In my work with people (patients, family members, and other people I encounter in life), I sometimes ask them to tell me how they are feeling. That usually generates them telling a story from their life (past or present). Then I ask them what emotions that event is making them feel. People feel emotions but often are not accurately able to name them. In order to deal effectively with our emotions, we should be able to name them.

The next time you are upset and can’t identify why you are upset try to examine how you are feeling, the event that triggered your feelings, and this list of emotions. It could give you new insight and help you feel better more quickly!