Connecting with Emotions- Part III

May is National Mental Health month! What better way to celebrate than by taking care of our emotional needs! Over the last two months we have been implementing skills to recognize and cope with our emotions. Some exercises were successful, while others were more difficult to implement. Steps outlined over the last two months are just the beginning to understanding the connection between our mind and body. Some of you may feel satisfied with the information you have learned and have furthered your emotional intelligence, while others may be wanting to learn more about emotions.

This month we will focus on how to use our feelings as signs whether we can benefit from therapeutic support:

• You notice that your feelings are conflicting and confusing. Tolerating or ignoring your emotions increases intensity and makes it difficult to tolerate. You notice difficulty with anxiety and depressive experiences.
• Seemingly minor events trigger strong feelings and emotional reactions.
• After being triggered emotionally, feelings do not settle and carry on for hours or days.
• Verbal and behavioral responses to emotions, that do not align with your perception of yourself. 
• Focusing on your feelings reminds you of past traumatic experiences
• You have not been able to engage in the exercises over the last two months due to chronic emotional numbness or lack of ability to experience feelings.

Therapy is an effective way to gain further insight and connection to your body.
You are worthy of self-care, insight, and connection. This may be the right time for you to seek support.

Sandra Knapp, MS, LPCS
Mind Matters Therapy Services, LLC