In the hustle and bustle of life, with all its ups and downs, we often overlook a simple yet essential truth: our emotions are not just fleeting states, but gateways to our thoughts, and, consequently, our actions. When we experience emotions such as sadness, anger, anxiety, or even joy, the psychological experience doesn't end with the feeling itself; it extends to influence the way we think and the decisions we make, which can ultimately change the course of our lives. This interplay is a key element in understanding mental health in Kuwait.
Thus, it is no surprise that we are often reminded:
"Don’t make permanent decisions based on temporary feelings."
However, this raises a deeper question:
How should we deal with our emotions? Should we suppress them, or let them lead us?
What is the difference between a feeling and a thought?
It is important to understand that a feeling is an emotional state that arises as a reaction to an event or situation, while a thought is the interpretation we give to that feeling.
For instance, after a frustrating experience, you might find yourself thinking, 'I don't deserve success.' While the feeling of frustration is completely normal, the thought that follows may not be realistic or fair to yourself.
When such negative thoughts repeat over time, they can form patterns that chip away at your self-esteem, strain your relationships, and even hold you back from reaching your goals. Approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can be highly effective in breaking these patterns.
In some cultural contexts, people may feel pressured to hold back their emotions to demonstrate self-control or avoid being perceived as vulnerable. The truth is, emotions that we avoid don’t simply vanish. Instead, they get stored in both the body and mind, eventually surfacing in various forms—such as stress, unexpected bursts of anger, or even chronic health issues.
A healthy mental state doesn’t mean the absence of negative emotions, but rather the ability to recognize, name, and handle them with intention. It’s not about avoiding difficult feelings, but understanding them and responding to them in a way that supports our well-being. So, the question becomes: What can help us achieve this awareness?
Therapy provides a safe space for individuals to express themselves and gain insight into their emotional responses. Through this process, individuals not only gain self-awareness but also develop a deeper understanding of their emotions and the underlying causes of their reactions. This therapeutic relationship can be transformative, as it helps individuals learn new coping strategies, reframe negative thought patterns, and build a more balanced emotional life. Specific support, such as therapy for emotional decision-making, can also guide individuals to make better, more thoughtful choices.
Consciously working with our emotions is something we practice every day—self-awareness isn’t a gift we’re born with, but a skill we cultivate over time. Mental health in Kuwait isn’t a destination to reach, but an ongoing journey of self-connection, rooted in honesty, kindness, and patience.
The emotions we often try to avoid—whether it’s sadness, fear, or anger—are often the very ones we need to face in order to heal. By embracing our thoughts and feelings with awareness, we open the door to living more authentically and finding deeper peace of mind.
