No Good or Bad Emotions – Just Messages from Within

So often we label our feelings as “good” or “bad.” Happiness is welcome, but anger, sadness, or fear? We push them away.

The truth is … there are no good or bad emotions. It is our reactions and behaviours that can be harmful to ourselves and others.

Every feeling has a purpose – they’re signals telling us something about our needs, values, or environment.

What really matters is how we respond to those emotions. For example:

• Feeling angry? That might be a sign your boundaries were crossed. A healthy reaction could be taking a walk or calmly stating your needs instead of lashing out.

• Feeling sad? It may mean you’ve lost something important. Giving yourself permission to cry, journal, or talk it through is far more helpful than shutting down.

• Feeling anxious? It could be your body’s way of alerting you to uncertainty. Managing your reaction might look like deep breathing, grounding techniques, or breaking a task into smaller steps.

When we meet our emotions with acceptance and curiosity instead of judgment, we give ourselves space to respond in ways that are healing rather than harmful.

Next time a strong feeling shows up, try asking yourself: “What is this emotion trying to tell me?” Then choose a response that supports your wellbeing.

#MentalHealthAwareness #EmotionalWellbeing #Mindfulness #TraumaInformed #SelfCompassion #PsychologyTips