At The Self Image Institute, we know that there are many insecurities surrounding mental health and seeking help. However, the first step to finding a solution is admitting that it's okay not to be okay! We deal with clients who experience various mental health issues, including anxiety, stress, diet and addiction. The most important aspect of bettering ourselves is acceptance and admitting that it's okay to not be okay. This helps us then understand why we feel the way we do and therefore find a solution.
If you would like to learn more about our hypnotherapy services, explore our website or contact us today!
Why You Should Address Your Feelings
In life, we are often told to "just smile...suck it up...forget about it", but why? Whilst there are obvious benefits to positive thinking, why should we ignore our issues? If we simply ignore our anxieties and problems and pretend that we're okay, they will simply build. This is a phenomenon known as "toxic positivity".
The inherent problem with toxic positivity is that it makes us assume that if a person is not in a positive mood, then they are somehow wrong, bad, or inadequate. This is not only untrue but can also be harmful to our mental health. It's important to remember that it's okay to not be okay and that seeking help is nothing to be ashamed of.
One of the most damaging aspects of toxic positivity is that it invalidates someone's emotional state and feelings. By pretending that we are okay when we are not, we are essentially dismissing our own experiences and emotions. This can be incredibly harmful to our mental health, as it can leave us feeling isolated and unsupported. If we cannot convince ourselves that our feelings matter and are just, these negative thoughts will only compound the issues we are already experiencing.
It is crucial to acknowledge our issues and admit that it's okay to not be okay! Only after we admit this, can we begin to find a solution to overcome our negative thoughts.
It really is okay not to be okay!
Not only is it okay to not feel ‘okay,’ it is essential. An abnormal emotional response to an abnormal situation IS normal. We cannot expect ourselves to simply brush off every negative or abnormal situation we face. Our feelings are there to protect us, and pretending they don’t exist can do more harm than good in the long run. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or just generally not okay, don’t be afraid to seek help. There are plenty of resources available, and talking to someone can make all the difference.
Society tends to place a stigma on admitting when we're struggling with our emotions. Whilst this can cause us to close up and deny our feelings, it is important to admit that it's okay to not be okay. We feel emotions in every situation, good or bad. We would not deny ourselves happy feelings when doing something we enjoy, so why would we pretend we're okay in a situation that upsets us or makes us uncomfortable?
Why We Should Address Our Feelings
There are many reasons why it’s okay to not be okay. Our feelings are there for a reason, and they often hold important messages. For example, if we're feeling anxious it may be because we're facing a situation that is dangerous or threatening in some way. By listening to our emotions and addressing the root cause, we can often prevent further emotional distress down the line.
Another reason it's okay to not be okay is that by pretending everything is fine when it's not, we're only setting ourselves up for more difficult problems later on. By denying our feelings, we're also denying ourselves the opportunity to process them healthily. This can lead to emotional build-up which can eventually lead to things like anxiety and depression.
Admitting that we're not okay also helps us to tackle negative emotions and traumas. By accepting our feelings, we can then begin to understand why these feelings are present and what tends to bring them on. Therefore, we can learn new, healthy habits and thought processes to embrace the challenges we face and therefore use our emotions for the betterment of ourselves. Our minds and emotions are complex, it is only when we stop to think about our feelings, that we can begin to understand them. Once we know the triggers and causes of negative emotions, we can find ways to healthily overcome them. This starts by admitting that it's okay not to be okay.
What Can You Do?
There are several things you can do if you're finding it difficult to cope with your emotions.
First and foremost, take the time to listen to yourself. Practising relaxation techniques and mindfulness helps us to balance ourselves and healthily think about our feelings. It is only when we're in tune with our emotions that we can begin to address them. If you find it difficult to relax or be mindful, there are many apps and websites which offer guidance on how to do so. Headspace and Stop, Breathe & Think are two examples of such resources.
Another thing you can do is talk to someone about how you're feeling. This could be a friend, family member, therapist, or any other support system. Talking openly and honestly about our emotions can be daunting, but it's often the first step to feeling better. Often, when talking to someone else, we discover that others have similar feelings and also deal with negative thoughts. This helps to validate our thoughts and enhances our feeling of self-worth and confidence. As we discussed earlier, these feelings are normal and experienced by everyone.
Additionally, by talking to friends and family, we can find new ways to approach negative emotions as they can provide insights that we may not have considered. As we share our feelings, we can find new ways to address our feelings and overcome them together.
Another option is to seek professional help. This could be in the form of therapy, counselling, or even just a chat with your doctor. Sometimes it’s helpful to talk to someone who is unbiased and can offer impartial advice. These professionals are very experienced at understanding the thought processes behind people's emotions and can help us find the root of our issues. Therefore, they can help us in finding new, healthy ways to deal with our emotions and find solutions.
The important thing here is admitting that it's okay not to be okay. Once we do this, it is far easier to find help and support, which in turn helps us to overcome our negative emotions.
Contact Us
If you would like to talk more about your emotions or would like to enquire about our hypnotherapy services, explore our website or contact us today at yasminswilliams@gmail.com or 07534448713. We would love to help you on your journey and find a solution to help you understand that it's okay to not be okay.
Article: Phoenix Marketing
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