Do you avoid feelings?
Lots of factors can play into why we may want to avoid feeling our feelings….
- Cultural or family backgrounds that discouraged emotional openness
- Fear of vulnerability or being hurt
- Lack of emotional literacy or skills to navigate complex feelings
- Belief that emotions are weakness or unnecessary
Recognising the Signs
Common indicators of emotional avoidance include:
- Changing the subject when emotions arise
- Using humour to deflect serious conversations
- Becoming busy or distracted when others express feelings
- Minimising or dismissing emotional experiences
- Physical withdrawal during emotional moments
Moving Towards Emotional Awareness
Developing emotional awareness is a gradual process that requires patience and practice:
Start Small: Begin by noticing and naming your own emotions throughout the day. Your emotions are communication tools that send signals to you and others about what you need.
Practice Active Listening: When others share emotions, focus on understanding rather than fixing or avoiding the conversation.
Seek Professional Support: A clinical psychologist can provide valuable tools and strategies for developing emotional intelligence and communication skills.
The Benefits of Emotional Engagement
When we learn to engage with emotions constructively, relationships flourish:
- We know what we need
- Others know what we need
- Stress and anxiety often decrease as emotions are processed rather than suppressed - less likely to come out as chronic pain or burnout
Moving Forward
If you find yourself struggling with emotional avoidance, consider reaching out to a mental health professional who can provide personalised strategies and support for your journey towards greater emotional connection.