CPA Assist is proud to support the Canadian Mental Health Association’s (CMHA) Mental Health Week (May 3-9). This year, the focus of the campaign is on naming, expressing, and regulating emotions, so CPA Assist is sharing strategies to help CPAs improve this aspect of their mental health.
Humans are hardwired to seek pleasure and avoid pain. So instead of noticing a personal reaction or feeling an emotion—especially if the emotion is negative or if the circumstances of the emotion are stressful—individuals may seek to numb or suppress these feelings as a means of coping. Numbing can be done through many means, such as addictive behaviours, misplaced emotions, and other habits (ie. TV binging, online shopping). Suppressing can be done by ignoring the emotion or trying to push it down; however, suppression does not make the feelings go away, it merely internalizes the emotions and can lead to more personal pain or an explosive reaction later on.
True emotional regulation is the ability to apply influence over one’s own emotional state. It involves reframing thought patterns, being personally aware, monitoring reactions to challenging situations, and focusing on reasons to stay calm and present.
Regulating emotions is an important aspect of mental health and strengthening personal resiliency. The following three strategies can improve emotional regulation; you can click on each heading learn more about the topic):
1. Sharing and saying the name of the feeling out loud
Heavy feelings lighten when you put them into words, so voicing emotions can assist in the ability to manage them. Additionally, by naming the feeling out loud, you activate a higher brain function, which allows you to be more intentional in your actions.
This video, presented by Dr. Thamarai Moothy, Registered Psychologist at Resolve Wellness Psychology Inc., provides tips to practice mindfulness, including exercises you can incorporate into your daily routine.
3. Learn about your emotions and your personal triggers
Learning to recognize your personal triggers and physiological responses can help regulate them This recognition involves paying attention to the situations which generate a strong emotional response. These can often be identified by the presence of physical symptoms like an increased heart rate, gritted teeth, upset stomach, and sweaty palms. Noticing these responses will help you regulate your feelings.
Next time you find yourself in a highly emotional situation, try these tips and see how they work!
CPA Assist provides confidential counselling services and 24/7 crisis support to Alberta and Saskatchewan CPAs, candidates, and their immediate families. To book an appointment through CPA Assist, call 1-855-596-4222 or email cpaforbes@telus.net.
