Nov. 16, 2022
By Lexi Augustyniak
Copy Editor
As humans, we all experience negative emotions, but they can be tough to deal with.
Grief is a deep sorrow that is most commonly caused by the death of an individual. Dealing with grief is hard, but the first step is to acknowledge the issue. When feeling grief, it is okay to feel strong emotions and release the pain by having a good cry. Exercise can also help a person deal with grief because it gives one a sense of freedom and empowerment.
Sharing your feelings is another useful way to deal with grief. Although it can be tough to ask for help, it is important to receive help when needed. Whether it is confiding in a trusted person or seeking professional assistance, beneficial results will occur from gaining support from others.
Anger is a negative emotion described as a strong feeling of annoyance. One of the most important ways to deal with anger is to think before you speak. Take a step away and calm down with deep breaths to come up with a resolution. Counting down, writing in a journal or talking to a trusted source about the issue can help address anger. Another way to relieve anger is making time to relax. Getting your mind off of your problems and revisiting the issue later can bring a different outlook to form a resolution.
Fear is an unpleasant emotion caused by the thought that someone or something is dangerous and may cause a potential pain or threat. One can cope with fear by taking time out from whatever is occurring and focusing on your breathing.
Talking to a friend or mentor about fear can help too. Visualizing something that makes you happy or successful can reduce fear. Avoiding the fear does not help, but if you face your fear, the fear should fade.
Whether it is confiding in a trusted person or seeking professional assistance, beneficial results will occur from gaining support from others.
Loneliness is the feeling of sadness because of social isolation. Acknowledging your loneliness and determining when to reach out for support is the first step in coping with loneliness. Ways to limit loneliness can include joining a club or volunteering. This will lead to interactions that will decrease social isolation. Strengthening present relationships involves contacting friends or family to arrange an in-person meeting or talk more. It is another good strategy to combat loneliness.
One does not necessarily need to reach out to others to deal with loneliness. Practicing hobbies like artwork, sports and writing can all ease loneliness. Although it is a lot of work and responsibility, adopting a pet can reduce loneliness because it is a companion to take care of and spend time with.
If you are feeling extremely lonely, reach out for online support so you can talk to someone about your feelings.
Jealousy is the feeling of envy about someone’s advantages or achievements. Identifying and accepting the feeling of jealousy is the first step in coping with envy. Talking to a loved one or a trusted friend can change your outlook and reduce or get rid of jealousy.
Practicing gratitude and appreciating what you have is a good way to ward off all negative emotions. Letting go of judgment and being thankful for what you have can make a major difference in one’s state of mind.
Negative emotions are inevitable when facing life’s challenges, but knowing how to cope is what creates a good quality of life. Having an upbeat attitude all the time is nearly impossible, but figuring out strategies to bounce back from hard times is sure to have a positive impact on one’s mental health.
