You’re Not Broken: 5 Ways to Make Peace with Anxiety, Depression, or Anger

One of the most common things I hear from clients is some version of:
“Something’s wrong with me.”
“I shouldn’t feel this way.”
“Why can’t I just get over it?”

Whether they’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or anger, many people carry a quiet shame—like their emotions are proof that they’re broken or weak.

But here’s the truth:
There’s nothing “wrong” with you for feeling what you feel.

In fact, most of our emotional and thought patterns began as survival strategies. If you grew up in a home where emotions weren’t safe, where you had to perform to be loved, or where you witnessed instability, neglect, or trauma, then it makes perfect sense that your nervous system learned to stay on high alert or your mind developed negative self-beliefs. These responses protected you at one point.

The challenge is: what helped you survive then might be hurting you now.

Instead of trying to "get rid of" our anxiety, sadness, or anger, we can learn to understand it. That’s where real healing begins.

Here are 5 ways to start making peace with your emotions:

1. Stop labeling your emotions as “bad.”

You are not broken because you feel anxious or down. Emotions are messengers, not enemies. When you label your feelings as wrong or shameful, you add a layer of judgment that makes things worse. Instead, try saying: “This is hard right now. But it’s okay to feel this.”

2. Understand where the emotion comes from.

Many people are carrying emotional patterns that started in childhood. Maybe you learned to stay quiet to avoid conflict. Or you had to be hyper-independent to get by. These weren’t flaws—they were forms of protection. Understanding your story can help you show yourself more compassion in the present.

3. Notice when you’re suppressing feelings.

A lot of people try to push emotions away—especially the uncomfortable ones.
But what we suppress doesn’t disappear. It just builds.
When we ignore sadness, fear, or anger, those feelings often resurface later as irritability, panic, exhaustion, or physical tension. Giving yourself space to feel emotions actually helps them move through you faster and more safely.

4. Learn to “sit with” your feelings instead of avoiding them.

It can feel scary to slow down and actually feel your emotions—but this is how we begin to heal. You don’t have to fix the feeling immediately. Try naming it, breathing through it, and letting it pass without judgment. Think of it as offering your emotions a safe place to land.

5. Use gentle tools to support yourself.

Coping skills like grounding, journaling, CBT-based thought reframing, or even stepping outside for a walk can help ease overwhelming moments. These tools don’t erase your emotions—they support you through them. You don’t have to fight your feelings; you can work with them.

Final Thoughts: You’re Allowed to Feel What You Feel

In therapy, sometimes the very first step is just accepting yourself. Accepting your thoughts. Accepting your emotions—even the hard ones.

That doesn’t mean giving up.
It means stopping the internal war.
Because once you stop fighting yourself, you can finally start healing.

If you’re looking for a safe space to unpack your emotions and begin healing, I offer virtual therapy for clients across Texas. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or just feeling overwhelmed, I’d be honored to walk alongside you. Feel free to reach out if you're ready to begin.