Learning to acknowledge your feelings is a significant part of recovery. People often think that if they can bury their feelings deep enough, those feelings will not affect them or their lives. The simple truth is that those feelings you are suppressing probably still affect you and your life even if they may not outwardly seem so. Here are a few tips to help you work on acknowledging your feelings.
Determine What You Are Feeling
Taking the time to analyze what you are feeling is essential. Try to pinpoint each different emotion you are experiencing, which can be difficult because our feelings are often tangled together. We may even think we know what we are feeling, but we realize that we are actually experiencing something entirely different when we dig deeper. When we understand what we are feeling, we can work on the skills needed to handle and work through those feelings.
Analyze Possible Sources
Understanding what triggers you is a huge part of recovery. It is unrealistic to think you will never be triggered in some way. Learn what affects you; this knowledge gives you your power back. Journaling is a great way to help you notice patterns and sources of your feelings or struggles. You can then use this information to help you better understand your behaviors.
Stay Open and Honest
Masking and hiding your feelings does nothing for you. Sooner or later, those things will surface and affect you. Try to be honest with yourself about what you are feeling. Seek out help if you are struggling to identify what you are experiencing. Whether it is a friend, a loved one, or a mental health professional, talking through emotions and what you are feeling can be highly beneficial.
Acknowledging your feelings can be hard to do. Often we think if we can stifle those feelings, they will not have the ability to impact our lives. However, you will find that acknowledging your feelings will help you work through other struggles such as addiction, trauma, or mental health issues. Here at The Guest House, we know how difficult it can be to understand your emotions and mental health. We are here to help. We are a group of professionals with extensive experience in helping people just like you work through recovery. Call us today at (855) 483-7800 to learn more about our different treatment options.