Emotional Shutdowns: A Coping Mechanism

Why should I put myself into a maze of daggering thoughts, when I can just run away and

escape? Why should I allow myself to ride on that emotional roller coaster which will make me feel nothing but nauseous? Why should I stand on the edge of the towering cliff of anxiety, when I know in the end I will fall? Why should I stand on that podium in front of some hundred people staring into my soul while that cold piercing feeling of fright crawls through me? Why should I dive into the pool of sentiments, totally lacking swimming skills, when I know I will drown? Why should I cry a bucket of tears, when I can just turn off the tap? Why should I think, when I can restlessly stare into nothing all day?

If such questions pop into your head, you should ask yourself one more- why should I live, when I can just disassociate? The answer, simple. It is because you have been granted the challenge and opportunity to.

Emotional shutdowns , also known as withdrawing from any kind of emotional or stressful

surroundings, is a common method of coping in people of all age groups. Instead of facing

tough times or carving through difficulties we chose to shut down, and flee the situation because it is easier. Taking the “easier way out” seems convenient when you know you’re being tested. Running away from essential feelings can often cause loneliness, negativity, emptiness and develop an overall dark side to our personalities.

It is important to understand that no matter how anxious or frustrated you feel about facing a particular obstacle, shutting down emotions should not be regarded as a method of coping.

Allowing yourself to truly comprehend your feelings, being consumed into your thoughts and letting yourself express how you feel can sometimes be the most positive solution. This way you develop a sense of self-responsibility and awareness that you know you are capable of handling your emotions. When faced with difficulties, you should know that reaching out for help not only provides a sense of relief but also prepares you for any future encounter.

Human beings are simple. They are just gifted with various emotions that make them ironically complex. It makes them passionate and comprehensive, folding them into a realm of experience. Sometimes it is okay to fall off the cliff, because only then can you spread your

wings. And sometimes it is okay to drown, because only then will you learn to float.

-Aaliyah Thambawala