My Negative Feelings Series Introduces: STUCK WITH NEGATIVE EMOTIONS?

Emotions: Negative or Positive

Emotions are a fundamental aspect of your human experience, shaping how we perceive and interact with the world. Psychologist Paul Ekman initially proposed seven basic emotions: fear, anger, joy, sadness, contempt, disgust, and surprise. Over time, he refined his theory to focus on six primary emotions: fear, anger, joy, sadness, disgust, and surprise. In social discourse and psychology, these emotions are often categorised as positive or negative, with fear, anger, sadness, and possibly disgust falling into the "negative" category. But are they truly negative?

What is the Function of Emotions

Emotions serve as crucial signals that provide us with data and information about our current state in relation to the world around us. They reflect our internal experiences and our interactions with our environment. Emotions inform us of our needs, desires, and reactions, guiding us daily. Without emotions, we would lack a vital means of understanding our experiences and making decisions.

While some emotions, like joy, are pleasant and sought after, others, such as sadness or anger, are more challenging to endure. However, just because an emotion is difficult to live with does not inherently make it negative. Each emotion has a specific function and significance, contributing to our well-being and survival.

What Emotions Tell Us

Fear is an emotion that alerts us to perceived danger. Imagine a world without fear: crossing the road would become perilous as we wouldn't recognise the threat of an approaching car. The goal of having "no fear" is unrealistic and potentially dangerous. Fear, when it alerts us to real threats, is crucial in helping us navigate safely through a world with genuine dangers.

Anger is often frowned upon, but it is essential to distinguish between anger and aggression. While aggression is destructive, anger can signal that we perceive something as unfair or unjust. This emotion can catalyse change, motivating us to address and rectify wrongs. However, it is vital to manage anger constructively, ensuring that we control it rather than being controlled by it.

Many people try to avoid sadness, often equating it with depression. Yet sadness tells us that we have lost something or someone important. Grief, a profound form of sadness, typically arises from the loss of a relationship, a death, or a missed life opportunity. Ultimately, sadness is the price we pay for our capacity to love. Viewed this way, it is not a negative emotion but a testament to our deep connections and attachments.

Wrap up

Different emotions exist, and while some are more enjoyable than others, all emotions—heavy or light—are deeply interconnected with our lives. They provide us with essential insights and help us navigate our existence. It is crucial to honour all emotions as they are integral to what makes us human. Rather than labelling some feelings as negative and others as positive, we should recognise the value and purpose of each emotional experience. 

Would you agree?

Although some emotions are more, even more difficult to have, it might not be helpful to label them as negative. What do you think?