Opinion

Do you ever feel like you’re spiraling or taking a nosedive because he hasn’t texted you back yet? “Sorry I didn’t answer your text. I was on my phone.” Sheesh. A minute ago you were laughing hysterically about that meme. Now your mood has morphed and mutated, and you may not even know why.

Whether we realize it or not, we humans are made of emotional states. What is your temperament? Do your moods fluctuate like the weather? You think you know what you need or want, and a moment later, you come to realize that you are not quite as fixed as you think.

Ever feel like you’re on a roller coaster and can’t seem to get off? Oh, and do not ask the person next to you if they finished the repair on the roller coaster yet. Remember, it’s not the ride; it’s who you’re riding with.

Did you ever have an unexplained feeling of emptiness? If you feel lonely or disconnected from others, please start by acknowledging and accepting those feelings. Allow yourself to feel heavy emotions. It’s all right.

Do you think you avoid love? You may wonder why anyone would refuse or reject an experience that seems clearly so positive and life-affirming. Those who are denied love by forces outside of their control can become wholly depressed. If caring and compassion lie right in front of you, do you sabotage it?

Do you know someone who is emotionally distant? Have you been trying to get close to them? People tend to withdraw when they are overwhelmed by sadness. When we are stressed, it’s often hard to feel anything but anxiety or pressure.