EMOTIONS

EMOTIONSEmotions: signals that tell your mind and body how to react.

Hormones: chemicals produced by your glands that regulate the activities of different body cells.

MANAGING DIFFICULT EMOTIONS

Defense Mechanisms: mental processes that protect individuals from strong or stressful emotions and situations.

1. Involuntarily pushing unpleasant feelings out of ones mind.REPRESSION

2. Returning to behaviors characteristic of a younger age, rather than dealing with problems in a mature manner.

REGRESSION3. Unconscious lack of recognition of something that is obvious

to others. DENIAL

4. Attributing your own feelings or faults to another person or group.

PROJECTION5. Consciously and intentionally pushing unpleasant feelings

out of one’s mind. SUPPRESSION

6. Making excuses to explain a situation or behavior, rather than taking responsibility for it.

RATIONALIZATION7. Making up for weaknesses and mistakes through gift giving,

hard work, or extreme efforts. COMPENSATION

HOW TO HANDLE YOUR EMOTIONS Be honest with yourself. Talk to somebody about your feelings. Don't ignore your emotions, they are telling you

something. If you are having an unpleasant feeling, think of

something you can do that will help, and then do it.

Find positive ways to express anger that are not hurtful to others.

Remember, whatever you are feeling, you're not alone.

Try not to get overwhelmed, things usually improve.

If you do get overwhelmed—ask for help.