"In our "mind over matter" society, we're often told that emotions can be outsmarted with logic. The truth, however, is that emotions aren't under conscious control. Imagine that your child darts into the road. Without realizing it, you feel fear, which propels you to run. This happens because emotions start in the body, not the brain. Fear is a "core emotion " that's pre-wired into the brain. It helps us survive. Without it, we couldn't ward off true danger or threats."
"Growing up, when you felt anxious, did anyone ever say, "Don't think about it?" When it comes to anxiety, avoidance is often touted as a wonderful solution. And this is tricky. Because, in the short term, avoidance or even distraction works temporarily. In the long term, however, makes anxiety worse. Avoidance is a "protective defense" that makes painful emotions more bearable. As useful as defenses are, however, they don't"
Emotions originate in the body and operate partly outside conscious control; core emotions like fear are pre-wired to support survival. Attempts to outsmart emotions with logic are ineffective because bodily signals (for example, heart racing and muscle tension) drive emotional responses. Avoiding anxiety or distracting from it can provide short-term relief but strengthens and worsens anxiety over time. Expressing sadness allows emotional processing and can prevent progression to depression. Emotional know-how functions as a compass that helps caregivers remain calmer, build connection with children, and meet challenges with curiosity and compassion.
Read at Psychology Today
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