mental wellness blog

I would like to use 'the broken reed and the smoldering wick' as a metaphor or picture of the link between life experiences and mental health. We want to explore what the hope is after we have collided with life. We are not looking at this concept as victims, saying that we are at the...

The subjective experience of emotions refers to the deeply personal and individual way we feel and interpret our emotions. This aspect of emotions highlights that while many emotional responses can be universally recognized, such as happiness, sadness, anger, or fear, the way we experience these...

We do not see the world as it is but as we are. Becoming more aware of our interpretations of events before reacting emotionally is a skill that requires practice, self-awareness, and mindfulness. 

Let's make use of an example trigger/ incident - failing a driver's license test. This can...

The personal frame of mind, biases, and experiences play a crucial role in how individuals assess and validate their emotions. When a person becomes accustomed to a negative environment, such as one where abuse is prevalent, their emotional response system can undergo significant changes. This...

There are several reasons why an individual might not perceive an emotional stimulus accurately. These reasons can range from psychological factors to physiological conditions, each affecting how emotions are processed and understood.

Here are some key factors that can influence emotional...

Suppression, or the conscious effort to inhibit the expression of emotions, is a coping mechanism that people often use to manage their emotional responses in various situations. While it can be useful in certain contexts, consistently relying on suppression as a primary way of dealing with...

Engaging with emotions in a healthy way is a crucial step for individuals suffering from depression as they work towards recovery and healing. Here are several strategies that can support this process:

1. Mindfulness and Meditation: Mindfulness practices encourage individuals to observe their...

The concept of emotions as "energy in motion" offers a fascinating and empowering perspective on how we experience and manage our feelings. This viewpoint suggests that emotions are not static or fixed; rather, they are dynamic forces that move through us. Like energy, emotions are meant to flow;...

Regulating emotions effectively and building in a pause between feeling an emotion and reacting to it are crucial skills for personal development and emotional well-being. Here are some practical, strategic steps and habits that can help you manage your emotions more effectively and...

Going to bed angry can have a range of effects on both the body and mind, impacting not just the quality of sleep but also overall health and well-being. Similarly, while short-term anger can be a normal and even healthy emotional response to certain situations, long-term resentment can have more...

Cognitive processing in relation to emotions involves how our brain interprets and makes sense of the emotions we experience. This process is crucial for personal development, as it influences our emotional awareness, regulation, and how we respond to different situations.

At its core, cognitive...

Recognizing the difference between healthy respect for the people we live with and a crippling people-pleasing behaviour is crucial for personal development and maintaining healthy relationships. Both stem from a deeper desire to live harmoniously with others, but they differ...