Emotions are hard to relay sometimes. I can say I’m sad, but I might really mean that I’m disappointed. Or I say I’m feeling hurt, when a better description might be rejected. Words are important, and the English language is filled with descriptions to help us communicate what we are really trying to relay about how we feel.
Along with words are the physical feelings that many times accompany our emotions. This chart (Hendricks & Hendricks,1993) is a great tool for helping patients identify the emotion that goes along with the physical feelings.
Emotion |
Body Location |
Possible Sensations |
Sadness | Throat, Chest, Belly | Lump, Narrowing Pressure, Aching, Empty |
Anger | Back of neck, Head, Shoulders, Arms, Hands | Ropes of tension, Lumps, Throbbing temples, Clenched Jaw, Drawn in Tight, Blocky, Held Back, Curled |
Fear | Belly Area, Head, Face, Throat | Butterflies, Fluttering, Clutching, Heavy Ball Dizziness, Shortness of Breath, Tension around Eyes and Mouth, Mouth Dry |
Sexual Feelings | Genitals, Lower Belly, Front of Body | Streaming, Fullness, Good Achy, Warmth |
Joy | Chest Area, Eyes, Front of Body | Spacious, Expansive, Glowing, Clarity, Bubbling, Giggly Inside |
Here is a word list to help clients better describe the emotions they are feeling:
Happy: |
Good: | Confused: | Helpless | Positive: | Angry: | Indifferent: | Depressed: |
Afraid: |
Joyous |
Calm | Upset | Incapable | Eager | Upset | Insensitive | Diminished |
Fearful |
Lucky |
Peaceful | Doubtful | Alone | Intent | Annoyed | Dull | Sulky |
Terrified |
Fortunate |
At Ease | Indecisive | Paralyzed | Determined | Disappointed | Nonchalant | Guilty |
Suspicious |
Delighted |
Pleased | Perplexed | Fatigued | Inspired | Discouraged | Neutral | Dissatisfied |
Anxious |
Overjoyed |
Encouraged | Embarrassed | Useless | Reassured | Bitter | Reserved | Miserable |
Alarmed |
Thankful |
Surprised | Hesitant | Inferior | Infuriated | Powerless | Weary | Detestable |
Panic |
Important |
Excited | Disillusioned | Vulnerable | Anxious | Ashamed | Bored | Despicable |
Nervous |
Ecstatic |
Certain |
Unbelieving | Empty | Enthusiastic | A Sense of Loss | Preoccupied | In Despair |
Scared |
Jubilant |
Relaxed |
Skeptical | Forced | Brave | Provoked | Cold |
Worried |
|
Blessed |
Distrustful | Hesitant | Challenged | Irritated | Disinterested |
Frightened |
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Misgiving |
Despair | Optimistic | Lousy | Lifeless |
Timid |
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Lost | Frustrated | Confident |
Shaky |
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Unsure | Distressed | Hopeful |
Restless |
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Uneasy | Pathetic | Strong |
Doubtful |
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Pessimistic |
Tragic |
Threatened |
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Tense |
Dominated |
Cowardly |
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Quaking |
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Wary |
Hurt: |
Sad: |
Crushed |
Tearful |
Tormented |
Sorrowful |
Deprived |
Pained |
Pained |
Grief |
Tortured |
Anguished |
Dejected |
Desolate |
Rejected |
Unhappy |
Injured |
Lonely |
Offended |
Mournful |
Afflicted |
Dismayed |
Victimized |
|
Aching |
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Heartbroken |
|
Humiliated |
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Appalled |
|
Wronged |
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Alienated |
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Each of these words can be used to better identify your patient’s emotions. Every word has a different connation and can help you get to the heart of what they are really feeling. Post emotion words on your walls so that patients see them and are able to use those words so they can better express their true emotions, and you can better respond to their emotional need.
Kim Griggs
Sparrow Solutions Group
Printable Lists found here: Emotion Words; Physical Feelings
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