Here’s the cold hard truth: We all have feelings.
At any given time of the day, we feel emotions in one way or another and, like it or not, emotions are necessary. They impact our actions and choices, and enable us to connect with the people around us.
Many of us have been raised in cultures that have taught us to suppress (if not altogether invalidate) our feelings. While it isn’t inherently wrong, it isn’t the healthiest of approaches either. This is why now as adults, it’s even more difficult to talk about the emotions you’re experiencing.
It’s a struggle because we were never taught how to express our feelings much less to even bring them up to begin with. Over time, these feelings don’t simply disappear – they fester. And just like anything that boils and bubbles, there will come a time when they spill over or burst. Avoiding this outcome is one reason why you should talk about your feelings, whether it’s with family, friends, or even a mental health professional. Here are eight more.
1.Ignoring your feelings won’t make them disappear
These feelings are not going anywhere. Distractions like overworking, partying, substance use (or abuse), and the like may give you temporary relief, but when you’re alone, quiet, and sober, they’ll all come rushing back full force. Better to face them and find a solution than to run away.
2.Talking about your feelings helps you validate them
When you talk about your feelings, it acknowledges your experience. Ignoring your feelings equates to invalidating your emotions which is in no way healthy. You feel what you feel, and you should understand why you feel that way. Talking through your emotions will give you better insight into yourself and everything that is important to you.
3.Talking about your feelings lessens the intensity
Simply put, letting it all out is a huge and instant relief! Putting your emotions into words helps you figure things out, and diminishes its intensity.
4.You own your feelings
Feelings can overwhelm you to the point where it affects how you behave and interact with other people. When you talk about your feelings, you’re processing and therefore owning them for better understanding. You’ll realise that these are just merely feelings, and not who or what you are. They are temporary and, like everything else, shall pass with time.
5.You allow yourself to be understood and supported
When you share what you’re going through with loved ones or even a therapist, you’re inviting care and support into your situation which immediately lifts a burden off your shoulders. Talking about your feelings gives your support system better insight into what you’re going through therefore allowing them to better help you in the ways that you require.
6.Gives you new perspective
Your loved ones may not have experienced what you’re going through but best believe something similar is likely to have occurred in their lives. They’re also not clouded by the emotions plaguing you, therefore they’re likely to be able to offer new perspective and a more objective analysis of what you’re going through. After all, as they saying goes, ‘a problem shared is a problem halved’.
7.Reminds you that you’re not alone
Experiencing intense emotions of the negative kind can sometimes render you lonely. You feel like you’re the only one going through it, and this tends to result in wallowing. While you may be feeling alone, remember that you’re not the only person in the world to experience these feelings. Opening up to someone about what you’re going through will help to remind you that others are also feeling or have felt similarly. On the flipside, talking to people also gives them the opportunity to be open about their struggles, therefore allowing for mutual support and stronger relationships.
8.You help normalise mental health care and support
When you openly discuss your feelings, you’re giving others an avenue to do the same. This de-stigmatises verbalising emotions and seeking help, and also pushes others to be more open to receiving mental health support.
Sometimes our mental health can affect our physical health. Some of the signs include difficulty sleeping, Erectile Dysfunction (ED), hair loss, and acne breakouts. Consult a medical professional if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms to find suitable and effective treatments for you.
