Sometimes, during dark periods in our lives, we find ourselves at a loss to name or understand our emotions. This can be incredibly frustrating, leaving us feeling helpless and overwhelmed. From an early age, we have all learned to some extent, that we need to protect ourselves and others by suppressing or avoiding emotions deemed "unacceptable" such as anger, fear or grief. We employ coping mechanisms such as alcohol, drugs, food, distractions such as overworking, humour to laugh off our feelings or daydreaming to disassociate ourselves instead of being fully present.