Title: Helpful vs Harmful: Ways to Manage Emotions | Mental Health America
Headings: Helpful vs Harmful: Ways to Manage Emotions
Helpful vs Harmful: Ways to Manage Emotions
Denial
Withdrawal
Bullying
Self-harm
Substance use
Pause Acknowledge Think Help
Step 1: Pause.
Step 2: Acknowledge what you’re feeling.
Step 3: Think.
Step 4: Help.
If you are having trouble thinking of ways to help yourself, try one (or a few) from this list:
Mood Boosters
Address Your Basic Needs
Process Feelings
Problem Solving
Volunteering/Acts of Kindness
Hobbies/Stress Relievers
Relaxation Exercises
Ask for Help
If nothing seems to work...

Content: In fact, it may lead to more problems to deal with down the road. Some of the harmful ways that people deal with negative emotions: Denial
Denial is when a person refuses to accept that anything is wrong or that help may be needed. When people deny that they are having problematic feelings, those feelings can bottle-up to a point that a person ends up “exploding” or acting out in a harmful way. Withdrawal
Withdrawal is when a person doesn’t want to be around, or participate in activities with other people. This is different than wanting to be alone from time to time, and can be a warning sign of depression. Some people may withdraw because being around others takes too much energy, or they feel overwhelmed. Others may withdraw because they don’t think other people like them or want them to be around. In some cases, people who have behaviors that they are ashamed of may withdraw so other people don’t find out about what they are doing. But withdrawal brings its own problems: