Emotions: True or False
TRUE OR FALSE: There is a right way to feel in every situation
FALSE: Feelings are not right or wrong. Different people will feel different emotions depending on the situation.
Why is it important to know which emotion we’re feeling?
- When we understand our emotions then we can have a better understanding of ourselves and our world.
- We can’t change what we’re not aware of. Knowing which emotion allows us to choose the best way to cope.
Which emotions do people typically not want to feel or experience? (name at least 3)
- Sadness
- Fear
- Shame/Embarrassment
- Rejection
- Jealousy
my heart races
I feel panicked
fight or flight
I need to escape
What is fear?
What are 3 positive ways we can cope with overwhelming emotions?
- talk to someone supportive
- deep breathing
- Do nothing- let the feeling pass
TRUE OR FALSE:It is impossible to cope with painful emotions
FALSE: People can learn to tolerate unpleasant emotions with practice. We can learn to respond v react.
What makes it difficult to know what emotion we’re feeling?
- We may not have been taught about feelings or have the words to describe the feeling
-Feelings can be uncomfortable, so we avoid paying attention to them
- Sometimes there are multiple emotions happening at the same time
How do we avoid difficult emotions?
- Substances
-Dismissing it or denying it entirely
- Zoning out with media
- Replacing it with positive thinking
- Distraction (work)
feeling of great pleasure and joy
well being
content
Happiness
How can we make the intensity of emotions less or smaller?
- Helpful Distraction - changing activities
- Physical Activity
- Labelling the emotion- " Name it to Tame it"
- Connecting with Others
- TIPP (Temperature, Intense Exercise, Paced Breathing, Progressive Muscle Relaxation)
TRUE OR FALSE: Emotions help motivate us for actions
TRUE: Emotions can energize us and set us in motion to accomplish a goal.
How can we become more aware of what emotions we are feeling?
- Pay attention to our thoughts, bodies and taking time to reflect
What are the consequences of avoiding emotions?
- Makes communication difficult
- Problems can build up
- creates distance in relationships
Heaviness
low energy
loss
- what is sadness?
What is helpful about increasing the intensity of emotions like anger, sadness, and fear?
- Anger motivates us to set boundaries
- Sadness helps us to grieve, slow down, and remember
- Balanced levels of fear motivate us to protect ourselves and what is important to us
TRUE OR FALSE: All difficult emotions will increase in intensity if I don't act now
FALSE: Emotions don't last forever. They reach a peak and then subside.
How do emotions change our thinking?
- High emotions make it difficult to think clearly - our "lid is flipped."
- Emotions can narrow our attention.
- Emotions can "build up" or make things seem worse than they are.
How can we become stuck with our thoughts and emotions?
- Playing things over and over in our mind
- Remembering past hurts
- Believing that because we think it, it must be true
- Focusing on blaming others instead of feeling our feels
High energy
low tolerence
reactive aggression (maybe)
distorted thinking
What is Anger?
What does it mean to do nothing with emotions that are not too intense?
- Doing nothing means noticing the emotion, naming the emotion, but making a choice to mindfully observe it without judgement.
TRUE OR FALSE: Emotions help us communicate with people
TRUE: Emotions tell us things - about ourselves and others. They help us to connect with others and share experiences.
How are men often taught to handle their emotions?
- Stuff them
- Don't show them
- Shield family/loved ones from knowing how you're feeling
-traditionally "allowed" to show anger
What can we do instead of avoiding painful experiences?
- Acceptance - Acknowledge the difficulty in the painful experience.
- Allow yourself to observe how it impacts your thoughts, physical sensations, and actions.
Fear of losing something that you have.
can lead to thoughts and behaviours that are possessive and suspicious.
What is Jealousy?
What might our life look like if we are able to actively cope with our emotions?
- Take actions that are guided by our values.
- We can respond vs. react to situations
- Healthier bodies and minds, as less energy is going toward fighting emotions
- More connected and honest relationships