Understanding the Purpose of Our Emotions
Unveiling the Evolutionary Roles of Emotions: A Guide to Understanding and Managing Feelings
Emotions are fundamental to the human experience, yet many struggle to comprehend their purpose and significance. So many of us struggle to manage our most difficult emotions, and at times throughout our lives, we may struggle with the weight of specific feelings more than ever. In therapy, I work with my clients to help them better understand the role their emotions play in their day-to-day lives. When we get curious rather than judgmental about our feelings, we can then work to uncover the unique messages that our emotions are trying to tell us.
From an evolutionary perspective, every one of our emotions has evolved to serve a purpose, with emotion having a specific function, ultimately working to guide our behaviour in ways that increase our chances of survival. No emotion is felt without a purpose since every feeling is a finely tuned response to our environmental stimuli.
Happiness
Happiness can be seen as an emotion that works to reinforce behaviours that are beneficial for us. When we experience something that elicits joy, our brain releases feel-good chemicals known as dopamine and serotonin. This ultimately motivates us to repeat the actions that led to these feelings. For example, we may feel happy when we spend time with our loved ones or engage in a favourite hobby. Allowing oneself to reflect on the moments where we have experienced the most joy is a great opportunity to identify what may bring us more experiences of meaningful satisfaction.
Sadness
Sadness is often labelled as a negative emotion that should be avoided when, in actuality, sadness serves an essential purpose. It is an emotion that works to remind us of what matters most and helps us to identify the meaning within our lives. Feeling sad is also an indicator that we may need more connection. When we experience the sadness that comes with disappointment or loss, we can see it as a sign to reflect on these experiences, what went wrong, and what we may wish to learn from the experience. Sadness also signals to others that we need care and empathy, thus strengthening our connections with others and building social bonds.
Anger
Anger is an emotion that signals when our boundaries have been crossed or when we feel something is wrong or unjust. There are healthy ways to use anger as a means for positive change, but when uncontrolled, anger can be very destructive. Therapy offers a wonderful opportunity to learn how to manage anger in a way that is constructive to ourselves and others.
Guilt
A great question to ask ourselves when we feel guilty: “Am I feeling this feeling because I have acted outside the boundaries of my values or ethics?”
Guilt is often a great indicator that we may have acted against our core values, but we must not get stuck in the emotion of guilt. We should work to acknowledge the feeling, identify the cause, and then reflect on how we may approach a similar situation differently next time, all while holding compassion for ourselves.
Fear
We feel fear when we are responding to an emotional or physical threat. Our fear demands that we pay attention to our surroundings and act accordingly to keep us safe. While chronic fear or anxiety can be debilitating, appropriate fear responses are crucial for navigating potential risks in our environment.
Beneath every behaviour is a feeling, and beneath every feeling is a need. When we begin to observe our emotions as messengers for our current needs, we develop the self-awareness required to have those needs met, and experience more emotional resilience.
