The Emotional Cup

This week's #mondaymotivation look at 'The Emotional Cup'.

 

It's really important that we do what we can as parents, teachers, aunties and uncles, grandparents, friends, healthcare staff and as any other significant person in a child's life, to help ensure their 'Emotional Cup' is filled, as much as is possible.

Why?

Because being soothed appropriately; being taken seriously; having feelings and experiences validated; being made to feel worthy and important; and knowing that someone cares for them and that they feel protected, helps a child build their self-esteem and self-compassion, helps us grow and nurture our identity, values and self-worth. It also helps us to manage and regulate feelings and emotions more appropriately. It ensures we are more resilient and able to deal with stress, loss, conflict, distress and much more in the future, as adults.

We see so many people in psychotherapy, counselling and psychology who have not felt safe and secure growing up; who have not been validated or made to feel important; who have not been soothed appropriately when they have felt stress, fear or under threat in some way; who have not been taken seriously and who have not had the chance to build the inner resources they require to get through life.

All of this affects their attachment to themselves and to other people too. We often see people who find it difficult to trust others; who isolate themselves; who engage in self-harming behaviours; who are aggressive or angry; who overwork or are perfectionists; who find it difficult to like or love others; who people please; or who worry people will leave or reject them, especially if they get too close or find out the 'real' person underneath.

That's a lot that's going on for one person, isn't it? Yet, as adults, we can help this by ensuring the 'Emotional Cups' of our children are filled as much as they can be.

Yes, that's hard sometimes, of course it is. However, every little helps (apologies for the Tesco slogan!).

You may, as an adult, even recognise yourself in the picture below. We, as adults, also need to nurture ourselves and our emotional cup. And if you do, and you need someone to talk to, we are here to listen and support. No pressure, no hurry, no judgement.

So, whatever you are doing today, take a little time for yourself. It's a busy time of year and many of us are running around doing things for others. Why not try meeting some of your own needs for a change? Take some time and space for yourself. We can offer you both time and space dedicated to focusing on YOU.

Get in touch to find out about what we offer and the appointments we have available with our friendly, supportive and welcoming team of psychotherapists and counsellors. We are here to listen and support you. Our contact details are in the comments below.

Best wishes,

Talking EDs: Eating Disorders Support Service Scotland
Scotland Anxiety and Depression Counselling Service (SADS)
Glasgow Anxiety and Depression Counselling Service (GADS)
Glasgow Therapy Rooms

www.eatingdisorderscotland.co.uk
www.glasgowanxietydepression.co.uk
www.glasgowtherapyrooms.co.uk