Insights I Gained About Myself Through Psychology
In a world where emotions are often suppressed and not openly discussed, one individual found solace in understanding human behaviour. From a young age, they had a keen interest in observing the behavioural traits of people around them, a curiosity that would eventually lead them down a transformative path.
Growing up in a household where emotions were suppressed can significantly hinder a child's emotional maturity and understanding of human behaviour. This environment taught the individual to avoid or suppress their feelings rather than recognise, understand, and express them effectively. As a result, they developed difficulties in identifying and verbalising emotions, a condition known as alexithymia, and an externally oriented thinking style.
The individual's journey was not without its challenges. They learned the hard way that emotional suppression can increase vulnerability to depression and anxiety since children do not learn healthy ways to process emotional experiences. They internalised self-blame, leading to low self-esteem and heightened stress reactivity, with neurological changes that affected emotional regulation centres in the brain.
However, the individual's story is one of resilience and growth. Psychology gave them a new perspective on people and turned their sensitivity into curiosity. They learned to be more forgiving and not to take everything personally. They understood that their identity was not solely defined by the roles they played in others' lives.
The individual's journey with psychology is ongoing and full of moments of learning and unlearning. They started having honest conversations about expectations, misunderstandings, and hurt in their friendships. They learned that emotional patterns such as avoidance, projection, and overcompensation were part of larger psychological processes, not personal failures.
They discovered the concept of generational trauma, attachment styles, and family systems theories, which helped them understand their family's dynamics. Their resentment towards family structures and functioning softened as they understood that their parents were shaped by their own experiences and emotions.
The individual's journey was not without its sacrifices. They realised that their need to help and be there for others came at the cost of their well-being, as they were trying to secure a place in others' lives by being needed. But they learned that supporting others does not have to come at the cost of sacrificing their own well-being.
The individual found meaning in psychology when they encountered it as a subject in 9th grade. They consider it a privilege to learn about the human mind through psychology. They learned to apologise sincerely and take accountability for their actions in their friendships.
In the end, the individual's journey with psychology taught them that healing is never linear and that all people are trying to come out of the box they had been put in. They learned that emotional suppression in childhood impairs emotional awareness, regulation, and healthy social-emotional development, negatively affecting both psychological health and relational skills over the lifespan. But they also learned that it's never too late to grow, learn, and heal.
- The individual's exploration of human behavior led them to delve into topics such as lifestyle, family dynamics, and relationships, seeking understanding and answers to their personal struggles.
- In their pursuit of emotional wellness, the individual found solace in education-and-self-development, particularly in the field of mental health, as they strove to improve their own emotional regulation and develop effective communication skills.
- The journey of personal growth influenced their approach to friendship, and they began to emphasize honest conversations, mutual understanding, and healthy emotional boundaries.
- As they continued to learn and grow, the individual applied their newfound knowledge to better their understanding of themselves and others, realizing that growth is a continuous process, a testament to the power of personal development and the transformative influence of science on health-and-wellness.
