Strong Feelings Demand Attention
Perhaps you recently felt overwhelmed by how you are feeling. Maybe you came here because you are feeling overwhelmed right now. It is hard to know what to do when you are feeling overwhelmed. Whether this feeling is sorrow, excitement, or anger, it was too much to stifle. All of us experience feelings like this. In fact, it would be strange if you didn’t! The problem is that these emotions can be agonizing to experience, and can lead to overreaction and heartache.
What are these feelings for then?
These feelings, just like any others, are providing a method to understand the world you live in. It’s color being added to a drawing that’s black-and-white. The world is more vibrant and interesting when we allow our feelings to reach us. If those feelings are not understood or simply acknowledged, they have a tendency to intensify. Those strong feelings will continue to do so until you cannot bear them anymore, but they can be addressed if we give them the attention they are demanding.
“I’m Listening, Now What?”
When you give attention to these strong feelings, it can be overwhelming. It may even feel as though it takes you over. This still indicates the emotion deserves attention, but it may feel like too much for you to handle. In this case, speaking with a professional may be a good next step.
Try to name the feelings you have. Try to describe them in as many ways as you can. Write down those descriptions. As you read those descriptions, do what you can to see how they connect with each other. Bear in mind, that you may continue to feel overwhelmed periodically as you do this. It is okay if this takes some time.
When you learn more about your feelings and understand how they are connected, it provides insight into what they are trying to tell you. It may help you when you are feeling overwhelmed to break down those feelings into smaller parts.
“What Do I Do Now?”
What you do with new insight is up to you. When you are feeling overwhelmed it may take some time to decide what to do next. One thing worth considering is how, and to whom, you want to express your feelings. Family and friends are probably a good place to start. If you feel anxious about the prospect of being open with others and would like to talk to a professional about how you are feeling, please reach out and request a session.