Emotions are an essential aspect of being human. They color our experiences, guide our decisions, and shape our relationships. However, for many people, emotions can also be a source of great difficulty and distress. Understanding and managing emotions is a skill that doesn’t always come naturally. Let’s explore some of the reasons why emotions can be so challenging.

Emotions are Subjective and Abstract

One of the primary reasons emotions are difficult is because they are inherently subjective and abstract. Unlike concrete facts or physical sensations, emotions are personal, intangible experiences that can be hard to put into words. What triggers an emotional response in one person may have no impact on another. This subjectivity can make it challenging to understand and communicate our emotions effectively.

Emotional Responses are Complex

Emotions are rarely straightforward. We often experience multiple, sometimes contradictory emotions simultaneously. For example, you might feel both excited and nervous about starting a new job, or happy for a friend’s success while also battling feelings of jealousy. This emotional complexity can be confusing and overwhelming, making it harder to identify and process our true feelings.

Society Sends Mixed Messages

From a young age, we receive mixed messages about emotions from society and our upbringing. Some emotions, like happiness and gratitude, are celebrated, while others, like anger or sadness, are often discouraged or stigmatized. We may be told to “toughen up,” “get over it,” or “look on the bright side” when we express difficult emotions. These messages can lead to emotional suppression and make it harder to acknowledge and cope with challenging feelings in healthy ways.

Emotions Can Feel Overwhelming

Intense emotions can be physically and mentally overwhelming. When we’re in the grip of strong feelings like grief, rage, or despair, it can feel all-consuming. We may feel out of control or unable to think rationally. This intensity can be frightening and lead to a desire to avoid or numb uncomfortable emotions rather than face them head-on.

Emotional Regulation is a Learned Skill

Managing emotions effectively is a skill that must be learned and practiced. Emotional regulation involves recognizing emotions, understanding their purpose, and finding healthy ways to express and cope with them. Many people, however, never receive direct instruction or modeling of these skills. In the absence of this learning, emotional regulation can feel mysterious and unattainable.

Past Experiences Shape Emotional Responses

Our past experiences, especially early life events and trauma, can profoundly impact how we experience and express emotions. If we’ve had negative or traumatic experiences with certain emotions, like being punished for expressing anger or shamed for crying, we may develop an aversion or phobia to those feelings. These learned responses can make it harder to process emotions in adulthood.

The Intangible Nature of Emotions

Unlike physical health issues, which often have observable symptoms and clear treatment pathways, emotional struggles are largely invisible. We can’t see anxiety in an X-ray or grief in a blood test. This intangibility can make emotional challenges feel less valid than physical ones and lead to self-doubt or a reluctance to seek support.

Despite these challenges, developing a healthy relationship with our emotions is possible and vital for our wellbeing. By building self-awareness, practicing self-compassion, and learning emotional regulation skills, we can begin to untangle the complexities of our emotional lives.

Remember, struggling with emotions is a normal, universal human experience. Acknowledging the difficulties and seeking support when needed are signs of strength, not weakness. With curiosity, patience, and practice, we can all learn to navigate the intricate landscape of our emotions with greater understanding and resilience.