Title: Understanding the Emotional Pyramid: From “I Don’t Know” to “I Won’t”

December 30, 2023

  Introduction Welcome back to Making Lived Experiences Matter. If you’ve been following our series, you know that we’ve been exploring various aspects of mental health and the importance of our lived experiences. In this post, we’ll dive into the concept of mental health consultancy, how it differs from therapy or counseling, and introduce the idea of the emotional pyramid—how our emotions escalate from uncertainty to anger. What is Mental Health Consultancy? As a mental health consultant, my work is different from traditional therapy or counseling. My approach is rooted in the belief that our life experiences are valuable and that each of us is important. This principle is the foundation of my work, where I aim to help people navigate their mental and emotional challenges by co-creating knowledge through conversations. The Power of "I Don’t Know" Just like when we visit a doctor for a physical issue, our initial thought is often, “I don’t know what’s happening to me.” This uncertainty is the starting point of many mental health challenges. In mental health, the "I don’t know" feeling can stem from various situations—whether it’s dealing with a relationship issue, parenting, work stress, or any other aspect of life. Life is inherently unpredictable, and it’s natural to have these "I don’t know" moments. These moments of uncertainty are actually a form of energy—an emotion that needs to be acknowledged and understood. The Emotional Pyramid: From "I Don’t Know" to "I Won’t" When we can't figure out what’s causing our uncertainty, our emotions can escalate. This progression forms what I call the emotional pyramid:

1. Stage 1: "I Don’t Know" (Anxiety)
   • This is the initial stage where uncertainty and anxiety arise. It’s the feeling of being lost or unsure about how to handle a situation.
2. Stage 2: "I Can’t" (Sadness/Depression)
   • If the uncertainty continues without resolution, it can lead to feelings of helplessness or sadness. We start to believe, "I can’t do this," and this can manifest as depression or frustration.
3. Stage 3: "I Won’t" (Anger)
   • Finally, when the feelings of helplessness are not addressed, they can escalate to anger. This anger might be directed at ourselves or others, leading to feelings of isolation or resentment.

Co-Creating Knowledge: The First Step in Healing In making lived experiences matter, the first step is knowledge exchange or co-creation. This means that both the client and the professional bring their unique knowledge to the table. As a mental health professional, I rely on your lived experiences to understand your challenges and work with you to find solutions. Your knowledge of your life is invaluable, and it’s essential for effective support and intervention. Reflecting on Your Own Emotional Pyramid As we conclude this post, I encourage you to reflect on your own life. Are you in an "I don’t know" phase? Are you experiencing anxiety, sadness, or anger? Understanding where you are in the emotional pyramid is the first step toward seeking the help you need. Next Steps In our next post, we’ll explore the origins of these emotions—where they come from, how they develop in the brain, and what we can do to manage them. Join the Conversation Thank you for being part of this journey. I invite you to share your thoughts, questions, or experiences in the comments section below. If there’s a topic you’d like to hear more about, let me know. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay updated on future posts.