Emotion and Emotional Issues

What are Emotional Issues?

 Various factors can combine to cause emotional issues in a person. The various states of emotional distress occur where the mood of the person is lowered or "depressed" below, elevated above, or swing around what is considered normal. Normal level is that which is normally considered the average state where people cope and function "normally".  

What is an Emotional Issue or Cause?

Various factors again can combine to cause emotional issues. Common causes are Trauma, Abuse, Poor Parenting, Childhood unhappiness, Relationship unhappiness, Negative behaviour in the Workplace, Executive Stress, Domestic Violence, Fears and Panic Attacks, and a large range of learn negative behaviours and belief systems. Also things can be missing, such as spirituality, experiences of love and being loved or nurtured, respected, liked etc. all of these experiences, or lack of them, make us who we are, problems and all.

What are typical types of Emotional Issue?

There are a wide range of emotional issues, most commonly known are Anxiety, Depression and Stress. In addition there are more specific examples such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Non-Epileptic Attack Disorder, Phobias, Fears, Panic attacks, lack of confidence, poor self-esteem, eating disorders, addictions, obsessive behaviours and compulsions.

What can be done to assist Emotional Issues?

There are a number of things that are needed in combination. Some practitioners just give symptomatic relief treatment. This is not a good idea since unless underlying issues are addressed, the problem will inevitably return. Worse still it is always more disheartening when you though you had overcome the problem!

Depression and Anxiety are medical conditions, therefore complementary health should be in complement to seeking medical advice. Usually your GP will be supportive towards his or her patients seeking counselling, psychotherapy or other complementary heath therapies. Always seek medical advice and note that complementary health therapy does not claim to "cure" medical complaints, but instead work to assist the client in helping themselves.

Some people suffer emotional issues due to medical reasons such as hormonal or inherited factors. These people can be assisted by helping them to deal with this disability better. Other people suffer due to transitory or post traumatic factors. These people can usually gain substantial or complete relief.

Underlying issues are addressed using counselling, psychotherapy and related "talking therapies".  These are designed to draw out those comments, traumas and beliefs that are stored without question in the subconscious. Just be drawing them out and being conscious of them, you gain an element of control over them. Of course it also means that once identified the issues can be tackled with other forms of therapy too. These might be positive visualisation, positive self-talk, positive affirmations, meditation, self-hypnosis, hypnotherapy, Neuro linguistic programming (NLP) or a combination of techniques best suited to the individual client.

In addition to treating the underlying causes, behaviour change techniques can be used directly to increase confidence, improve self-image and get the client to think positively about themselves and their lives. this changes the way people feel generally, keeps them on a more even keel, and prevents every "knock" in life dragging them down.  These are very effective, but should always be used in combination with treating the underlying causes. It is common for clients to commit to both, then start to feel better because of the behaviour change component, and think the work is done! Luckily most of the return and finish the process. this does however waste time and it is better to stick with the course and finish the process sooner!

As well as behaviour change and the talking therapies, life coaching is very useful. This is because a person's progress is optimised if their circumstances and environment are positive. Thus making positive changes in lifestyle and environment can nurture the client and their progress. Obviously remaining in a very negative environment is not helpful when you are trying to feel better!

All change can be a little scary, even painful when dealing with and facing underlying fears. Having said that, most people find the process of learning to love and respect themselves pleasant, uplifting and empowering.

Typically clients will have two or three initial sessions over three to five weeks. After the process is initiated, sessions are usually then spaced out at fortnightly intervals. This is important since the client needs time between sessions to make changes and discover information, "homework" if you like. In some locations the initial sessions are combined into a day of work, and following sessions are monthly instead. Where severe depression or anxiety exist, more frequent assistance may be required.

The award winning "Stress Pack" is used as a training tool with depressed and anxious clients. It is a personal analysis and development tool that helps clients to maintain progress between sessions and discover valuable information about themselves for their own reference and for discussion in sessions.