Many of us were taught—directly or indirectly—that certain emotions are “bad.” Sadness, grief, loneliness, or disappointment are often hidden away because they feel uncomfortable or inconvenient. We label them as negative and push them aside, hoping they’ll disappear.
But here’s the truth: emotions are not good or bad. They are signals, telling us something about our experience. Avoiding them doesn’t make them go away; it often makes them come out in other ways like anger, numbness, or pretending we’re fine when we’re not.
Let’s look at five common myths about emotions—and what’s actually true.
Myth 1: Some Emotions Are “Negative”
Instead of calling sadness, grief, or sorrow negative, think of them as uncomfortable. God created us with the ability to feel a wide range of emotions. The Psalms are full of examples—prayers of anguish alongside songs of joy.
Uncomfortable emotions are part of being human. They don’t have to define us, and they won’t last forever.
Myth 2: If I Acknowledge My Hurt, I’ll Stay Hurt Forever
Naming your hurt doesn’t trap you in it—it frees you. When you give words to your pain, you can begin to process it instead of letting it quietly control your thoughts and body.
You can grieve deeply without losing your sense of self. Acknowledging pain is often the first step toward healing.
Myth 3: I Can’t Experience Joy and Sorrow at the Same Time
Life is bittersweet. We often feel multiple emotions at once—graduating from school, saying goodbye to a loved one, or moving to a new place all carry mixed feelings.
It’s okay to laugh while grieving or feel nostalgia in the middle of excitement. Experiencing both doesn’t make your emotions less valid—it makes them more human.
Myth 4: Sharing My Sadness Burdens Others
Many people fear that opening up will weigh others down. In reality, sharing our struggles often strengthens relationships. True friends are honored to walk with you “through thick and thin.”
Letting others in lightens your load and deepens connection.
Myth 5: Only Happiness Counts as a “Good” Emotion
Happiness isn’t the only sign of a healthy life. If we only allow ourselves to feel “positive” emotions, we miss the depth of what it means to be human.
God designed us to feel fully—joy, grief, anger, hope, love, and everything in between. When we embrace the whole spectrum of emotions, we live more authentically and with greater resilience.
What’s Next?
If you’ve been pushing emotions aside or are overwhelmed by grief, you don’t have to face it alone. Grief counseling can help you process difficult emotions in a safe, supportive space. Our team will walk with you, helping you understand what your feelings are telling you and how to move forward with peace and hope.
About the Author
Katie Bailey, MA, LPC, is the founder and a Licensed Professional Counselor at Lime Tree Counseling in Ambler, Pennsylvania. With more than 20 years of experience, she helps people move from feeling overwhelmed to connected by offering therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationships. Along with her team of licensed therapists, she provides compassionate, evidence-based counseling to individuals and couples throughout Pennsylvania.
FAQs
Is it wrong to feel angry, sad, or anxious?
No. Emotions are not “wrong”—they’re signals. What matters is how you respond to them.
What if I don’t know how to put my feelings into words?
That’s normal. Counseling helps you name and process emotions in ways that feel manageable.
Can grief counseling help even if I’m not dealing with a death?
Yes. Grief isn’t just about loss through death—it can include broken relationships, life changes, or unmet expectations.