Being mentally healthy means that we can feel and control a range of emotions, make and keep happy relationships and feel positive about ourselves.

However, sometimes we feel less in control of our emotions and thoughts. This can make daily tasks tricky.

Take a look at the diagram below. Think about a situation in which you found it challenging to control an emotion. Consider your thoughts, emotions, behaviour and what you were physically feeling at the time.

Managing Our Emotions and Thoughts

What were

you thinking?

What emotions were you feeling?

How did you behave?

What did you

physically feel?

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Understanding What Happened – An Example

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We could use the diagram on page 1 as a template to help us understand what happened and how we reacted. Reviewing a past situation in this way can help us to deal with challenging situations in the future.

What were you thinking?

I thought: “my friends are

making fun of me because I

saw them whispering, looking

at me and laughing.”

The person filling out this template found it difficult to control their thoughts and emotions. This led them to shouting and pushing their friends.

Do you think what they were thinking was true?

What could they have done instead?

What advice would you give to them if they found themselves in the same situation again?

What emotions were you feeling?

I felt angry and lonely.

How did you behave? I went over to my friends and told them I knew they were talking about me. I shouted at them and

pushed them.

What did you

physically feel?

I felt all tingly and hot.

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Understanding What Happened

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Think of a time when you found it challenging to control an emotion. Maybe you were feeling angry, sad or worried. Try to fill in each box below like the example on page 2, using the questions to help you.

What were you thinking at the t

ime?

Was that true or helpful?

If you were to relive that situation, what could you have done or said differently that would have made you more in control of your emotions and thoughts?

What emotions were you feeling? Was where you were affecting this?

How did you behave? Did this make it worse or better?

How did your body feel?

Did you feel tingly or tired?

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