Ask Lemmy

There's a barrier between what we hear and how we feel about it (which will then be expressed in words and action) and that's the barrier of ideology plus self-beliefs (what we think). Plus, how mentally agile you are will decide on how quickly you reply (that's why folks with ADHD can say and do some wild, impulsive shit, for instance). By analysing our beliefs critically and fearlessly, and tearing down the ideological house of cards that causes us cognitive dissonance and impedes us from reaching the right conclusions in many areas of our lives, we can better deal with the world and how it 'makes us' feel. Going from "people are not to be trusted" or "all women are sluts (but somehow they will never date me)" to "people are fundamentally good, but flawed to different degrees and in different ways and there's no need to live in fear" and "women and men are sexual creatures, most women are not prostitutes and this is just the way I've coped with my lack of success in the dating world and with the feelings of worthlessness and despair that come with it", for example, will 100% help you better handle your emotions.

There's nothing to do about mental agility though, I've found, besides being permanently medicated/sedated or high on weed. And none of those sound healthy/ideal. 🤷😅