Emotional First Aid: Strategies and Methods for Coping with Everyday Psychological Injuries

Rejection causes sharp pain; loneliness causes devastating pain; loss leaves our lives shattered; inescapable guilt poisons our peace and relationships; a tendency to ruminate on pain quickly develops into anxiety and depression; failure leads to crushing disappointment; and low self-esteem causes us to reject those who help us. We suffer emotional trauma as regularly as we suffer physical trauma. Failure, guilt, rejection, and loss are as much a part of our lives as the occasional scraped arm or pulled muscle. But while we naturally bandage a cut or ice a sprained ankle, for most of us, the emotional injury first aid kit is empty—it doesn't exist! The result is that as long as the emotional damage isn't severe enough to require professional help, we let it go, causing us to feel bad for much longer than we should. Fortunately, we have found ways to deal with hurt emotions that work like mental first aid. In this friendly, step-by-step book, practicing psychologist Dr. Guy Winch draws on the latest scientific research to present a clear, step-by-step treatment plan. These solutions are quick, easy, and effective for dealing with a variety of common troubles, from compulsive rumination of pain to destructive low self-esteem. Through real-life examples, Dr. Winch shows how just a few simple actions can help us soothe emotional pain, bounce back from trouble, and overcome setbacks with courage and confidence.