Feeling my emotions

Emotions arise as a kind of response
to what I am experiencing.
Emotions show me
how I'm doing right now.
Emotions can feel good.
But they can also make me sick.
Or make life harder.

Emotions can be very confusing at times.
For example, when I experience something
and I feel good and bad emotions at the same time.
Then it can be a good thing to be able to sort through these emotions.
The next few pages should help with that.
Here are descriptions of four important emotions
which cause problems for some women*:
Anger, fear, sadness and shame.

Anger: A powerful emotion

Anger is a very powerful emotion.
When people cannot control their anger, it can cause many problems.
For example:
When I hurt others because of my anger.
Or if I hurt myself.

Anger can have its good sides, too.
Anger brings a lot of energy and power.
Anger can be used to defend yourself.
It makes you strong.
Anger can make people who feel weak feel strong again.

Fear: A threatening feeling

Many people are afraid or scared.
They are afraid of other people, for example.
If you are very scared,
this can keep you from living your life.
For example:
I'm afraid to leave the apartment.
I never try anything new.
I'm afraid
something bad might happen when I do this.

If you are very afraid,
it can be difficult
to be cheerful.

Fear can have its good sides, too.
Fear warns people of danger.
They can then run away, or fight back.
Fear can protect you.

Sadness: A heavy feeling.

Many people know the feeling of great sadness.
Everything feels heavy.
You often feel lonely.
Some people have to cry a lot.
Nothing feels nice anymore.
Crying can also make you feel better.
For example:
When I feel the sadness and cry a lot,
I can feel better afterwards.

Sadness can also have its good sides.
For example:
Sadness shows me
what's important to me.
It shows me what I need.
Or that I'd like to have someone close to me.
That's when talking to someone can help.

Shame: A troubling feeling.

Everybody feels ashamed sometimes.
You can feel ashamed for very different reasons.
Your reason may be in the past.
Shame shows in different ways.
For example:
I look down at the ground.
Or I want to hide.
I don't want others to look at me.

Those who are ashamed would like to disappear.
Those who are ashamed sometimes don't like themselves.

Shame can also have its good sides.
For example:
Shame shows me what makes me uncomfortable and embarrassed.
It shows me where my boundaries are.
That’s when it's good for me to say:
“I don't like that!”

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