Emotion regulation involves the ability to recognize, understand, and express our emotions in healthy ways. It doesn't mean suppressing or ignoring emotions but rather acknowledging them and responding to them in constructive ways.
On the other hand, there are many misconceptions about what this looks like in practical terms. First, let’s discuss what emotion regulation is not:
Suppression: Emotion regulation is not about suppressing or ignoring emotions. Pushing down feelings without addressing them can lead to greater distress in the long run.
Denial: Ignoring or denying one's emotions is not a healthy form of regulation. It's important to acknowledge and validate our feelings rather than pretending they don't exist.
Escapism: Using substances or engaging in unhealthy behaviors to avoid dealing with emotions is not true emotion regulation. While these activities might provide temporary relief, they do not address the underlying issues and can lead to further problems.
Emotional Perfectionism: Expecting oneself to always feel happy or positive is unrealistic and unhealthy. Emotion regulation acknowledges that all emotions, including sadness, anger, and fear, are a normal part of the human experience.
Ignoring Boundaries: Emotion regulation respects boundaries, both our own and others'. It's not about venting our emotions in ways that harm ourselves or those around us.
About the author: Joy Acaso is our own Parenting Coach at Nightwatch Childcare Center. She has over 17 years of experience in the mental health field. She is available to answer your questions and provide resources that can help your family thrive.
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