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diff --git a/content/entry/identifying-and-processing-emotions-with-alexithymia.md b/content/entry/identifying-and-processing-emotions-with-alexithymia.md index 72366a1..86b70ec 100644 --- a/content/entry/identifying-and-processing-emotions-with-alexithymia.md +++ b/content/entry/identifying-and-processing-emotions-with-alexithymia.md @@ -57,14 +57,14 @@ What I'm describing is how to use writing as a kind of meditative tool to proces "Isn't this just stream of consciousness writing?" No. It's related, but not exactly the same. The difference is I don't write down the thoughts that aren't relevant to the emotion I'm dealing with. "But how do you know if it's relevant?" If I'm writing about the death of a family member and I think "I could really use a glass of water right now." that's not relevant. I'm just thirsty. If I can't decide if it's relevant or not, I write about why I can't decide. If I have a strong emotional reaction to the thought, like "I shouldn't write that down!" then it's almost certainly relevant and I should write it down. -"How does acknowledging thoughts help process emotions?" I'm no psychologist. I just know that it does based on personal experience. The best way I can explain it is that the mind works on a similar principle to the [Observer Effect](https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Observer_effect_%28physics%29) in physics. The classic example is when you're checking the tire pressure of an automobile. In order to check the tire pressure, a little bit of air has to seep out of the tire. The act of measuring the tire changes it. +"How does acknowledging thoughts help process emotions?" I'm no psychologist. I just know that it does based on personal experience. The best way I can explain it is that the mind works on a similar principle to the [Observer Effect](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Observer_effect_%28physics%29) in physics. The classic example is when you're checking the tire pressure of an automobile. In order to check the tire pressure, a little bit of air has to seep out of the tire. The act of measuring the tire changes it. Similarly, when you observe your own thoughts and emotions without judgment, your mind changes a little bit with each observation. If you make it a regular habit to observe your thoughts, your mind changes a lot. You feel more in control. You stop doing things you later regret. And life is just better. ### Other Methods -There are other techniques for processing emotions if you have alexithymia, but I've found meditation and writing to be particularly helpful for me personally. Maybe talking to friends or a therapist is more your style. I view those as more social methods, but I believe they accomplish the same basic thing: Getting you to acknowledge your thoughts and emotions without judgment. If you have a severe condition like [PTSD](https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post-traumatic_stress_disorder), definitely look for a professional or trusted friend before you try any meditative exercise. +There are other techniques for processing emotions if you have alexithymia, but I've found meditation and writing to be particularly helpful for me personally. Maybe talking to friends or a therapist is more your style. I view those as more social methods, but I believe they accomplish the same basic thing: Getting you to acknowledge your thoughts and emotions without judgment. If you have a severe condition like [PTSD](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post-traumatic_stress_disorder), definitely look for a professional or trusted friend before you try any meditative exercise. -A good therapist, especially one trained in [cognitive behavioral therapy](https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_behavioral_therapy), can help you shed light on your deep seated emotional baggage, related thoughts, and core beliefs. Unfortunately, the people who need therapy the most avoid it because they don't want to think they need help. In my experience, the people who are certain they don't need help need it more than anyone. Regardless, there's nothing wrong with reaching out. +A good therapist, especially one trained in [cognitive behavioral therapy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_behavioral_therapy), can help you shed light on your deep seated emotional baggage, related thoughts, and core beliefs. Unfortunately, the people who need therapy the most avoid it because they don't want to think they need help. In my experience, the people who are certain they don't need help need it more than anyone. Regardless, there's nothing wrong with reaching out. A trusted friend who is emotionally receptive can also help, but probably not as much as a trained therapist. Neither a friend nor a therapist can acknowledge your thoughts and emotions for you though. You have to step through that door. Other people can only show you the door. |