How can I deal with feelings I can't find words to express?
323 Answers
Last Updated: 08/24/2021 at 12:38pm
★ This question about Managing Emotions was starred by a moderator on 5/12/2016.
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Johanna Liasides, MSc, PhDc
Psychologist
I work with youth and young adults to help them improve depressive symptoms and self-esteem as well as effectively address family, relationship and peer conflicts.
Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
August 5th, 2015 7:39pm
I find that taking online tests to pinpoint what I'm feeling is the best way to express how I'm feeling. That way I can give my emotions a name, and then I can explain them better.
Google it. If you can read this, chances are- you're on the internet. Google is a great resource. You can literally type into the search field "I'm feeling _____." and it will have an answer for you.
Anonymous
August 6th, 2015 4:25pm
I would pause and observe my feelings each time they arise. I would label/name them in the best way possible, and also try to know their path in my body. Such as: if I feel them most in my chest, then where exactly in my chest and what can I compare this feeling to...Just have a simple curiosity regarding what happens to me....
Anonymous
August 6th, 2015 8:56pm
Sometimes when I can't find words to express how I feel I deal with it by drawing a picture or I paint to express how I do feel. Sometimes even just writing down words that come into mind can help.
Changing the lens with which I view my feelings help me a lot. Bring in some objectivity- look at the movement of your feelings, what triggers them and why. Understanding this movement will help you in managing them. We may not be able to stop feeling a certain way, but we can surely look at managing these feelings and emotions.
Anonymous
August 7th, 2015 5:26pm
I usually try to find the source of my feelings and pinpoint triggers. I always reminisce and feel like I'm living in the past. At first I didn't know what feelings were involved when I remember my past experiences. Was I feeling sad? happy? regretful? And then I try to remember the experiences more clearly. The more I discern the source of my feelings, the more I could grasp the exact "name" for that feeling.
You could try writing things down if you're unable to express your feelings through conversation, or you could try distractions or coping mechanisms (running, drawing, etc) to help you deal with your feelings.
Remember to breathe. Try to talk with someone you trust about how you're feeling, or seek professional help to learn how to express yourself in the future
You can write it down, or draw, paint it or find some other way to express it. You could even go to the gym to get your head clear
Sometimes sitting in silence helps to find out. All you have to do is truly admit the situation, those reasons and consequences.
I find a way to get them out .. express them with Art .. with Music .. and even trying to dig deeper and find the true meaning of them .. having a talk with a good friend always helps too :)
I think writing is a good way to do this. Just begin writing with no goal and no set idea of what you will write. Just let the thoughts come to you and put them out there. I feel like this helps me get a better grasp on things. I will ramble into things and find ways to express feelings on paper- I wouldn't have found otherwise.
The best way to do this is to cry, there is nothing wrong with crying, it is a way to heal our unseen pain
you don't always have to explain them in words. Feelings are very very personal things, but to be able to understand them yourself can take time and with that will come a coping method in which is personal to you.
Anonymous
August 11th, 2015 6:12pm
sometimes it's easy to write down your feelings on a paper…sometimes it makes your life easier..even if you can find pictures that suits your situation …that can help to find words to express to someone whom you love, friend or family ..or someone else :)
Anonymous
August 12th, 2015 5:27am
In order to love who you are, you cannot hate the experiences that shaped you. To love means to open ourselves to the negative as well as the positive - to grief, sorrow, and disappointment as well as to joy, fulfillment, and an intensity of consciousness we did not know was possible before. DEAL YOUR OWN CARDS!
Take a breather, close your eyes and focus on your feeling. It is not uncommon to feel this so whatever it is, know that you're not alone and if you want, you can seek out the other person.
When dealing with feelings you can't find words for it is because one focuses on the bigger picture. Try to limit and narrow the focus on one issue at a time, having a friend or someone close listen to your situation objectively will bring light and clarification to your emotions.
Try remembering a time you felt this way and whether it affected you positively or negatively, then try to figure out the source.
Try to act like your mind think that you can show those feelings. Maybe this way show you the real feeling that you can express with words.
For me, writing is a really important thing to do when it comes to this kind of stuff. Because by doing this, eventually you'll start puting words to this feelings you don't really recognize at first.
Meditation. Exercise (ie boxing for anger, etc). A Hobby. Or you can just go scream it out and pull your hair out until you look like the freak you feel like, But meditation is much less harmful ;-)
I usually deal with my feelings by just feeling them. If I can't express them, I just feel them and I sometimes find things that are similar.
Find the triggers to these feelings and go from there. You could try and express it through the arts aswell such as drama,music and art.
Anonymous
August 15th, 2015 7:46am
I have found it best to find a metaphor to compare it. Most feelings that don't have words can be described as situations.
Anonymous
August 15th, 2015 5:35pm
I think the best way with dealing with feelings you can't find words to express, is finding a positive action that does. For example, uptaking a new hobby that will let you release your emotions. Some things people have previously used are things like punching bags, or doing a sport of a kind to help you release some tension. Focus on yourself, and take pride in what you love doing! Hopefully this made some sense. I wish you the very best of luck
You can always try to express your feeling by drawing. Use colors that you feel blend into the emotions you're feeling.
Being able to find the proper words to what you are feeling can be difficult but not always so. Consider reflecting on your feelings first and go with the basic emotions. Are you happy, sad, angry, disgusted, etc.? Then ask yourself why are you feeling so. Drawing out your emotions through questions will help reveal those that you are having difficulty expressing.
Well, here in 7 cups there is an Acceptance & Commitment's self help guide that would help you find words to your feelings with exercises and examples... It's very important to know what are you feeling so you can find a way to deal with it ;) good luck
I draw, but if your trying to express them to someone: try your best. It doesn't have to be perfect, and if they know how you feel, they'll get it.
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