Introduction Welcome to Part 4 of our Making Lived Experiences Matter series. If you've been following along, you’re already familiar with our discussions on emotions and their impact on our mental health. In this post, we’ll explore the concept of emotional energy, how our emotions develop from unpredictability, and why creating safe spaces for emotional expression is essential for both children and adults. Emotions as Energy in Motion Emotions are essentially energy in motion—E-motions. They arise in our brains when we encounter unpredictability or the unknown. The first emotion that typically surfaces is anxiety, a natural response when we feel unsafe or uncertain about our surroundings. This anxiety acts as a protective mechanism, urging us to retreat to a place of safety. The First Cry: Our Initial Encounter with Anxiety Consider the experience of a newborn baby. The very first anxiety they feel manifests as the birth cry—a response to the overwhelming change from the womb’s safe environment to the outside world. This sudden exposure to new sensations—temperature changes, loud noises, and touch—triggers a panic response. The newborn's instinctive cry is their way of expressing this anxiety. To help the baby feel safe again, we wrap them in blankets, provide skin-to-skin contact, and offer food. These actions satisfy their basic survival needs and help reduce anxiety. The baby begins to feel secure, loved, and starts trusting their environment. The Role of Emotional Hygiene As we grow, the way we handle this emotional energy becomes crucial. Children often express their emotions—whether anxiety, sadness, or anger—through crying or screaming. This expression is a natural release of their emotional energy. However, as caregivers, we often rush to soothe them with phrases like "Don’t cry" or "It’s okay." While well-intentioned, these responses can inadvertently teach children to suppress their emotions rather than express them. Emotional hygiene, like physical hygiene, is vital for maintaining a healthy mind. Just as we teach children about toilet hygiene, we should also guide them in emotional hygiene—how to recognize, express, and regulate their emotions. Unfortunately, emotional hygiene is often overlooked, leaving many adults struggling with unexpressed emotions, which can lead to issues like anxiety, depression, or relationship conflicts. Creating Safe Spaces for Emotional Expression One of the most important things we can do for both children and adults is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space where they can freely express their emotions. When a child—or anyone—expresses anxiety, sadness, or anger, our first step should be to offer comfort and safety. This might involve simply being present, offering a hug, or reassuring them that their feelings are valid and they are loved. Allowing someone to express their emotions without fear of judgment helps them learn to self-regulate. For children, this co-regulation—where the caregiver is present with them in their emotional experience—is crucial for their emotional development. The Consequences of Emotional Suppression When we rush to fix or dismiss emotions, we deprive individuals of the opportunity to learn how to handle their feelings healthily. This can lead to emotional co-escalation, where both parties in a relationship—whether parent and child or partners—end up amplifying each other’s emotions rather than resolving them. Over time, this pattern can create significant challenges in personal and interpersonal relationships. Conclusion: Emphasizing Emotional Hygiene In today’s session, we discussed the importance of emotional hygiene and the need for safe, loving spaces where emotions can be expressed and regulated. As we move forward, it’s crucial to remember that emotions are not our enemies; they are vital sources of energy that help us navigate life’s challenges. By fostering emotional hygiene from an early age, we can help individuals develop healthier, more resilient minds. Next Steps In our next post, we will delve deeper into how anxieties arise and explore effective ways to manage and release them. Stay tuned, and remember to like, share, and subscribe to keep up with our series.
