It is okay to feel.
Sometimes our feelings can scare us but let’s face it they are part of life. Each day is different from the next. Because different things happen in each day, you will feel different feelings from day to day.
- Some days happy things happen and you feel on a high.
- Some days sad things happen and you feel depressed.
- Some days bring about worries and it causes you to feel anxious.
Own your feelings but do not stress about them.
Take time to experience your feelings. It is good, in fact, to acknowledge to yourself how you are feeling. Make time to think about the events of your day and pinpoint what type of feelings you feel as a result of these events. Keep a log of your emotions. We have a
great app that can help you track how you have been feeling.
Know that sometimes your feelings can make you feel uncomfortable.
Anxious thoughts may cause you to lose sleep, feel edgy or give you a headache. Sad thoughts might make you lose your appetite or zap your energy. It is important during these times to remember that you are not alone. You are normal. Sad things happen. Relationships have their ups and downs. Some days can be worrisome. School assignments can feel overwhelming at times.
Embrace your feelings.
They are what make you, YOU. All humans have feelings and they can be messy. There can be highs and lows. Often teens, because of their life experiences and changing hormones feel things on a more intense level than adults do. The same emotional intensity that can cause you angst can also give you energy and enthusiasm.
Let your feelings out.
Try to remember that your mind was not designed to be a storage container for all of your emotions. If you hold too many emotions inside for too long, they intensify, become overwhelming, and can impact your mental and physical health. Journal your thoughts; reflect on what is causing you to feel the way you are feeling and focus on how it can be coped with or resolved. Give yourself
a way to decompress.
Bottom line - Don’t be afraid of your feelings.
They are part of you. Don’t automatically assume that there is something wrong with you or that you have a mental health disorder. You are human. Humans were created with the ability to feel.
If your feelings become overwhelming, reach out and talk to someone. Talk to friends, family, a teacher, or our Hotline, about how you are feeling. Know that feelings are going happen but do not let them control your life. If at any time you feel a loss of control and feel that your feelings are causing you to have thoughts of hurting yourself, get help right away so you can feel better.
