Misconceptions Of Processing Feelings

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Processing feelings is the way an individual goes about processing the emotions and anxiety they face in their life. Processing feelings is best done by the individual in his or her own head. The common misconception of processing feelings is to talk it out, but it turns out this often burdens the relationship with even more relationship intensity. There are approximately 5 steps to take when processing feelings. The first step is to observe the feeling state, the second step is to calm the intense feelings, the third step it to analyze and think about what triggered the emotional response, the fourth step is to check to see if there are any healthier emotional responses, and the fifth and final step is repetition of these new responses …show more content…
I noticed that the way I process my feelings has a lot to do with my culture. I was born and raised in a Hispanic background and lifestyle. I was raised in an environment full of machismo beliefs and values. Machismo is defined as a strong sense of masculine pride. I’m proud to say I was raised by a strong willed, loving Hispanic woman that diminished much of the machismo influence, but the way I process my feelings was greatly affected by this. As a young boy I was influenced to suppress my feelings and not to acknowledge them. There were times growing up when I was both physically and mentally hurt, but I suppressed those feelings because that’s what I believed I was supposed to do. This has greatly influenced my overall well-being at certain times throughout my life. When an individual suppresses their feelings it can become stressful and cause anxiety. Eventually the individual will become overwhelmed with all of their suppressed feelings and can possibly have a breakdown. This is exactly what I experienced growing up and still experience today. It’s not until recently that I can see how this method is extremely unhealthy. I was very surprised to learn how this method of processing feelings can be traced back to my culture and the Hispanic lifestyle. Now that I’m better informed on how to process feelings I can began to improve this process and hopefully reduce the anxiety and stress in my