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
You can shout. You can cuddle your pet. If it is anger, you can spank your pillow. Or just draw random shapes on a piece of paper. Or you can talk gibberish words like minions do if that's how you want to unload what you feel.
Anonymous
February 9th, 2016 4:03am
You can try different methods to express your feelings if you don't feel comfortable talking about them or simply can't find the words. If you've ever had chills by a song because you felt it explained or connected you with it somehow, that could be a sign you can try using music that gives that feeling to express yourself. Be creative, go look for something!
A lot of times you don't get words to express. You feel so uncomfortable
Remain calm. You'll get it.
Anonymous
February 11th, 2016 3:17pm
Here is the technique its called Mirror talk be alone and in peace then stand in front of the mirror talk with yourself tell ..... okz tell yourself how u feel .... talk with yourself connect with yourself .
Speak freely to yourself before putting it onto words for others to hear or to listen to. The fact is that the moment when one learns to express it to oneself without judgement is the most powerful moment of finding what one wants to say.
A creative outlet can be quite appealing....clay is rather nice...it can be shaped, thrown, smashed, molded and sculpted. Joy, anger and all emotions in between work well in clay. No artistic "talent" is required, yet most find the results quite pleasing. I know I do.
Anonymous
March 13th, 2016 11:38pm
If you can't find words to describe it take some time to think about what you wanna ask and then when time comes let us or counselor know your ready to share your thoughts.
you can find a similar feeling to them or you can find an example that the person who you are trying to tell that feeling feels the same.
There are a number of ways to deal with this including art, exercise, and music. Drawing your feelings can really help.
There is this saying; "where words fail music speaks" and sometimes it's a great place to start by listening to music to draw out some emotions that you can express. If music's not your thing maybe you find a joyful place that you can safely work through the emotions. Maybe it's riding horses, taking long walks, kick boxing, drawing, writing, or maybe it's helping other people.
Anonymous
March 19th, 2016 6:22pm
I try to write down the actions I've taken and people have taken against me during the day. I would ask myself questions to figure out what emotions evoke the feelings.
Anonymous
March 20th, 2016 8:49am
I usually use my passions to bring out what I can't say. For example: many draw out their feelings, some people make lyrics. It just depends on what you do to give you that release of emotion that you need.
Try to find others things appart from words to express them, for example hugs, kisses, tears, glances.
Anonymous
March 26th, 2016 2:50pm
If you're having trouble expressing your feelings, you could try listening to music that reflects how you feel. Feeling understood can sometimes help to deal with those tough feelings. Also, you could try writing a poem about a specific topic which reflects your feelings. Sometimes even drawing a picture can be helpful in coping with the feelings you have trouble expressing in words.
Anonymous
March 27th, 2016 1:31am
Take the time to relax take a deep breath and think about what you may be feeling and what has been triggering you to feel that way .
The idea is not to blame yourself or the other person, but to put into words what you think has actually happened. Then try to put into words what is distressing about what happened. . Keeping a little diary could work well and make you see things more clear.
When I feel like I can't express how I'm feeling, I listen to music and go to a special location to help me gain some clarity. Sometime's it's good to write the pros and cons about how you feel.
Know that even though you can't put a name to it at the moment, it's real! Others out there can be experiencing the same thing, talk to a listener and allow them to help you put a name to it.
Anonymous
June 4th, 2016 5:13am
As cheesy as it may sound the notion that actions speak louder then words is often true. When we feel things beyond our vocabulary our gestures speak for us. When we feel love or appreciation we do nice things for those who brought us to feel so happy. When we feel anger and sadness we close people off and sit silently or act out loudly in our actions. In order to deal with these feelings if good just express them with smiles, gifts of gratitude, and kindness. If these feelings are that of pain it's best to express them by calming the situation with simple activities or hobbies that keep us calm, coloring books, tv, reading, sports, writing, etc.
Anonymous
June 9th, 2016 6:27am
It's quite tricky to deal with a whirlwind of emotions when we don't even know where they're coming from or what they even mean. One tool I've found helpful is to sit down with a pen and paper, take a deep breath, and start writing down whatever comes to mind. After you begin to feel a little more calm, read what you wrote. It may begin to make a little sense and you can begin dealing with your overwhelming feelings.
I find that once I take time to reflect upon the situation that I can later identify the emotions that are at hand. It's important to be able to name them, or be aware of them, because then you can deal with them. If they remain nameless or unknown, you will have trouble dealing with the feelings that are overwhelming. Once they are known, you can then let go of fear and let the emotions run their course. Do this in a safe place. Intensity can only be high for so long, thus it's important to let the emotions come and then pass. This is how we deal with feelings. :)
If it is something I am happy about I will laugh it out. If it is something troubling or sad, I will try smile anyways cause remaining positive is important.
Make a drawing, even if is only colorful lines or monochrome doodles. If still you cannot tell, sometimes listening songs, help, others might put in words what you feel.
Anonymous
October 14th, 2016 12:00pm
I need to exercise and distract myself and run and yell and do smth enjoyable to be able to deal with the feeling I cannot find words to express
sometimes talking isnt easy but you can find other ways to express how you are feeling thorough art, music and other mediums.
Try to deal with those feelings through art (paintings, drawings) or quotes of songs, writers or anyone else. Quotes seems to be one of the best ways since others seem to express what we feel and we aren't able to express.
The best way is to find a trusted person to listen, and do your best to explain it! Not aall the right wrods will come out, but itll feel good to get it out the best you can!
Try to express them through other means like art or music. Or do something (not harming yourself in any way) that would make you feel better in the moment. Maybe ask someone to sit by you, cry, or crawl under the covers. If you find yourself dwelling on feelings for long periods of time that the emotions seem overwhelming and last forever, try mindfulness meditation, and afterwards when you feel calmer, divert your attention away from your emotions by doing something to distract yourself~
Sit by yourself for a while and think them through. Try writing them down, or maybe drawing/painting them "out"?
Start with what you can express, and you'll often find that the things you feel that way about find a way to follow. Just talking about yourself can open up a gateway into those kind of feelings.
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