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Conventional scientific wisdom recognizes six "classic" emotions: happy, surprised, afraid, disgusted, angry, and sad. Researchers say that the distinction between anger and disgust and between surprise and fear is socially and not biologically-based. This leaves us with four "basic" emotions according to this study: happy, sad, fearful/surprised, and angry/disgusted.

What role do emotions serve? Emotions help motivate us. They alert us to danger and help us survive. Some of the decisions we make are influenced by our feelings. When we interact with other people, emotions are the bonds that connect us. Emotions can be persistent, powerful, complex, and even life-changing. Our emotions can look like a flash of annoyance at a coworker or enduring sadness over the loss of a relationship.

If you are struggling with how to manage your emotions, call PAS at 919-416-1727. Our professionally licensed counselors can help.

Source: theatlantic.com and verywellmind.com

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Anger

Do you or someone you know anger easily? Are you prone to explosive outbursts, yelling, screaming, and losing control of your temper? If so, these symptoms indicate toxic levels of hostility. Learning to control anger is a challenge for everyone at times. Seek help for anger issues if your anger seems out of control, causes you to do things you regret, or hurts those around you.

Depression

While we all feel sad, moody, or low from time to time, some people experience these feelings intensely, for long periods of time (e.g., weeks, months or even years) and sometimes without any apparent reason. Depression is more than just a low mood – it's a serious condition that affects your physical and mental health.

Grief

When someone important to you dies, shock and grief are normal responses. When we understand this natural process, take care of ourselves, and remember to seek support, grief can lead to healing and personal growth.

Stress

Stress is your body's response to any change in its inner or outer environment. You cannot rid yourself of all stress. Stress is a response to living. The critical factor to living well with life's stressors, however, is our thoughts about the situations in which we find ourselves.

Money-related Stress

According to a recent survey, 71% of Americans identify money as a significant cause of stress in their lives.

Suicide

It may be impossible to imagine a situation in which the only solution in sight is the tunnel vision of ending one's life. There is not one single factor that causes someone to consider suicide. It is usually the hopelessness and despair commonly associated with clinical depression. Many survivors of suicide attempts eventually come to see that suicide is not the solution. Treatment is available and recovery is possible.

Trauma

Trauma is defined by the American Psychological Association (APA) as the emotional response someone has to an extremely negative event. While trauma is a normal reaction to a horrible event, the effects can be so severe that they interfere with an individual's ability to live a normal life. In such cases, help may be needed to treat the stress and dysfunction caused by the traumatic event and to restore the individual to a state of emotional well-being.

The more connected you are with yourself and the more you have an understanding of your emotional responses the easier it is to deal with life’s challenges and understand why somethings impact you in a particular way.

Marsha Linehan