Safe and sound

A strong support system is vital for our emotional health.

I GREW up an emotionally “independent” child. Because of the environment I was in, expressing negative emotions was deeply discouraged. In fact, if I were to get upset over something, I would be punished – either by the silent treatment, hurtful remarks, or sometimes spankings. So I learnt that negative emotions such as sadness and anger were “bad” and should be kept to myself.