HANDLING EMOTIONS IN A HEALTHFUL WAY
Positive Ways to Deal with Emotions Look below surface of the emotion Will situation matter as much later (tomorrow, next week, next year) Do not take action until head and heart have investigated what is going on and what s at stake Feelings are just feelings You are not alone If feeling doesn’t go away seek help
Dealing Healthfully with Emotions Ways you express emotions has to do with your personality May express feelings indirectly, with a look or a smile or slamming doors There are negative ways to deal with emotions that do not solve problem –Exaggerating emotions for effect –Acting them out instead of talking them out
DEFENSE MECHANISMS Strategies used to deal with strong or stressful emotions and situations Everyone uses them Sometimes they occur unconsciously and may be helpful for protecting you from to much pain
Handling fear Important to identify fears Confide in someone you trust who may give you a fresh perspective May be able to help you lesson fear
Managing Anger Rechannel anger in positive, productive way Get away by yourself Have a good cry Call a friend Write down feelings Punch a pillow Count to ten
COMMON DEFENSE MECHANISMS Repression – Involuntary, unconscious pushing of unpleasant feelings below the surface and out of conscious thought
SUPRESSION Conscious, intentional pushing of unpleasantness from one’s mind
RATIONALIZATION Making excuses to try to explain a situation or behavior rather than directly taking responsibility for it
Regression Reverting or turning back to behaviors more characteristic of a younger person
DENIAL Unconscious, involuntary lack of acknowledgement of something in one’s environment that is obvious to others
COMPENSATION Wanting to cover up weaknesses and mistakes by making up for them through gift giving, hard work or other extreme efforts
PROJECTION Being unaware of attributing one’s own feelings or faults to another person or group even when these attributes don not apply
IDEALIZATION Seeing someone else as perfect or more ideal, or worthy than everyone else
DEALING WITH GUILT Must address the underlying source and issue The sooner the better Guilt feeds on itself causing a snowball effect
QUALITIES THAT CAN FOSTER EMOTIONAL HEALTH YOUR OUTLOOK ON LIFE RESILIENCY