Handling Emotions
What does handling emotions really mean?
Some people think it is important to have a stiff upper lip—be stoic—be brave. Some people think coping with emotions means to never cry or be angry or be worried or be scared—that we should never have negative emotions.
We’re human, folks! That means crying, getting mad, feeling anxious and being scared are natural. Laughter and joy in spite of adversity are also important. They help balance us so we can cope more effectively with hard times.
In psychology, what we look for are extreme behaviors that interfere with daily living. That is why psychotherapy can be so supportive. The bravest thing we can do is welcome our full range of emotions and then learn to deal with the ones that feel intense.
