Emotions

[Bamboozle]

I was able to do something a week ago that I wasn't able to do before. I felt a very strong negative emotion (the usual overwhelming sense of hopelessness and all of the baggage that comes with it). I didn't fight it. I didn't try to get it to morph into something else. I let myself feel it. Someone came by and asked me if I was okay. I said, "No....but it will pass." The person nodded and walked away. In less than an hour the negativity was gone.

What an amazing feeling. I'm looking forward to being able to do it again. I hope I can. I can't force it...I have to let things be.

I'm no master of my emotions yet, but I'm gaining wonderful coping skills. Acceptance of an emotional state is a coping skill. Weird...but I don't care. It works for me.

[racerAK]

Bamboozle,

That's so fantastic! It's a wonderful coping skill & I am so glad you're adding that to your toolbox! It's a hard one to learn, so big kudos to you for your work

I know when I have those tidal wave emotions it can be so hard to let myself feel them - but I've learned that if I don't allow myself the processing time, it just morphs into something bigger and uglier. And even the preschool label system works - mad, sad, glad and bad. If I can let myself feel it, then name it, I immediately gain some sense of mastery over it.

Have a wonderful day!

AK

[evmdimples]

Congratulations Bam, recovery in action! It really is an amazing feeling, to actually know "experientially" (vs. intellectually) that in fact, it will pass! And like with anything else, the more I practice, the easier it becomes.



in recovery
ODAT
e

[Astro]

Originally Posted by Bamboozle

What an amazing feeling. I'm looking forward to being able to do it again. I hope I can. I can't force it...I have to let things be.

Progress, not perfection. It's amazing that as we let go and cease fighting, it's much easier to cope with life on life's terms.

[WantToHeal]

Originally Posted by Bamboozle

Acceptance of an emotional state is a coping skill.

I've heard it described as the best coping skill in terms of anxiety. Wish I had a better handle on that this far in, but I am so awed that you've been able to make it work for you, Bam!

Be well!

[ClayTheScribe]

Congratulations Bam!

You're light-years ahead of me with your emotions. My negative emotions come and stay until another negative emotion replaces it. Then again I'm unemployed and have too much time to sit around with my thoughts and emotions. Thank god for sleep. I wish I could just sleep for like 2 days at a time so I'll have less time to be awake and deal with my non-stop mind. I'm glad you found a way to cope. You've actually using the basic principle of cognitive behavioral therapy.

[Bamboozle]

Originally Posted by ClayTheScribe

You've actually using the basic principle of cognitive behavioral therapy.

Yeah, there's some of that in my therapy...and a lot of talking just to get things out.

[mattcake79]

Congrats, Bam, that's huge

Originally Posted by Bamboozle

Acceptance of an emotional state is a coping skill.

I agree with this 100%. And I also agree with Astro... I'll try to choose my words carefully to avoid getting yelled at, LOL.

My depression manifests itself as a complete lack of emotions, it's a horrible state to be in. So whenever I'm feeling my emotions fully and thoroughly, even the painful ones, deep down I am grateful cos I feel alive. Yes, some emotions are harder to handle.. But acceptance is the key (they do pass). And they sure beat "feeling" numb - even the ones that may be considered negative.

Now that's just my experience. I do understand the opposite end of the spectrum - feeling overwhelmed by emotions 24/7. What you've described is awesome