1. HANDLING EMOTIONS IN A HEALTHFUL WAY

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. COMMON DEFENSE MECHANISMS Repression – Involuntary, unconscious pushing of unpleasant feelings below the surface and out of conscious thought

8. SUPRESSION Conscious, intentional pushing of unpleasantness from one’s mind

9. RATIONALIZATION Making excuses to try to explain a situation or behavior rather than directly taking responsibility for it

10. Regression Reverting or turning back to behaviors more characteristic of a younger person

11. DENIAL Unconscious, involuntary lack of acknowledgement of something in one’s environment that is obvious to others

12. COMPENSATION Wanting to cover up weaknesses and mistakes by making up for them through gift giving, hard work or other extreme efforts

13. PROJECTION Being unaware of attributing one’s own feelings or faults to another person or group even when these attributes don not apply

14. IDEALIZATION Seeing someone else as perfect or more ideal, or worthy than everyone else

15. DEALING WITH GUILT Must address the underlying source and issue The sooner the better Guilt feeds on itself causing a snowball effect

16. QUALITIES THAT CAN FOSTER EMOTIONAL HEALTH YOUR OUTLOOK ON LIFE RESILIENCY