On World Mental Health Day 2023

Dear Outer Earthlings, 

We are all about Empowering emotional authenticity: Our mission is to disrupt the monochrome landscape of conformity of our society and invite a kaleidoscope of emotions to take center stage. We believe that vulnerability is an act of courage, and by boldly embracing our emotions, we can ignite a powerful movement towards genuine connection and self-discovery.  

For this World Mental Health Day, October 10th, 2023, we want to move forward into a world where every emotional hue is celebrated, every unique shade is respected and tolerated, and the beauty of our differences paints a richer, more vibrant tapestry of humanity.

So, let's talk about feelings!

We all have feelings, right? We feel happy, sad, angry, scared, excited, and many other emotions throughout our lives. Sometimes we feel them very strongly, sometimes we barely notice them. But what do we do with our feelings? Do we share them with others, or do we keep them to ourselves? Do we try to understand them, or do we ignore them? Do we let them affect our actions, or do we control them?

The way we deal with our feelings is called emotion regulation. Emotion regulation is the ability to influence which emotions we have, when we have them, and how we experience and express them. Emotion regulation is not about suppressing or avoiding our feelings, but rather about managing them in a healthy and adaptive way.

Why is emotion regulation important for our mental health? Well, research has shown that emotion regulation is linked to various aspects of psychological well-being and functioning. For example, people who are better at regulating their emotions tend to have higher self-esteem, more positive mood, less stress, and more satisfying relationships. On the other hand, people who struggle with emotion regulation are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, anger problems, substance abuse, and other mental disorders.

One of the key aspects of emotion regulation is the expression of feelings. The expression of feelings is the act of communicating our emotions to ourselves or others through words, gestures, facial expressions, or other means. The expression of feelings can have many benefits for our mental health. 

The expression of feelings can:

  • help us process and understand our emotions better. When we put our feelings into words or symbols, we can gain more clarity and insight into what we are feeling and why.
  • reduce the intensity and duration of negative emotions. When we vent our anger or sadness to someone who listens and empathizes with us, we can release some of the tension and pain that we are holding inside.
  • increase the frequency and quality of positive emotions. When we share our joy or gratitude with someone who appreciates and celebrates with us, we can amplify and prolong the pleasant feelings that we are experiencing.
  • strengthen our social bonds and support networks. When we express our feelings honestly and respectfully to others, we can build trust and intimacy with them. We can also receive feedback, advice, comfort, or encouragement from them.

Of course, the expression of feelings is not always easy or appropriate. Sometimes we may not know how to express our feelings effectively or constructively. Sometimes we may face barriers or challenges that prevent us from expressing our feelings freely or safely. Sometimes we may need to regulate our feelings in other ways besides expressing them.

That’s why we think it’s important to learn more about emotion regulation and the expression of feelings. There are many resources and strategies that can help us improve our emotion regulation skills and enhance our mental health. For example:

  • We can read books or articles that explain the nature and function of emotions and how to cope with them in different situations .
  • We can practice mindfulness meditation or other relaxation techniques that can help us calm down and become more aware of our feelings without judging or reacting to them.
  • We can use creative outlets such as writing, drawing, singing, dancing, or playing an instrument that can help us express our feelings in artistic ways.
  • We can seek professional help from a therapist or counselor who can guide us through the process of identifying, understanding, and expressing our feelings in a safe and supportive environment.

Let's celebrate the World Mental Health Day on October 10th by spreading awareness and compassion for mental health issues.
Remember: your feelings matter, and so does your mental health!

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