The way how we respond to emotions can affect our behaviour and mental, physical and social health. In order to manage them in a healthy way, we need to learn to recognize them and understand their effects on us.

Emotions are signals to your mind. Because of emotions, your mind and body how to react. They can affect our behaviour in a way how we respond to them.

When it comes to handling or dealing with anger, an individual should:
1. find an activity that would allow him/her to relax,
2. redirect his/her energy in other things, and
3. talk to a peer, a family member, a loved one, or any person who he/she trusts.

During puberty, a surge of hormones are produced to make the changes in your body. Hormones target a specific organ which then triggers a part of the brain that affects your emotions, thus your behavior.

Hormones and emotions

Strong emotions are caused by the sudden burst of hormones during a situation and it is very hard to suppress. But dealing with them and thinking before acting on them will help with the consequences of these emotions. For example, if you are angry at someone or something, distracting yourself or through deep breathing, you can avoid having a guilty feeling that you have hurt someone with your words or actions. With this, you can be happier in the future when you know you have not hurt or be hurt during an argument.

Strong emotions are caused by the sudden burst of hormones during a situation and it is very hard to suppress.

Here is a sample script/dialogue that shows how a teen helps her friend in managing his emotions and fears:

Dexter: You know, I always feel afraid whenever I have to walk past those bullies.

Lou: Hey, it’s okay. We have the same classes. I can walk with you.

Dexter: Thanks, Lou. I really appreciate it. Even though those bullies don’t pick on me, I can always see what they do to other students. It bothers me a lot.

Lou: I understand that your fear of being around those bullies means that they have gone too far. Perhaps we should talk about what’s going on with our school counselor. Care to join me?

Dexter: That’s a great suggestion. Let’s go.

Here is a short poem that tackles about an emotional situation and how it is turned into something powerful and positive:

Emotions that resurface each night,
It does not soothe my heart.
Pain that stabs me like it was just yesterday,
I carry this heavy weight on my shoulder.

Living inside a caged soul,
I can’t wait until the day my heart returns home,
And this gift of pain would become a badge,
forged from broken bones and scars.