Emotions are a special kind of indicator within that lets you know what’s happening and what you are experiencing. Strong feelings can come on quickly or they may come on slowly and then linger. It’s complicated and can sure start a chain of reactions that aren’t necessarily good for you. Many people deal with their emotions in ways that actually cause more suffering, such as using alcohol or drugs to deal with anxiety or depression. Emotions are important in our every day lives:

Survival

Emotions are like an internal alarm. They alert us when our needs are not being met. For example, when we feel disappointed, our need for satisfaction is not being met.

Decision Making

Emotions can help us make decisions. It’s our feelings in response to situations and things that help us make choices.

Setting Boundaries

When we feel uncomfortable with someone’s behavior, our emotions alert us. They communicate to us that we need to let that person know we feel uncomfortable. This can help us set boundaries, which are important for both physical and mental health.

Communication

Our emotions help us communicate with others. Facial expressions can convey a lot of emotions. A look of distress may suggest to the other person that we need their help. Verbal communication allows us to express more of our emotional needs and likewise, if we are good listeners, we may be able to hear the emotions in others and respond accordingly.

Regulation skills may include recognizing emotions, reducing physical and cognitive vulnerability, increasing positive emotions, and mindfulness of emotions without judgment (Linehan, 1993). Regulating our emotions can be helpful for coping with distressed feelings in new and healthier ways, something we should all remember.