December often brings unique stresses, with overwhelming holiday to-do lists and the pressure to create a “magical” season.
Emily Willroth, an assistant professor of psychological and brain sciences, addresses the guilt many feel during this time, as societal expectations clash with the reality of stress, overwhelm, sadness, or disappointment.
A study published in Emotion in summer 2023, co-authored by Willroth, reveals that how we respond to unpleasant emotions significantly impacts our psychological health.
The research found that individuals who consistently judge emotions like sadness and anger as harmful or inappropriate are more prone to anxiety and depression compared to those who accept these emotions as usual.
The Value of Acceptance Over Judgment
Willroth suggests acknowledging unpleasant emotions as normal and transient reactions, rather than labeling them as bad, can be beneficial. This acceptance does not imply complacency towards the situations causing these emotions.
On the contrary, Willroth encourages actively addressing and modifying stress-inducing situations, such as adjusting holiday plans or setting boundaries with family, to alleviate negative feelings.
Breaking the Cycle of Emotional Judgment
Judging one’s emotions can be a habitual response for many, potentially leading to psychological difficulties. Willroth advises beginning the process of change by recognizing that unpleasant emotions are a natural and sometimes adaptive response.
Emotions like sadness can signal a need for support, fear can prevent risky behaviors, and anger can motivate self-defense and advocacy.
Strategies for Emotional Acceptance
Discussing emotions with others can be therapeutic and help in normalizing these feelings. Recognizing that negative emotions are a part of the human experience and will pass with time is key to transitioning from judgment to acceptance.
While it’s normal to judge emotions occasionally, persistent intense feelings or long-lasting unpleasant emotions that disrupt daily life may warrant professional mental health assistance.
In conclusion, Willroth’s insights highlight the importance of accepting rather than judging our emotional responses, particularly during the stressful holiday season.
This approach helps in coping with immediate stressors and contributes to overall psychological well-being.
If you care about mental health, please read studies about how dairy foods may influence depression risk, and B vitamins could help prevent depression and anxiety.
For more information about mental health, please see recent studies that ultra-processed foods may make you feel depressed, and extra-virgin olive oil could reduce depression symptoms.
The research findings can be found in Emotion.
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