Welcome to our session today. Today, we will explore the concept of mental health and how it relates to the way we perceive and interact with the world around us. Mental health can be defined as a state of well-being in which an individual realizes their potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, and can work productively and fruitfully.
It is important to recognize that mental health can be influenced by a variety of factors, including our biology, social and cultural environments, and life experiences. Negative experiences such as trauma or chronic stress can have a profound impact on mental health, as can genetics and brain chemistry.
It is important to note that seeking professional help can be a powerful tool for managing and improving mental health. Therapy can help individuals develop coping mechanisms, improve their communication skills, and gain a better understanding of their thoughts and behaviors. It is important to understand that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a courageous step towards achieving a better quality of life.
There are no bad feelings; there are desired and undesired feelings. Just because a feeling is painful or uncomfortable doesn’t necessarily make it bad. If a loved one betrays or disappoints you, it’s human to feel hurt and disappointed.
The essential question about emotions is not whether they are good or bad, but whether they are appropriate for the situation. That is, do they fit the circumstances? For example, going through a divorce, it is almost inevitable to feel loss and pain, but it is not appropriate to feel these emotions every time a friend leaves for a day at work. It doesn’t make these feelings bad – just inappropriate. Being human means that one often experiences such “inappropriate” feelings. What comes from outside – what comes from within? Are there any recurring situations and emotions?
Any recurring feeling that does not match the situation can be seen as a signal, a message about some aspects of one’s life. The message, of course, is different for each person; but there are certain general messages, emotional messages that are quite common.
GUILT: A message that you have violated your own standards and expectations for yourself. Be sure to really use your own standards and that they are appropriate for the situation. You can change and adjust standards and learn for the future.
DISAPPOINTMENT: A message to change expectations. Disappointing results come from not having our expectations met.
DEPRESSION: A message that you need to change something about yourself and/or your life.
HOPELESSNESS: A message to let go of something.
JEALOUSY: A message that your emotional well-being is threatened.
ENVY: A message that there is something you want. Is it worth going after?
STUCK: A message to go outside of yourself, learn empathy, and see yourself from the outside and gather more information and resources.
ANGER: A message about the need to stop the abuse – from self toward self or from others toward self.
LETHARGY: A message that you either don’t know how to do something or you don’t want to. Be willing to want to.
Feelings are your friends, your allies – which should not be used as excuses for what you think; but must respect and learn from as something processual. Emotions come and go.
Sometimes people are afraid that if they ‘give in’ to their feelings they will drown in them. But the opposite is true; “give in” to them and they will lead you through the tunnel to the light of learning and change. Feelings don’t get us into trouble – it’s the feelings we have about our feelings that keep us in negativity and stagnation. Emotions are our teachers and provide opportunities to learn and change.
Happiness is when your expectations match realities.
ARE THOUGHTS, FEELINGS AND BODY IN BALANCE?
Do you feel confused, stuck in habits and old patterns of action? Do you experience the same defeats, mistakes and disappointments again and again in relation to other people?
Are you seeking comfort through food, alcohol, work, consumption and entertainment – or do you only see problems in others! Do you want change?
Examples of situations where you may need help:
- stuck in an old relationship. Anxiety, restlessness, and guilt or grief.
- relationship problems, change in life situation, divorce, unemployment.
- confusion, depression, anger, and revenge.
- isolation or contact problems. Emotional absence or fatigue and sleep problems. Mood swings.
- physical health problems and chronic pain that may be related to emotional distress or trauma.
It is important to recognize that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength and self-awareness. If you are struggling with your emotions and finding it difficult to cope with life’s challenges, consider reaching out to a therapist or mental health professional. They can provide support, guidance, and tools to help you better understand your emotions, manage them effectively, and live a more fulfilling life. Remember, taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health.
In summary, there are no “good” or “bad” emotions, only desired and undesired ones. The essential question is whether our emotions are appropriate for the situation we find ourselves in. Recurring emotions that do not match the situation can be seen as signals or messages about aspects of our lives that need attention. It is important to acknowledge and respect our emotions, but also to learn from them and manage them effectively. Seeking help from a therapist or mental health professional is a sign of strength and self-awareness.
