15 May Emotional health: “true” versus “false” emotions

What’s the difference between “true” and “false” emotions, and why does it matter for emotional health?

Anyone seeking optimal mood and emotional health has much to gain from one of the fastest growing fields of science – neuroscience, the field that studies the workings and effects of the brain.

Ever cried during a really sad movie?

Ever been angry when you’ve been mistreated?

Or felt really anxious before public speaking, or starting something unknown and new?

Even if these exact situations don’t apply to you, there’s no doubt you have felt the very real emotions of sadness, anger, and anxiety when faced by various difficulties throughout your life. Feeling sad, angry, or anxious is completely normal. These are “true” emotions, and part of what makes us all human.

But when sadness, anger, or anxiety occur out of context, or linger long after the triggering event, or happen with such speed or intensity that they knock us sideways, are they still “normal”?

What’s the difference between a “real” and a “false” emotion, and why is this distinction important?

Psychotherapist Julia Ross explains in her best selling book “The Mood Cure”, that whilst “true” moods are a natural and healthy response to a life circumstance or event (good or bad), “false” moods are often caused by changes or deficiencies in mood molecules (neuro-transmitters), that in turn, trigger negative emotional symptoms:

“When your brain’s emotional equipment needs a tune up, you get clues: you don’t sleep well, you worry too much, you start feeling overwhelmed, you lose your enthusiasm or ability to concentrate”

OK, so negative emotions may be “false”, but they still hurt, and for many of us, the best solution appears to be pharmaceutical treatment to contain the emotional symptoms, together with counselling or psychotherapy for emotional growth and change.

Whilst drug and talk therapies are valid and often life-changing options, there’s another solution to negative moods and one that must be addressed by anyone wanting true emotional wellbeing: the natural correction of “false” moods via nutritional means.

This means eliminating foods that impede healthy neurotransmitter function, increasing foods that support it, and supplementing with targeted nutritional amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that the brain needs to function correctly. Julia’s book “The Mood Cure” is a great place to start. Otherwise, contact me and let’s discuss how you can start addressing your own unique mood and emotional needs.