When going through a challenging time, it can be easy to compare your situation to others. You may look at the success of another and instantly feel poorly about yourself because, in your eyes, you are not as successful. Conversely, you may look at a person and see that that person is going through something that you consider much worse than your situation. You may feel guilty that you are acting or feeling a certain way when others have what you believe is a worse situation. Comparing your situation or your feelings with someone else can be dangerous. Here are a few simple reasons why you should avoid comparing your feelings with others.
Minimization of Your Feelings
Someone will always have it worse than you. Not acknowledging how you are feeling can lead to keeping everything built up inside. Just because someone has it worse than you do, it does not mean that what you are feeling isn’t also bad. Try to avoid minimizing your feelings. If you are feeling sad, that is okay. It is also okay to feel mad or happy. You are entitled to your emotions, and acknowledging them is very important to mental health and wellness.
Everyone Experiences Things Differently
Everyone experiences things differently. A situation may not bother one person at all, but it could significantly affect someone else. That is perfectly normal. When we compare our feelings to others, we will notice that difference. It may make us feel as if we are overreacting about a situation or as if we are too emotional or sensitive. Try to avoid comparing your feelings to others for the simple reason that feelings cannot be compared. Each person’s emotions and experiences are vastly different and need to be treated as such.
Comparing feelings to others can be dangerous. It can lead to us stifling or minimizing our emotions. We are all very different and will react to things in different ways. Understanding and acknowledging our feelings is necessary to work through our challenges, such as addiction or mental health issues. Learning to stop comparing yourself to others can be challenging; it takes effort and learned skills. Here at The Guest House, we are ready to help you work through your unique challenges. Call us today to learn more about our different treatment options and how we can help you at (855) 483-7800.