Mind Myth: Talking About Emotions Makes Them Worse

Thoughtful sharing often eases emotional pain

Many people worry that opening up about their feelings will make everything harder. It can seem safer to keep emotions bottled up, hoping they will fade on their own. Yet research and lived experience both show that thoughtful sharing often eases emotional pain rather than amplifying it. When you put feelings into word, whether with a friend, therapist, or even in a journal, you engage parts of the brain that help with emotional regulation. Labelling what you feel can calm the body’s stress response and make difficult emotions feel more manageable. Over time, this process supports resilience and a sense of control.

Therapies and coaching actively encourage people to name and explore emotions. Far from making distress worse, these methods are used worldwide to treat anxiety, depression, and trauma. People who express their feelings constructively tend to report reduced tension and a clearer understanding of their needs.

Of course, there’s a difference between healthy expression and getting stuck in a loop of rumination. Simply repeating painful details without seeking support or reflection can keep you trapped in distress. The key is to talk with intention, share with someone who listens, write with curiosity about your experience, or seek professional guidance if needed. Talking about emotions is not a sign of weakness or indulgence. It is a step towards healing and connection. Choosing to speak can lighten the emotional load and strengthen your mental health, even when it feels daunting at first.