Emotional blockage is a stumbling block for many people who need to get out of a routine, but overcoming it is a long-distance run.
Last update: July 07, 2022
Emotional block is a barrier that we put up at any given moment, which prevents us from thinking and hearing clearly. In other words, to advance through the different stages of life.
Although everyone can be a victim of this psychological reality at some point, most of the time we don't know how to handle these situations.
Spesso we forget to work on our emotional universe in order to be able to deal with events in a healthy way. When we suffer a disappointment, when we make a mistake, hurt us or miss an opportunity, it is common to give way to a block in order not to have to "live" the pain of the negative emotion associated with the event.
Some people may lead their lives normally, but at a given moment they sense that something is wrong. Others can carry out their duties in the workplace without problems, but when it comes to relating or establishing a loving relationship, the block emerges. That concrete wall that prevents you from living fully.
“An emotion does not cause pain. Resistance or suppression of an emotion causes pain ”.
-Frederick Dodson-
The processing of our experiences and the emotions associated with them is the secret of well-being and health. If we don't, we are trapped, limited, banned.
Emotional blocking is a very common defense mechanism and underlying many anxiety and psychological disorders that you have to know how to recognize and manage.
Emotional block: alarm bells
Emotional block can lead to mental block. The person loses cognitive agility, presents difficulties in concentration, decision, attention ... These are highly distressing situations that tend to become chronic over time.
When the person perceives that they are mentally and emotionally blocked, the meaning of life vanishes. You cross the safety line where it is almost impossible to remain optimistic. The risk of developing depression, anxiety or other disorders is high.
Subject matter experts such as Dr. Brett Ford, professor of psychology at the University of Toronto, explains in one of his studies that to avoid and deal with these states it is essential to accept negative emotions.
They shouldn't be denied, hidden or repressed. Accepting them is the first step in getting rid of them. So let's see what are the most common warning signs associated with an emotional block.
Symptoms of an emotional block
Some signs warn us that we may be in the presence of an emotional block, although there is no scientific evidence to confirm the direct relationship:
- Avoid activities or events for fear of making mistakes or not knowing what to say.
- Continuous nervousness.
- Fear of being rejected.
- Lack of motivation.
- Envy.
- Physical and mental exhaustion.
- Feeling of emptiness.
- Sexual difficulties.
- Make certain problems appear insignificant.
- Difficulty in concentration and performance.
- Procrastination.
- Changes in eating and sleeping habits.
- Muscle aches, infections, low defenses, headaches (psychosomatic symptoms)
Why does an emotional block occur?
The causes that can cause an emotional block can be many, but we often find feelings of fear and insecurity, accompanied by a strong inferiority complex. Between these:
- Some psychological disorders such as post-traumatic stress are often at the root of the emotional block. The study carried out at the University of Jerusalem and published in the Journal Traumatic Stess indicates that these realities underlie the classic psychosomatic symptoms and emotional and mental blocks.
- Lack of connection with emotions, low emotional intelligence or a repressive upbringing of feelings.
- Unresolved childhood trauma or early loss.
- Living in a context marked by stress, tension and high anxiety.
- Psychological structure in which guilt is always present.
How to manage the emotional block?
To overcome an emotional block, it is important to get rid of negative thoughts and approach the situation from a more optimistic approach.
When emotions are positive, the mind unlocks and we become more creative, natural and spontaneous.
Imagine that you have been unemployed for years and that the idea of ​​showing up for a job interview no longer motivates you. You sit and wait for someone to call you and unknowingly feed the emotional block by thinking "nobody will ever call me", "others are more capable", "I'm not worth anything" ... Negative thoughts paralyze us.
These thoughts block us in such a way that we then pass on negativity during the interview. In the end we are not selected because “If you don't believe it, neither will the others”. If we are not convinced that we have a chance, it will probably be perceived.
Focus on positive thoughts
To unlock, we need, first of all, to gain awareness and then to adopt a positive approach to situations. If we reach a good emotional state, it will be much more difficult to overcome an emotional block.
Adopt an approach where joy, well-being predominate, relaxation or hope. Thoughts like “I can do it”, “I'm a good person and I believe in me”, “If they don't hire me, you will have learned from this experience anyway”, “My well-being does not depend on the outcome of the interview”.
Believe in yourself. When you feel capable and believe that something is possible, the chances of achieving it are far greater.
When you firmly believe in a possibility and fight for it, a feeling of trust is released that is felt and that reaches deep inside.
Many times we don't know why, but something convinces us, attracts us. Take care of your inner language and your thoughts, because if you want to be a winner, you have to think like a winner. Don't forget it!
Psychological treatment
If the feeling of blockage or discomfort continues over time, it is advisable to consult a specialist. Sometimes we don't realize that we are self-sabotaging and that we need someone to point it out to us.
The most used therapeutic techniques in clinical practice for emotional blocking are focus, EMDR or brainspotting. Likewise, it is essential to explore the patient's past and its relationship with the environment, in order to identify the focal point of the block.
