When honoring your emotions, knowing where to turn for support can be challenging. That’s why New Directions Mental Health’s mental health therapy services are here to help. Our mental health professionals provide individualized care focusing on trust, expertise, and accessibility.
At our practice, we believe in a comprehensive approach to mental health. This means considering all aspects of your well-being—physical, emotional, and social—to help you achieve optimal mental health. But most importantly, we recognize the importance of honoring your emotions.
Our compassionate therapists will provide a safe space for you to express yourself and work through any challenges or struggles you may face. We believe in the power of self-care and self-acceptance and will support you on your journey to emotional well-being. Don’t wait to reach out to us at 724.374.7414 to learn how to honor your emotions and get started on your mental health journey
What Does It Mean to Honor Your Emotions?
Honoring your emotions is about acknowledging and validating your feelings without judgment. It involves allowing yourself to feel what you’re feeling, even when it’s uncomfortable or painful. This means:
- Recognizing your emotions – Understand that each emotion serves a purpose, and it’s essential to identify them with honesty.
- Expressing your feelings appropriately – Whether through words, creative outlets, or simply allowing yourself to cry or laugh, expression is crucial.
- Listening to what your emotions are telling you – Emotions are often signals or reactions to our experiences. By paying attention, you can gain insight into your needs and wants.
- Practicing self-compassion – It’s okay not to be okay sometimes. Be gentle with yourself and offer kindness and understanding to your emotions.
- Seeking support when needed – If emotions become overwhelming, contact trusted individuals or professionals for assistance.
Honoring your emotions is a vital part of overall mental health and well-being. It’s a journey, and like any journey, it takes time and practice.
Two Fictional Examples of Why Honoring Your Emotions Is Crucial
When most people think of unpleasant emotions, such as anxiety or anger, they usually think they are to be managed and controlled. This is true—sometimes. But what if there is something deeper, more meaningful trying to be conveyed? These unpleasant emotions call a person to action. They are pointing toward living your most fulfilling lives.
Instead, you find yourself suddenly experiencing outbursts of anger. Maybe a good night’s sleep is becoming more challenging to get. Have you considered learning to listen to your emotions to uncover a better way of living and improve your relationships? These blessings aren’t just something you receive but are meant to transform you to live your best life. It is your job to become curious and act upon them honorably. Here are two fictional examples of why honoring your emotions is important:
Example 1: Jessica
A fictional young woman, Jessica has often been anxious, but since she’s been with John, her anxiety has become worse. It has been over a year, and she just can’t focus on what is wrong with her. She uses all the coping skills: deep breathing, playing games on her phone, and going for a walk. It helps her to feel better for a bit, but soon after that, the anxiety is right back.
In this example, Jessica experiences uneasiness and constant thoughts that she is doing something wrong. Her partner, John, is always telling her she’s too sensitive. She just wants to be near him, but he says she is needy. Jessica is seeking treatment for her anxiety and just wants it to go away. In therapy, she discusses what she wants out of a relationship. Jessica believes her expectations are too high and the love she is seeking is unattainable. So, instead, she decides to “fix” herself.
Now imagine a sort of paradigm shift where nothing is “wrong” with Jessica, but rather, her anxiety is acting as a signal there is an issue within her relationship. She can change the situation or how she responds to it to have a lasting decrease in anxiety.
What if fictional Jessica explored her anxiety and found that she was dismissing her desire for affection? She labeled it wrong instead of honoring her desire for affection. She can correct her thinking and honor her desire for affection in her relationship with John. If he insists she is wrong for wanting affection and she agrees with him, her anxiety will persist as she is not honoring her true emotion. They can improve their relationship if John can acknowledge Jessica’s need for affection and work together to find a compromise.
What is increasing the anxiety in this situation? It’s the error of thinking something is wrong with wanting affection or not wanting affection, and neither is wrong. They are simply different. With this correction in thinking, Jessica and John could live more fulfilled lives by honoring their true desires and needs. Now, they could act upon them accordingly without pointing fingers.
Example 2: Will
Imagine a fictional man, Will, who never struggled with anger until suddenly, he began having outbursts of anger. He learns to manage it and control it most of the time. Somehow, it always pops back up, or he seems to carry it around with him. He doesn’t understand why he wasn’t angry before, and now suddenly he is.
He feels ashamed and wonders, “What’s wrong with me?” due to his anger. A similar error in thinking has occurred. If a person becomes curious about their anger and what it may be trying to convey—they may just find a blessing. In this case, the fictional Will explores his anger and finds he is experiencing frustration with not feeling heard in his relationships.
He is used to holding his emotions in, but now, there is a call to action within his psyche. He cannot live like this anymore. His anger is an expression of his frustration and calls him more assertive. As Will learns to express and honor his thoughts and emotions more routinely, he finds there is less and less anger to be controlled.
Ideas on How to Honor Your Emotions
Here are some ideas to help you begin honoring your emotions:
- Keep a journal – This can help you identify patterns and triggers for certain emotions.
- Seek counseling – A counselor can provide a safe space for you to explore your emotions and offer helpful techniques for managing them.
- Practice self-care – Take time to do things that make you feel good, whether reading, exercising, or spending time with loved ones.
- Validate your emotions – Remind yourself that it’s okay to feel how you feel and avoid judging yourself.
Honoring your emotions takes awareness and practice to truly listen to what they are trying to tell you. But by doing so, you can improve your overall well-being and live a
Why Is Controlling Your Emotions Important to Your Mental Health?
While it’s important to honor your emotions, learning how to control them is also essential. Uncontrolled or extreme emotions can lead to negative consequences and affect your mental health. Here are a few reasons why managing your emotions is crucial for your well-being:
Reducing Stress
High levels of stress can have detrimental effects on both physical and mental health. Learning to control your emotions can help reduce stress and promote better overall well-being.
Maintaining Relationships
Uncontrolled emotions, such as anger or jealousy, can harm relationships with friends, family, and romantic partners. By learning how to manage these emotions, you can maintain healthier connections with those around you.
Avoiding Impulsive Behavior
Emotions can sometimes lead us to make impulsive decisions that we may later regret. Learning how to control our emotions can help us think more clearly and make better choices.
Improving Mental Health
Uncontrolled or extreme emotions can contribute to the development or worsening of mental health issues. You can improve your overall mental health and well-being by mastering emotional control.
Mental health counseling can be beneficial for learning how to honor and control your emotions. At New Directions Mental Health, our professionals are here to support you on your journey to emotional well-being.
Schedule an Appointment for Therapy with New Directions Mental Health
Therapy can provide the guidance and support you need to honor your emotions and improve your mental health. Our compassionate team of medical professionals is here to help you on your path to emotional well-being. To schedule an appointment, please call us at 724.374.7414. For new clients, you can contact us online to schedule an appointment. For existing clients, please find your office location to contact your office directly. Don’t wait to start honoring and taking control of your emotions for a happier, healthier life.