Can You Selectively Numb Unpleasant Feelings? | #94

Can You Selectively Numb Unpleasant Feelings? | #94

From MYBREATHINGMIND by Ruth

April 9, 2026 · 15 min · Season 10 · Episode 94

About this episode

This episode explores the costs of selectively numbing unpleasant feelings and advocates for treating emotions as information rather than problems.

Most of us were taught that some feelings are acceptable and others need to be managed, minimized, or explained away. This episode looks at what that habit actually costs us, why the popular framing of "emotional regulation" may be backfiring for a lot of people, and what it looks like to treat your emotions as information instead of problems to solve. No toxic positivity. No reframes. Just a more honest look at why the feelings you most want to avoid might be the ones most worth paying attention to. Find out why you're still exhausted and your biggest area for relief at mybreathingmind.com. My Breathing Mind Podcast is created for professionals navigating stress, burnout, and the journey back to themselves. All episodes are written and produced .l;/by Ruth Kao Barr, burnout specialist, leadership & wellbeing coach.

People in this episode

Host: Ruth Kao Barr

Topics covered

  • emotional regulation
  • mental health
  • stress management
  • burnout
  • self-awareness

Keywords

  • emotional regulation
  • unpleasant feelings
  • mental health
  • burnout
  • stress
  • self-awareness
  • toxic positivity

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