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: 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. PATH stands for: Pause Acknowledge Think Help
Step 1: Pause. This step is important because instead of acting on feelings right away, you stop yourself and think things through. Count to 100 or say the alphabet backwards.