It is impossible to move through life without experiencing emotional pain. The severity and how these feeling affect and shape each person may be different but encountering emotional pain is simply a part of life. By holding on to past hurts, people often relive the pain over and over in their minds. For some, it can be difficult to let go of past pain because by internalizing these unpleasant emotions, people view them as part of their identity. Enduring painful feelings can become comforting, especially if they are all one knows. The familiarity that comes with emotional pain can make it difficult for a person to know who they are without their pain, which makes it impossible to let go of past hurts. However, holding on to the past can be a conscious decision just like letting go and moving forward can be a conscious decision. Here are some ways to help let go of hurt, anger, and resentment, provided by Healthline:
- Shift your internal dialogue: create a positive mantra to reframe your throughs and counter the hurt.
- Create physical distance: according to clinical psychologist Ramani Durvasula, “creating physical or psychological distance between ourselves and the person or situation can help with letting go for the simple reason that we are not having to think about it, process it, or be reminded of it as much.”
- Practice mindfulness: through consciously drawing attention to the present moment, our mind is unable to dwell on past pain, reducing its impact.
- Flow with your feelings: avoiding negative emotions when they present can disrupt the process of letting go; by acknowledging, naming, and allowing yourself to feel them, you can help begin to release them.
- Self-care and prioritize your health: eating right, making sure you get enough sleep, and exercising are all helpful in allowing your body to naturally release its endorphins (the chemical associated with happiness). Not only will you release endorphins but practicing healthy habits will help you to feel good about yourself.
- Give yourself permission to forgive: forgiveness is defined as “a conscious, deliberate decision to release feelings of resentment or vengeance toward a person or group who has harmed you, regardless of whether they deserve your forgiveness.” Forgiving does not condone, it does not mean forgetting, nor does it mean excusing offenses. It is vital to the healing process because it allows you to free yourself from past emotional pain.
The lessons that can be learned from facing your pain and working through your emotions will enable you focus on growth and forward momentum. Letting go of grudges and bitterness can make way for improved health and peace of mind.
For Information and Support
Every family in need of mental health treatment must select a program that will best suit the needs of their family. When one member of a family struggles, it impacts everyone in the family unit. To maximize the benefits of treatment we work closely with the entire family to ensure that everyone is receiving the support they need through these difficult times. Seeking help is never easy, but you are not alone! If you or someone you know needs mental health treatment, we strongly encourage you to reach out for help as quickly as possible. It is not uncommon for many mental health difficulties to impact a person’s life, long term. Pursuing support at the beginning of one’s journey can put the individual in the best position to learn how to manage themselves in a healthy way so they can go on to live happy and fulfilling lives.
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