What We Can't Forget When We Praise People Who Hide Their Feelings
I feel like there’s this huge misconception that sharing your feelings makes you weak, and holding everything in makes you strong.
I’m sorry, but I have to disagree.
I’m not saying if you’re someone who keeps your emotions and thoughts inside you’re not strong. Rather, I’m saying there’s nothing wrong with sharing how you feel. I’ve heard it before, and I’m sure you have too. People call other people strong and say things like, “Wow, I didn’t even know you had (insert mental or physical health issue here).” People say this is as if a person hiding their issues makes someone strong. Now, don’t get me wrong. There are plenty of people who are strong who don’t share their feelings or emotions. However, I feel we need to make sure we also note people who do share their feelings and struggles are strong, too. Maybe I’m wrong, but it seems like people tend to give more credit to those who hold in their feelings than to those who don’t. I think that’s wrong and also sad. I think people need to know it’s OK to share their issues and feelings, and by doing so, not only are they helping themselves, but they’re helping others who struggle as well.
By sharing what we go through, we inform others who struggle they’re not alone. Especially when it comes to dealing with mental health, sharing how one feels is extremely important. It is hard enough for an individual to go through life struggling on a daily basis, let alone holding in how they feel. By sharing our feelings and struggles, we are opening ourselves to the healing power of support – of connection.
Perhaps, I’m a little biased. I’ve always been the type of person who talks about my issues (to those I trust anyway). Sometimes, I feel like the world wants this and appreciates this trait, and other times, not so much. There are tons of people out there who sadly don’t want to hear it. However, we need to realize sharing our feelings is important and, as I said, beneficial to ourselves and others. So don’t hold in how you feel. Share your feelings and struggles with those who you trust! You may just find that by sharing your struggles, feelings and emotions, you meet wonderful people who share how you feel and are willing to help in more ways than you could have ever imagined!
This post originally appeared on Getting Through Anxiety.
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Hi, I enjoy writing and sharing my experiences with others. For many years, I have struggled with anxiety and know how difficult it can be to deal with something so seemingly limiting. I have loved to write since I was in first grade and am now a published author! My first book, Rest in Piece, was published in October 2016 and I have self-published five books since. My hobbies include: writing, reading, watching TV and working hard to get through my anxiety. I currently have blogs at Getting Through Anxiety and at Rest in Piece. I hope that through my writing, I can help others realize they are not alone in their struggles and that they can overcome their obstacles. “If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” –Toni Morrison
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