Ashley
Isn't that a fact. All of this panic/anxiety condition is like that. No black and white. You are right about controlling your emotions, but how many realize exactly what they are and why they happen. Out of control emotions or emotions used inappropriately can be just as damaging to a persons recovery as flat lining them. Anger that shows you there is something bothering you is fine, but anger directed at the whole world is not. It interferes with positive thought. Some emotions don't happen alone, they have others attached to them. These can be inappropriate attachments. When this happens you get confused feelings or information overload trying to figure out what is wrong. But worse I feel is flat lining them. (trying to feel nothing.) I mean sometimes that is a good place to go for a break, but you don't want to live there.
At least if you catch yourself using emotions inappropriately you can change that.
This feeling nothing is probably more common with depression than panic. I know it is hard to get anything done physically in this state (been there) and I think probably mentally. The two effect each other so what would be an exercise to break it? As far as I know it goes on it's own but maybe not in everyone. Going to take this one to my therapist some time.
My thoughts on your questions. (just my thoughts.) This too is not cut and dried, others may feel much different than I do.
I have no answer for your first question. Probably as a reaction to a situation.
I want to look at my emotions as appropriate reactions to a situation, including panic.
You can learn a lot, list might get long but certainly should be looked at. They are telling you something.
Gift? Besides telling us we are normal and alive and have feelings? Pleasure if you look at or use them positively. Release if it is needed. Rest if you use them as a distraction.
Davit.
