What are good ways to externalize emotions?

Question

I feel that sometimes I keep the bad things that happen to me bottled up. I don't like to cry, and I just feel that even if I wanted to, I couldn't. I had a friend that died a while back, and I was sad about it, but I didn't cry. My parents just split up, and I haven't cried about it. I feel that I should get my emotions out, but I don't know how. A friend suggested journaling, but I've tried to keep a journal before, and I just don't like doing it. How else can I make sure that I'm dealing with pain in a healthy manner?

Answer 1

Man, i have the complete opposite problem. I cry about everything. It could be the silliest thing on tv. I just think about something sad and i cry. I would rather have your problem. I don't think that there's anything wrong with not being able to cry.I think the fact that you feel bad in the first place is enough. Now if you didn't feel bad about these bad things happening to your loved one, then I'd say you have a problem. Being that your a male may have a lot to do with it. Some men just can't express themselves through tears and that's ok. But trust me, you don't want my problem. I'm a woman by the way.

Answer 2

Even though you don't like it journaling is a good idea - you could hand write or type your emotions....

You could write poems or stories - change names if you feel someone might have access to these.

Paint, draw... you could focus on an emotion you are feeling - anger, fear, sympathy ... and create that emotion in abstract art. Noone knows what you were thinking when you created this piece of art, you don't have to explain it - let everyone figure out what they think they see. I have done this before and I loved it.

You could exercise, bike ride, run - start engaging in a contact sport - boxing, karate - these sports teach you a skill, self control and respect for yourself and allow you an outlet for your emotions too.

If you feel comfortable talking to someone, you could do that too. Just telling someone how you are feeling and what is going through your mind also helps relieve emotional stress.

Hope these ideas help you. I'm sorry about your friend and your parents.

Answer 3

Sounds a lot like me. Don't worry about it. You're just desensitized. Won't hurt you to not care. The world kind of cares too much, especially about petty things such as death. **** happens, people die. Get over it and move on. Crying over things won't make it better. We can always make more people if we want to. Go about your life and don't let anything bother you. Remember, only the strong survive.