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The Key Differences Between Feelings And Emotions
What do your emotions feel like?
What does it feel like when you feel anxious?
To me, anxiety feels like a nail that’s being driven through my skull as the world around me is about to end. It feels like my mind is being ripped in half and the only possible response to run away. It feels terrible.
A little intense? Maybe. But does that mean that anxiety is just a feeling? Or is it actually an emotion? Or is it both?
The answer is complicated.
“Mood” is defined as a “short-lived emotional state, usually of low intensity”. Your mood is also impacted by your feelings and emotions. But what’s the difference?
Knowing the difference between feelings and emotions is one of the most important first steps in emotional development. It’s not about controlling feelings and emotions, but rather processing them healthfully and using these processing skills in order to create better thoughts.
When you can understand the difference between feelings and emotions you will be able to develop coping mechanisms that are both healthier and better suited to each experience. Emotions and feelings may seem similar, but there are few key differences that I’ve noted in the segments below.
