EMOTIONAL HEALTH

 What are they and what do they do?

These are emotions which compel us to harm ourselves or others, when allowed to control us. There is a wide gamut of these emotions and we are all familiar with the major ones.

 Some specific destructive emotions include feelings of anger, rage, depression, fear, anxiety, timidity, envy, hatred, greed, arrogance, laziness etc. Even happiness that is out of bound can become very destructive, such as in manic happiness. All these emotions are ruled by three main states; anger, fear and depression.

                                                        DESTRUCTIVE EMOTION

 Anger

This is not an unacceptable emotion as several research studies have defined feelings of anger as part of our evolutionary make up and hence essential for our survival. It becomes unhealthy when it controls the individual and drives him or her to act against their better judgement.

 Fear

Fear comes in many forms and includes anxiety and timidity. It is emotions that can also help us survive better and longer as long as what we feel produces only appropriate cautious behaviour. If fear rules our mind, we end up victims of neurosis and psychosis that alter our perception of reality.

 Depression

All of us have been victim to this feeling at some point in our lives. We are here today only because we survived the spell that this emotion casts on us. It is very easy to succumb to depression because it sneaks up on you in such a gradual manner that one does not even realize what is happening until fully emerged in its thrall.

 Why do we need to manage destructive emotion?

They stop us from living our life to the fullest. In addition, they affect our relationships adversely and detract from our quality of life.

 HEALTH EFFECT OF THESE EMOTIONS

Individuals who are prone to anger and fits of rage have an increased predisposition to hypertension. Those who give in to greed and gluttony ail from diabetes. Those who give in to laziness and sloth will need to deal with obesity and increased cholesterol level. Depressed people tend to make wrong decisions in life and have state that blend into dementia.

 HOW TO MANAGE DESTRUCTIVE EMOTIONS

Destructive emotions can be stopped from taking control of our lives by a few simple measures. These include;

·        Knowing what emotions that motivate you negatively

·        Identifying factors that trigger and aggravate these emotions

·        Developing suitable approaches to manage the emotion

               

SPECIFIC MEASURES

·        Maintain a positive attitude

·        Eat healthy! Individuals who are prone to anger should avoid food that are high in glycemic index and take diets that are liberal in fibres and vitamins.

·        Exercise; this can help relieve stress and aid refreshed thought processes and this will in turn release endorphins which are happy chemicals that help one stay happy and healthy.

·        Avoid blaming others as it is frustrating and impairs your ability to focus on finding solutions.

·        Meditate! Concentrating on calming one’s breathing, can help bring a semblance of order to chaotic thoughts.

·        Share your feelings

·        Seek professional help if self-help measures are ineffectual or inadequate at resolving one’s problem.