Are there emotions that are inherently bad for human beings?
Each person's emotional world spans an entire lifetime. Such is the interest in the concept of emotion that many mental scientists are dedicated to studying it in depth to better understand human beings.
For several years now, one of the debates about emotions has focused on resolving a basic categorization: Are all emotions definable? Are there good and bad emotions? Should we focus on some emotions, like anger, in favor of others, like joy?
In this article, we will present an explanation about this "negative" area regarding emotions and explain its reason for being, although in general terms, we advance that we need all emotions, whether we like them or not, since they help us understand the world and confront it.
Are they really negative or unpleasant emotions?
We find it interesting to make this initial clarification regarding the article's title. It's important to keep in mind that language always has an influence, as if words were colors that define the landscape. In this case, speaking of negative emotions would lead to the belief that we always have to be in a positive state, even though the brain doesn't function that way.
The brain is an organ that remains constantly active (always positively), whether we're in a state of panic or curiosity. Therefore, when we say an emotion is unpleasant, we're referring to the following:
It does not generate a feeling of pleasure, but rather tension and possibly pain or anguish.
It informs us of a threat or obstacle.
Its basic function is our protection and care.
Many people who seek our help are afraid of these emotions, especially the fear of losing control when they feel them. Therefore, it's important to note that the emotion doesn't have to coincide with the action; that is, feeling anger doesn't imply aggression. Social and family norms and reasoning help modulate unpleasant emotions for their management.
The real problem? Unbalanced emotions
Being in tune with unpleasant emotions means being in touch with ourselves. When these emotions (pleasant ones too) become unbalanced, become triggered, lead us to impulsive acts, isolation, and the repetition of mistakes... It's time to contact a psychology professional.
Specifically, each imbalanced emotion serves as the basis and mobilizer for each mental disorder. This is not to say that resolving the emotional imbalance resolves the disorder, as it is more complex than that. However, we do admit that once the illness is cured, the emotion will be in alignment.
Disordered emotions and related disorders
These are how emotional imbalance can negatively affect us.
1. Fear
Paralyzing and agitating fear is the basis for anxiety and panic disorders. Its function is to protect us from a threat and prepare us to flee or freeze.
Because they are unbalanced, people who suffer from it cannot determine where the threat is or what it consists of, leaving the brain confused when making a decision, and this state of anxiety remains for longer.
2. Sadness
Prolonged and intense sadness is the basis of depressive disorder. Sadness speaks to us of nostalgia, loss, and the need for connection.
When the condition persists and there are no changes, hopelessness and a feeling of incomprehension invade the person suffering from it, moving from sadness to an attitude of resignation, subjecting them to a lethargic and increasingly dull state.
3. Anger and Disgust
Excessive anger and disgust are the basis of impulse control problems. These emotions act as energizers to overcome obstacles and/or threats we may face.
As we've seen before, when we reflect and act appropriately, anger can be transformed into assertiveness. It's this reasoning problem, this disconnection with the prefrontal cortex, that can lead to excessive impulses and acts of aggression.
4. Guilt
Intense and chronic guilt is part of emotional dependency. Guilt mediates in our social environment, informing us of the limits of our relationships with others and the need to repair the damage we've done.
Generally, family and social norms modulate this emotion. When guilt is excessive, it blocks learning, the sense of identity is lost, and the focus remains on pleasing others so as not to make the same mistake again.
Emotions are a team
Finally, we want to point out that emotions are not separate entities, but rather function as a team that distributes leadership according to the situation, and this also applies when they become unbalanced.
For example, anger can be directed inward, and if sustained over time, it creates an attitude of renunciation that can lead to depression. This depression can develop into an anxiety disorder, and later, in an anxiety attack, it's possible to shift from fear to anger.
No comments:
Post a Comment