How Do You Know What You’re Actually Feeling?

Get the Journal Prompts: https://yourlevelfitness.com/men-email How do you know what you are actually feeling? That question sounds simple, but for a lot of us, it really is not. In this episode of The Men’s Mental Health Series, I talk about why identifying what we feel matters and what can happen when we never really learn how to do it. When emotions go unnamed, they tend to sit there. They build. They get heavier. And even if we try to distract ourselves or run from them, they usually are not very far behind. Sometimes all it takes is one difficult moment for everything we have been carrying to come crashing down at once. That is why I think there is real value in learning how to name what you are feeling. For me, journaling can be as simple as writing, I am feeling this. That is it. Then, if there is something underneath that emotion, I can write that down too. Sometimes there is one dominant feeling. Sometimes there is a mix. Sometimes you may write something down and think, I would never normally say that I feel this. But that is part of the practice. You have a full range of emotions, even if you were taught growing up that some of them were weak, unnecessary, or better left alone. They are still there. And knowing what you feel is better than carrying around something you cannot identify. This also matters in your relationships. The people closest to you need to be able to identify what they feel too, because healthy communication requires some ability to understand what is happening internally and then talk about it. That does not mean every conversation has to become a deep emotional excavation. Sometimes you need to go deeper. Sometimes you do not. There is nuance to this. And you deserve to figure out what that nuance looks like for you. Practice writing it down. Practice saying it out loud. Practice communicating it with people you trust. Those repetitions matter. Over time, they can help some of that emotional heaviness start to loosen its grip. Mental Health Support If you are in the United States and are experiencing a mental health crisis or need immediate support, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you are outside the United States, you can find crisis and emotional support resources in your country at findahelpline.com. Disclaimer: The Men’s Mental Health Series shares personal experiences, conversations, and general information related to mental and emotional health. I am not a licensed mental health professional, and this podcast is not a substitute for professional mental health care, diagnosis, treatment, or emergency services. If you are struggling, please consider reaching out to a qualified mental health professional or an appropriate crisis resource in your area.