It is actually very common in our society to have been socialized with the idea that we should cover up emotional pain rather than confront it directly. STERBs are a perfect example of an indirect—and sometimes damaging—way of avoiding our real feelings. Sometimes the behaviors or activities we use as STERBs are things we wouldn’t want to tell others.
Emotional reactions to grief and/or trauma can vary greatly and are significantly influenced by the individual’s sociocultural history. Beyond the initial emotional reactions during the event, those most likely to surface include anger, fear, sadness, and shame. However, individuals may encounter difficulty in identifying any of these feelings for various reasons to include not acquiring the necessary tools as children to appropriately deal with our emotions.
What short-term emotional-relieving behaviors have you been relying on for short-term relief?
Warmly,
Chasity & Lina
Forever Healed
