Volume2, Issue 10 - October 2001

Dealing With Emotional Pain

Following the horrifying events of September 11, 2001, I thought it would be appropriate for us to discuss how to deal with emotional pain. The kind of pain that sits in your heart and occasionally (sometimes without warning) breaks your heart just a little bit and you feel an overwhelming urge to cry. Many of us can relate to that as we have spent the last few weeks on the verge of tears many times, and if you are anything like me - you cried a lot.

I knew none of the people who died personally - but that does not stop the pain. I expect that had I known anyone on a more personal basis, my pain would be just a little more intense. At times like these it is hard to believe that it can be more intense. Yet, as we all know, life must go on for those of us who were left behind.

The questions is "How to do we continue on when we are in pain?"

Valid question, and here are a few of the solutions I offer to people:

It is OK to suffer from pain. Do not believe that you do not have the right. Perhaps you do have a family member who passed away, or a beloved pet that died. As children we were embarrassed to cry in front of people, and we have carried on that belief into our adult lives. It is OK to cry or hurt. So the first solution - don't try to cover or bury the emotions - but allow them their freedom at the appropriate time.

My grandfather passed away while I was in England working for some clients. I knew he was dying, and had made the decision to leave on the business trip anyway. I did say goodbye to him - and discussed my decision (with their full support) with my dad and family. I was hoping that he would wait a little longer (20 years might have been nice) - but his time came just after I arrived in London. I found out the news during the lunch break of one of my all day seminars. Obviously, I had to continue during the day and not let my emotions take control. I was allowed to feel pain - just not right then. So I applied a little trick that I share in my Stress Management programs. Take the emotional feeling (in this case, sorrow) and put it into an imaginary "box" in your head. Close the lid on the box. Pick a time later on when you can open the lid and deal with the emotion. So in this case, I had to continue on with my job. I also needed to cry and deal with my own sorrow (and guilt in this case). So, I allowed the emotion to sit in the box, and I would deal with it when I was alone in my hotel room. The mistake that some people make is to never open the box. As far as dealing with emotion in a healthy way, it is imperative that you go back to that box fairly soon after you closed the lid. You will notice that this technique works when you are dealing with the death of a member of your immediate family. It amazes me how well people stand up at the wake, and the funeral, and many don't cry at all. They will, it will just be at a time of their choosing.

The next technique is used when the emotions are stronger than the lid on the box. Your tears just come anyway. I happen to be quite good at the silent cry. You know the kind, you are driving down the highway singing away to a song, and before you know it the tears just start on their own. Of course, that works great for many of us (especially if we are in the car alone). But sometimes, those tears just start in a meeting, while working at your desk or while walking down the hall. My solution is to let them come! While the tears are streaming down your face, take deep breaths (you need oxygen to steady your emotions). The next step is to continue doing what you were doing (and pretend that you are not crying). Honestly, just keep going! So what if you are in the middle of a conversation - just keep going! Pretend you don't notice. Your voice will waiver, your hands will shake, and the tears will fall. Keep going. This will probably only last for about 15-30 seconds if you don't call attention to it (Really - it doesn't take that long to get back into control - I dare you to try it!). The person you are speaking with will probably ask you if you need a minute - the answer is "No". Keep going. If you really do need to stop, do so. Don't feel that you need to explain to your co-worker why you are crying. Just tell them you'll be back in 10 minutes ready to continue. But, try talking right through it - you can do it. Ever had to give an eulogy? Of course we cry during that, but we have to keep going. And after a little while, our normal voice returns and we get control again.

SO to summarize:

It is OK to suffer from pain and to cry or hurt. Don't appoligize for being an emotional person - take pride in yourself. You are a caring and loving individual. Why should we apologize for that?

Don't try to cover or bury your emotions.

Take deep breaths, but let the tears come anyway.

A book that helped me a lot is called Emotional Confidence by Gael Lindenfield (Harper Collins Publishers). I picked it up in London after my grandfather died, but you could get your bookstore to order it for you.

Rhonda Scharf (Finniss) is President of ON THE RIGHT TRACK - Training & Consulting and is available for training and keynote speeches for your organization. Call today at 1-877-213-8608 or e-mail Rhonda@on-the-right-track.com. While you are visiting her site, sign up here for her complimentary quarterly newsletter.