DIFFICULT FEELINGS & BEHAVIOURS
Negative emotions are impossible to avoid and everyone feelings the from time to time. However, there are a range of difficult feelings and behaviours that are often associated with mental health problems, and may require further support from your GP.
WHAT MAY I BE FEELING AND EXPERIENCING?
This section provides a brief overview of some difficult feelings and behaviours that you may be experiencing, discover more about them within our full A-Z.
- panic attacks – these are a type of fear response from your body. During a panic attack your physical symptoms are likely to build up very quickly, including a pounding heartbeat, chest pains and nausea.
- self-harm – you may hurt yourself as a way of dealing with very difficult feelings, painful memories or overwhelming circumstances.
- suicidal feelings – these feelings can be very unpleasant, intrusive and frightening. If you feel you may act on suicidal feelings, seek urgent help.
- psychosis – this is when you perceive or interpret reality in a very different way from people around you, most commonly hallucinations and delusions.
HOW CAN I MANAGE MY EMOTIONS?
Emotion regulation is our ability to effectively manage our emotions and respond to an emotional experience.
- be aware of our emotions
- accept and tolerate unpleasant emotions
- identify specific emotions we are feeling, and tell the difference between them
- recognise and understand patterns in our emotional reactions
- manage our emotional reactions in ways that work well in the long-term
GETTING SUPPORT
Self-care techniques and general lifestyle changes can help manage the symptoms of many mental health problems. Making time for therapeutic activities, including relaxation and mindfulness, can be incredibly effective in conjunction with talking therapies or whilst you’re waiting for treatment on the NHS.
If you’re struggling with difficult feelings and behaviours and are finding it tough to cope day-to-day, you should visit your GP to explain what you’re experiencing.