Dealing with Disappointment

You didn’t do everything on your to-do list. You let a loved one down. You yelled at your spouse, or your six-year-old. Or both. You still haven’t gotten over your ex. You thought someone else would make you happy but they didn’t. You received a bad performance review. Your Thanksgiving dinner didn’t turn out the way you planned. Nothing has turned out the way you planned. And you’re disappointed in yourself. You’re disappointed in your circumstances. Deeply disappointed. What were you thinking? How could you do such a thing? Why are you still being so ridiculous? Why does this always happen? There are many different reasons we feel disappointed in ourselves, in others, in situations. It might be because of small, everyday reasons—like not completing a specific task. It might be because of massive reasons—like a relationship shattering. Each of us has certain expectations, and when we or others don’t meet them, we naturally get upset. “It’s even as simple as the expectation that we can carry all of our groceries in the store in our arms without a basket, and then we get disappointed when we drop the eggs and they all crack on the floor,” said Jenn Fieldman, LPCS, a life transition and recovery therapist in Asheville, N.C. Feeling disappointment is inevitable—just like sadness and anger. It’s normal to experience a range of emotions. After all, you’re not a robot. The key is to deal with it healthfully. Below, Fieldman shared five suggestions...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: General Mental Health and Wellness Relationships Self-Esteem Self-Help Stress Coping Skills Disappointment let down Resilience self-compassion Source Type: blogs