In recent years, research has shown that the regions involved in processing physical pain are the same as those related to emotional pain and social distress .

This seems to indicate that emotional pain is a great suffering for the person who suffers it. Rejection by the partner or sudden changes in life, among other situations, can trigger a break with the present, the result of a great emotional burden that can sink us. Therefore, emotional pain can cause us serious problems in our daily lives.

The emotional pain that each individual suffers is different

Each person feels emotional pain in their own way, and as I said, it can be caused by different phenomena: a break-up, a change of city, a job layoff, etc. Whatever the reason, is usually caused by not knowing how to manage the change of life and not having the necessary resources to face the new situation . And of course, since everyone faces the situation in their own way, some people may say to themselves that this pain is justified, without facing up to it. Others, on the other hand, take it seriously and try to get out of the situation they find themselves in as soon as possible.

Experience often makes us see emotional pain as part of learning for life, but what is the best way to overcome emotional pain? Below you can learn ten ways to overcome emotional pain.

1. Recognize the pain you are feeling

The first step to change is to recognize what is happening to you . Society pressures us in such a way that we have come to believe that emotional pain only happens to weak people. That is false, emotional pain is part of life. Some individuals will try to get rid of problems without facing reality, something that only masks emotional suffering, because, in reality, it will still be there. Therefore, recognizing emotional pain is necessary to move forward.

2. Be Loving to Yourself

In several articles we have already talked about the benefits of loving yourself, because that makes you much more prepared to face problems. And loving yourself means that you treat yourself with care and that you understand that you are not perfect. In fact, perfectionists suffer great emotional pain. Being loving yourself is the second step in overcoming emotional pain.

3. Be honest with yourself and others

Being honest with yourself and acknowledging that you have intense emotional pain that affects your well-being may not be enough. Sometimes you will also need the support of the people around you . Emotional pain, when not overcome, can lead to behaviour that other people may not understand. Therefore, it can be good to share your feelings with the people closest to you. They will support and understand you so that you can get over this situation as soon as possible.

4. It is normal for people to misunderstand you

Some people may not understand your feelings or why you are suffering. Generally, sensitive people or people who have gone through similar situations are more knowledgeable about the subject . Don’t worry, this is also normal. Emotional intelligence is a skill that is not mastered by everyone, and some people are not as emotionally mature. But don’t worry, I’m sure there will be empathetic people who will know how to put themselves in your shoes.

5. Treasure those who understand and love you unconditionally

These painful situations can have their upside. One of them is that you really realize which people are worth keeping . So, in those bad moments, recognize your true friends and keep them. Because if you need them in the future, they will still be there for you.

6. When you are ready, take your time to find out the reason for the pain

You have already recognized that emotional pain exists and that it is something normal, so you have accepted it and you treat yourself with love. You have people around you who love you and who will be there for you. Now it’s time to find out exactly what causes you emotional pain . If there is a solution, do what you can to remedy it.

7. If you can’t do anything about it, accept it and keep on loving yourself more than ever

But what causes you emotional pain will not always be remedied, and those are the most difficult situations to overcome. Even so, if it is not within your power to remedy it, you must accept things as they are in order to continue loving yourself . Remember that, in the most complicated moments, you must practice self-pity . This seems simple but it is not easy. Mindfulness can help in these cases.

8. Overcoming it requires self-will

As I mentioned in the previous point, treating oneself with love requires willingness . Some crises can mark our existence and our life, which can cause us to feel that there is a before and an after in these bitter or painful situations. But, even though these are hard times, we must learn the lessons that these stages of growth contain. This requires will.

9. Take control of your life

When you’re going through a bad phase, you tend to believe that everything bad happens to you. You may also think you’re not worth anything.Put aside these negative thoughts that destroy you and take charge of your life. Empower yourself in the face of everyday life. Do activities that you like to do and that you may have given up on, and also set realistic goals and fight for them. Only in this way will you find meaning in your life.

10. If you can’t get over it on your own, see a psychologist

The emotional pain may be caused by a more serious problem, such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). So you may need to see a psychologist to guide you and help you get out of the situation that is causing you so much emotional pain. But remember, you’re the person who has to get through it, and the psychologist will only give you the tools you need to get through it.