To overcome painful emotions, one should not attempt to block or numb them, but rather accept and observe them as transient experiences separate from our identity, in order to let them fade naturally.

noli's read

The approach of emotional acceptance versus avoidance is strongly supported by scientific research. A major meta-analysis by Aldao et al. (2010) shows that emotional suppression is consistently correlated with poorer mental balance, while acceptance is beneficial. Furthermore, multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on psychological acceptance, synthesized by Gloster et al. (2020), confirm that opening oneself to uncomfortable feelings improves psychological flexibility in daily life. Observational studies in brain imaging also suggest that the simple act of naming and welcoming a difficult sensation decreases the activity of stress response centers. While the metaphor of ink dissipating on its own is very accessible, it sometimes simplifies a process that may require other supportive tools during intense emotional storms. Nevertheless, the fundamental principle of letting the emotion circulate without fighting against it is scientifically very robust.

the sources

No named source held this one up — that absence is part of the verdict.