between depression and anger?
YES! A very famous therapist once said "Depression is anger turned inwards". - Freud
Depression and anger are two emotions that can be closely tied together. Persistent anger can be a sign of depression. Some people living with depression notice increased feelings of anger and irritability, directed both toward themselves and others.
T/F: Everybody experiences anxiety at some point in their life.
TRUE! Anxiety is an emotion that every human being will experience. Whether it's anxiety before a test or feeling anxious before a social situation- we all have or will feel anxious at some point in time.
An Anxiety Disorder is when the anxiety is at a constant levels that interferes with your life - not everyone experiences that.