Disgust is a feeling that we’re all likely familiar with. And it actually has a very strong evolutionary benefit to it. When humans were initially evolving, it was important to make sure that we avoided foods or types of situations that were potentially dangerous or toxic to us biologically. That’s really one of those things built into us.
One of the ways that we can try to manage the feeling of disgust is to really be aware when we’re feeling unpleasant or uncomfortable. You just want to check in with yourself and try to use that observe and label approach.
And as with all emotions in and of themselves, we can’t stop them from happening. So try not to blame yourself or judge yourself for feeling an emotion. But what we do have control over is how we respond to that emotion once it appears.
And so that’s really where a lot of benefit from therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness as well, is where you’re able to identify the emotion you’re experiencing and asking yourself, okay, what do I want to do about this emotion? Is it helping me right now? Is it not helping me? If it’s not helping me, which one of my techniques from CBT or mindfulness can I use to help me make this moment more effective or more useful?
If you have any more questions about this, please feel free to check in with us here at Good Therapy SF.
