Feeling vs. Feeding: A Psychologist Explains the Key to Emotional Well-being

Madrid, Spain – In an increasingly complex world, understanding and managing emotions has become a critical skill for mental well-being. Psychologist Nicolás Salcedo recently shared insights on the subtle yet significant difference between truly feeling emotions and inadvertently feeding them, a distinction he argues is vital for psychological health. Salcedo emphasized that acknowledging and experiencing emotions like sadness or anxiety is a necessary step towards healing. "If you feel sadness, it's okay to cry. If you feel anxiety, it's okay to take a break," he stated. This initial acceptance is crucial for processing pain and moving forward. However, he cautioned against a common pitfall: allowing emotions to spiral into self-defeating narratives or defining one's identity. "When instead of feeling them, you start feeding them, that's when problems begin," Salcedo explained. He elaborated on this concept, noting that thinking of oneself as a 'failure' or 'unworthy' when experiencing a setback is not feeling the emotion, but rather giving it power to grow and cause further distress. This emotional indulgence, he argued, can lead to a vicious cycle where the emotion becomes so overwhelming that it impedes action. Salcedo advocates for a mindful approach: observing and validating emotions without judgment or immediate reaction. "I have to be able to feel the emotion without identifying with it, to observe and validate it without judging or reacting," he advised. This involves being present in the moment and avoiding the creation of countless negative scenarios in one's mind. By taking a pause, individuals can create the necessary space to explore their feelings without allowing them to dominate. "Don't deny your emotions, don't hide or repress them, but don't make them part of your identity," Salcedo concluded, offering a powerful message for fostering emotional resilience.

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