Emotional First Aid summary

Today, people are more connected than ever before. Thanks to the internet and various devices, friends and strangers are only a few clicks away.

Yet with all these ways to connect, many people are still incredibly lonely. This is because loneliness doesn’t stem from a lack of connections, but from feeling socially or emotionally isolated. Just think of someone with an endless list of contacts, but no close friends.

When we think about loss or trauma, we usually imagine events like a life-changing accident – or, worse, death. These have an undeniably strong impact on our well-being, but they’re not the only kinds of loss and trauma. 

On the less-severe end of the scale, relationships end, we pack up and move to new places, or we lose jobs. Experiences like these can disrupt our lives and change how we see ourselves. And recovering from them is like repairing broken bones. The pieces have to be put back correctly in order for the bones to heal and, eventually, function like they used to. 

At some point in life, we’ve all been weighed down by a guilty conscience. Perhaps this has happened after we’ve disappointed a friend or hurt a loved one. 

As horrible as it makes us feel, guilt does have a purpose. It motivates us to do the right thing and helps protect the important relationships in our lives. Guilt is only a problem when it causes distress and prevents us from living fully, or having happy and healthy relationships. For example, we might be so racked with guilt about how we wronged a good friend that we avoid her completely. 

Ever had a friend go through a breakup and then talk about nothing else for months? Chances are you were sympathetic at first, but grew impatient after hearing about it for the umpteenth time.

This rehashing of painful events is called ruminating, and it’s not reserved for the brokenhearted. Many people continuously reflect on upsetting experiences. And each time they do, they feel worse. It’s like picking at a scab – it only delays healing.

How do you feel about the F-word?

The F-word – failure – is something everyone experiences. As children, we often fail when trying to come to grips with the world around us; as adults, we often fail when reaching for opportunities or stepping out of our comfort zones. Sometimes we even fail at things we’ve done many times before.

When flu season comes around, parents, doctors, and other well-meaning people recommend flu shots, home remedies, and foods to boost immunity. Their reasoning is solid. If your immune system – the body’s defense against infections – is weak, you’re more likely to get sick.

Low self-esteem is much like weak immunity. It makes you more vulnerable to life’s knocks and upsets. Fortunately, self-esteem can also be improved, leaving your mind and emotions better-protected. The question is: How, exactly, do you do this?