Online Therapy for Emotions and Health UK

Well, that might be the most click-bait title I’ve ever used! But okay, yeah let’s dive into it...

The Dalai Lama once claimed that humans can experience 34,000 different emotions. However, this number is quite overwhelming, and in practice, we typically experience a more manageable set of primary emotions. Here are eight fundamental emotions that we commonly encounter:

1. Joy: The feeling of happiness, delight, or contentment.

2. Sadness: The emotion associated with loss, grief, or disappointment.

3. Anger: The intense feeling of displeasure or frustration.

4. Fear: The sensation of being threatened or unsafe.

5. Disgust: The aversion to something unpleasant or offensive.

6. Surprise: The reaction to unexpected events.

7. Trust: The confidence in someone’s reliability or honesty.

8. Anticipation: The excitement or nervousness about future events.

These emotions are often depicted on a wheel of emotions, where they are arranged as opposites. For instance:

• Sadness and Joy are opposite each other.

• Anger and Fear are also positioned as opposites on the wheel.

Emotions are complex and multifaceted, but understanding and recognising them can enhance emotional literacy and overall wellbeing.

Determining the most powerful human emotions is subjective, varying from person to person. However, some impactful emotions shape our lives:

1. Love: Often considered the most powerful, love transcends boundaries and defies logic. It inspires, motivates, and connects people in various forms—romantic, familial, and love for humanity.

2. Joy: Uplifting and contagious, joy brings happiness, contentment, and pleasure. When we experience joy, our body releases endorphins, promoting overall well-being.

3. Anger: A powerful emotion arising from perceived threats or frustration, anger fuels action and can motivate change. Managing it constructively is essential.

Acting is a fascinating craft that requires tapping into a wide range of emotions. While different actors may find certain emotions more challenging than others, here are some that can be particularly demanding:

1. Fear: Sustained fear, especially without much dialogue, can be quite difficult to convey convincingly on screen. It requires tapping into primal instincts and physical sensations.

2. Sadness: Tears might seem easy, but portraying true sadness without falling into manipulation or self-pity can be tricky. Finding that authentic place on the emotional switchboard is essential.

3. Love (or Lust): In cinema, love often needs to be portrayed with subtlety. It’s not just about bedroom eyes; it’s about connecting with the other actor and making the audience believe in that connection.

Anger, while a natural emotion, can have significant effects on both our mental and physical well-being. Let’s explore why it’s considered unhealthy and how it impacts the body:

1. Physical Effects of Anger:

   • Muscle Tension: When we’re angry, our muscles tend to tense up. Chronic muscle tension can lead to issues like spasms, back pain, migraine headaches, and even fibromyalgia (widespread musculoskeletal pain).

   • Cardiac Health: Anger triggers energy surges, releasing chemicals like adrenaline. This increases heart rate, blood flow, and muscle tension. Sustained anger can negatively impact cardiac health and potentially shorten life.

   • Immune System: Prolonged anger compromises the immune system, making us more susceptible to illnesses.

2. Emotional and Mental Impact:

   • Feeling Unsafe: Traumatized individuals often feel unsafe within their bodies. The past lingers as gnawing discomfort, leading them to ignore gut feelings and numb their awareness.

   • Importance of Safe Connections: Feeling safe with others is crucial for mental health. Safe connections are fundamental to meaningful and satisfying lives.

In summary, anger affects us physically, emotionally, and mentally. Recognising and managing anger is essential for overall well-being. If you’d like to explore this topic further, I recommend reading The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk.

Numerous studies have led psychologists to conclude that gratitude is the healthiest emotion.

Feeling and experiencing gratitude not only contributes to happiness but also enhances overall well-being. When we appreciate the positive aspects of our lives, we create a positive feedback loop that benefits both our mental and physical health. So, consider practicing gratitude—it’s like nourishing your emotional immune system!

Expressing love can be a complex and deeply personal experience. It’s important to recognise that everyone expresses and experiences love differently. Here are a few possible reasons why you might find it challenging to express love:

1. Fear of Rejection: Fear of rejection or vulnerability can hold us back from expressing our feelings. We worry about how the other person will react or whether our feelings will be reciprocated.

2. Past Experiences: Previous experiences, especially negative ones, can shape our ability to express love. If you’ve been hurt before, you might be more cautious about opening up.

3. Communication Style: Some people naturally find it easier to express emotions verbally, while others prefer actions or gestures. Understanding your preferred communication style can help.

4. Self-Doubt: Lack of self-confidence can make it difficult to express love. You might question whether you’re worthy of love or if your feelings are valid.

5. Cultural and Social Norms: Cultural and societal expectations play a role. Some cultures encourage open expression of love, while others emphasise restraint.

6. Attachment Style: Your attachment style (e.g., anxious, avoidant, secure) influences how you approach relationships and express emotions.

It’s okay to take your time and find your own way of expressing love. Start by being honest with yourself about your feelings, and gradually share them with someone you trust.

While sadness can be difficult, there are emotions that some people find even more challenging. Here are a couple of examples:

1. Anger: Anger can feel overpowering and intense. It often arises as a response to feeling attacked or powerless. Some people find it easier to express anger than sadness.

2. Depression: Unlike temporary sadness, depression is an ongoing mental health disorder that significantly impacts daily life. It may have no identifiable cause and can be overwhelming.