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: Self-harm
Self-harm can take many forms including: cutting, starving one’s self, binging and purging, or participating in dangerous behavior. Many people self-harm because they feel like it gives them control over emotional pain. While self-harming may bring temporary relief, these behaviors can become addictive and can lead people to be more out of control and in greater pain than ever. Substance use
Substance use is the use of alcohol and other drugs to make a person feel better or numb about painful situations. Alcohol and drug use can damage the brain, making it need higher amounts of substances to get the same effect. This can make difficult feelings even worse and in some cases, leads to suicidal thoughts or addiction. If you are concerned about your own or someone else’s use of drugs or alcohol, talk to a responsible adult right away to get help. The good news is that with practice, everyone can do a better job of dealing with their negative emotions in healthy ways. One way to deal with uncomfortable or unpleasant emotions is to remember the word PATH.