Weekly Prompt #16: What are some of the emotions that you find most difficult to regulate?
Hello everyone, I hope everyone is having a good week.
In the last week, we discussed- How has your culture or upbringing influenced your approach to emotion regulation? If you haven't checked yet, please click here to add your thoughts.
Based on the discussion there, I realized that emotion regulation is something that is not openly discussed or learned due to various factors in play. But as a consequence of it, we experience a harder time regulating our emotions because we have no clue how to channel them. So, I want to extend this week's discussion towards it a bit more.
This week's prompt is: What are some of the emotions that you find most difficult to regulate? Why do you think that is?
While there are many factors in play that how emotions are expressed and managed, it is important to find a balance that works for us individually. Please remember, it is okay to feel and express our emotions, and seeking support when we need it is a sign of strength. Let's discuss together and learn from each other.
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@ASilentObserver I think anxiety and despair are the emotions I struggle to regulate the most.
Anger because it takes a little bit longer to actually get to the root of it and it's easy to give into.
@blindEagle5652 I understand the struggle of working through difficult emotions. What would help you feel heard and supported right now in exploring the root causes of your anger? You are not alone in navigating complex feelings.
shame and anger. Self directed anger.
@WavesandSea
When I think anger, I never think of self directed anger. We often think about how we treat others, but don't think about how we treat ourselves. That is a great answer.
@WavesandSea I am sorry to hear that Sea. I understand how difficult it can be. What would help you feel less shame and anger towards yourself? You deserve kindness and compassion.
Anxiety. When I'm anxious sometimes I feel like I don't have any control and as if my emotions completely control me.
@amusingSailboat1563 It sounds like anxiety has become a constant companion. What helps you feel more in control of your emotions? You deserve to feel safe and supported.
My mom once said that I'm fat ugly animal which never leaves his room. She also said that I'm a burden on her and I am stupid. She also made a condition that, if I don't score good marks, she'll throw me out of house.
Idk what to name this emotion. even after 6 months I feel that I'm stupid and a validation seeker. While writing this up, I feel that I'm some kind of a bad person who seeks attention.
I've always felt that I'm ugly and stupid. Once my school van driver praised me for being a nice person. He also said (probably kidding) that I'm handsome and that girls will run after me. But instead of my mood getting better i started feeling even worse. Idk why but I no longer love myself. I feel that no one will ever understand me, despite this i seek connection to others. I feel lonely most of time.
@ApurvaSingh123 It sounds like you have been through immense pain and hardship. What emotions come up for you as you reflect on how your mother's words have impacted you? We are all here with you to listen to and support. You are not alone in this.
@ASilentObserver
Anger, frustration, and hurt.
@neatBlueberry5213 Those feelings can be overwhelming. What impacts you the most in those times?
I guess my emotion is overwhelmed. I say that because I have a lot going on in my work life, personal life and home life. Those all require a lot of my time and I don’t feel as if I have enough time to give to all those different areas.
I think it eventually turns to anger because I’m tired of working sooooooooooo hard. I’m sure a lot of people can relate, that’s a very common feeling.
@truthfulbliss222 It's understandable that feeling overwhelmed with so much on your plate. What areas in particular feel most overwhelming right now? You have a lot going on and it's taking a toll. I hear your frustration at needing to work so hard.
thanks for responding! I think I feel most overwhelmed with school and home life. It just isn’t enough time in the day for all that is expected to do. I’m a full time student, mother, full time worker. I tell myself some stuff is temporary. It’s just difficult not being able to give my child the time they deserve.
@truthfulbliss222
It's true Bliss! I can relate to what you wrote. Thank you for expressing this and being compassionate to other people too. <3
@ASilentObserver Was this animation made in Blender ?
@goldenVillage9303 i have no idea village
@goldenVillage9303
I imagine you're into Graphic Design and stuff? Which is really cool.
@seashell145 I make 3D Animations using Blender and 2D Animations using other software
@goldenVillage9303
Noice! Wishing you best of luck! <3
@ASilentObserver
I have difficulty channeling hunger for love. This must be fear, because I know fear is the absence of love. And all I feel is this intense anguish and mistrust towards humanity. It's really hard to regulate, I often rub my upper and lower arm, and my head to soothe. Deep breathing exercise, music and sweet tea. Sweet helps manage the pain a bit. I journal during this time but journaling seems to bring the emotion to the frontier, then I have to remember all the quotes I have been saving for years, and some good inspiring short films.
It's mainly like my arms and thighs has been cut and now I have to put medicine in the wound, and have to wait for it to heal. In this case the medicine is the things I mentioned above.
This pain is so hard to manage, the most intense pain I've ever experienced, a deep despair. And it happens repeatedly in regular intervals.
@seashell145 I'm so sorry to hear you're experiencing this intense anguish and pain. That sounds like a very difficult and heavy experience for you. What helps you feel most grounded during these times? You're very resilient for finding ways to cope and self-soothe like journaling, listening to music, and using breathing exercises. I'm glad you have tools that bring you some relief.
@ASilentObserver
Thank you for your kind and compassionate words Silent! Grounded- I don't know. Probably breathing brings the most calm- and sweet tea, and music. Thank you for calling me resilient and for understanding. May I be well during those times.
Sending you lots of love and warmth. <3
Anxiety
I worry about what people think of me. What if they don’t think I’m smart, what if they don’t think I’m pretty, what if they think my clothes are stupid, what if they think I’m stupid. I spend most of my time hiding from people. I feel that everyone is judging me at all times. I will back out of plans all the time because my anxiety gets the best of me.
Hello Silent,
all you can be is the best that you can be block out everybody else and just focus on you. You deserve to be happy. You’re worth some thing & never give up I know it’s probably difficult to block out peoples image of yourself but it’s not always worth what somebody thinks of you because who are they to judge you and who knows with their environment is like. Not sure if I can cuss but I basically just EFF them!! I’ve learned sometimes our biggest critics are ourselves.
@truthfulbliss222 That sounds like a frustrating situation. What feelings come up for you when people judge you unfairly? You have wisdom in understanding that other people's judgements are often reflections of themselves, not you. I'm glad you recognize your own worth.
Thanks I try to keep that in mind and you are right I am my own worst critic.
@Silenteyes77 It sounds like anxiety weighs heavy on your mind and limits your ability to fully participate in life. How does living with these worries impact you day to day? You're not alone in facing challenges with anxiety. We are all here with you to listen to and support
It makes it hard I usually try to fight through it. I teach and I’m a different person then but when it comes to anytime out on my time is when I start shutting down.