As a mental health therapist helping teens navigate these confusing and difficult years, I know how tough it can be to face your emotions and feelings. That's why we need to talk about what happens when you ignore your feelings and what you can do instead. So let's get started!!
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Your feelings are a lot like the Upside Down from "Stranger Things" - they can be a little scary, terrifying, confusing, and difficult to navigate. But just like in the show, in order to conquer your demons, you have to face them head-on. That's why ignoring your feelings is a terrible idea.
Why is it important to notice and acknowledge your feelings?
Well, your feelings are always trying to keep you safe, guide you, and give you messages to steer you in the best direction for you. So, it's essential to tune in to what your feelings are, what impacts them, and what they're trying to tell you. Ultimately, though, you're in the driver's seat, and you get to decide if you want to continue feeling a particular way or steer your emotions in a different direction.
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There are many benefits to FEELING your feelings,
including being tuned into your inner guide or sense, developing good judgment, and making better decisions. Doing so can also lead to healthier relationships with your friends, family, loved ones, or crushes. Feeling your emotions can also lead to academic success because you're less stressed and confused all the time, and it can help you feel a lot more relaxed so that you can focus on the things that you enjoy.
But what happens when you IGNORE your feelings?
Well, it can get much worse. Think about it in terms of making a yummy sandwich. When you start to eat your sandwich and realize you're full, you can either stop eating and put it away, or you can leave it and try to ignore the fact that it's there. If you don't deal with the sandwich, it'll start to get stinky, and you may notice flies or bugs around it. Your feelings are much the same way. If you're not feeling your emotions and acknowledging them in some way, they'll get louder and more uncomfortable until you develop something like a panic attack or an angry outburst.
If you leave your feelings for too long, they can cause longer, more intense, and difficult situations or different problems for you. So, it's a terrible idea to ignore your feelings, especially for too long.
So, what can you do instead?
Coping skills are essential for dealing with intense emotional experiences. You need to find ways to manage your emotions instead of ignoring them. Some effective coping skills include talking to someone you trust, journaling, practicing mindfulness, exercising, and doing things you enjoy.
If you're struggling to develop coping skills, or you want to take your self-care to the next level, consider signing up for my Self Care Bundle or Coping Skills Crash Course programs. These programs offer practical, evidence-based strategies for managing your emotions, improving your mental health, and living your best life.
Your Feelings are Not the Problem
We all have emotions that fluctuate and change over time. The problem is the intensity of these emotional experiences and the key to dealing with that is developing healthy coping skills.
Your feelings are a crucial part of who you are, and they're always trying to keep you safe and guide you. So, don't ignore them. Instead, face them head-on and learn coping skills to manage them effectively. By doing so, you'll develop better judgment, make better decisions, and lead a happier, healthier life.
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