An introduction to Emotions Anonymous

How did I not know this!? 😧 Did you know this!?

I have arm wrestled long enough with mental health thoughts to be something of an expert. So I was stunned this morning when I came across a group called EA.

In 2011 I created the Mental Health Social Network (MHSN). I have always wanted to help people going through mental health battles. Unfortunately I had to close that project down but always wanted to return to it. Or something like it.

Today I decided, finally, to start copying the Alcoholics Anonymous model for people with mental health challenges. I have been through the healthcare system and it is frustrating.

When you need mental health support most people are left dangling. In many areas those desperate for immediate support are left waiting for far too long to start to get therapy or other treatments. Then. If you do get them. You are seen for a short period and then left adrift with no further support. People who are going through mental health struggles need support from day one and for as long as they need it. They need a mental health group that is easy to connect with, in person and online. I really wanted to create that group, starting today.

Before I set off creating this new mental health support group I first wanted to check if anyone had done it before. Did one already exist? I had previously searched for this exact thing but had never found anything. Therefore, I was stunned (and very excited for all of you who can now use this info) when I searched and came across the following...

Emotions Anonymous (EA) 😇

Emotions Anonymous (EA) is a 12-step program for recovery from emotional difficulties. It is based on the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, but it is adapted to address the specific needs of people struggling with emotional issues.

The 12 steps of Emotions Anonymous are:

1. To admit you are powerless over your emotions — that your life has become unmanageable.

2. To believe that a Power greater than you can restore you too sanity.

3. To make a decision to turn your will and life over to the care of the greater goodness, to love and the kindness of others who can support you.

4. To make a searching and fearless inventory of your circumstances and take ownership that you can change.

5. To admit to yourself and to another human being the exact nature of your mental health struggles.

6. To be open and ready to remove all these defects of character.

7. To humbly ask something you believe in to remove your shortcomings.

8. To make a list of all persons that have also been affected, and be willing to make peace with them all.

9. To communicate directly with such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.

10. To take personal inventory and when you are, or were, wrong, to promptly admit it.

11. To seek through prayer and meditation to improve your conscious contact with something you believe in and love greater than yourself.

12. To be willing to practice and share what is learnt and helps you feel better with others going through, or affected by, mental health issues.

The 12 steps are a guide for recovery from emotional difficulties. They are not a set of rules that must be followed exactly. However, they can be a helpful framework for people who are struggling to manage their emotions.

The 12 steps are designed to help people:

👣 Accept their powerlessness over their emotions.

👣 Find a higher power to help them recover.

👣 Take responsibility for their actions.

👣 Make amends to those they have harmed.

👣 Continue to grow and develop spiritually.

The 12 steps are not a quick fix for emotional difficulties. However, they can be a valuable tool for people who are committed to recovery.

If you are struggling with emotional difficulties, you may want to consider working with an Emotions Anonymous group. EA groups can provide you with support, guidance, and hope.

EA was founded in 1971 in St. Paul, Minnesota. The first group was started by two women who were looking for help with their emotional problems. They were inspired by Alcoholics Anonymous and decided to create a similar program for people with emotional difficulties.

Today, EA has over 1,000 groups in 35 countries. The groups are open to anyone who is struggling with emotional problems, regardless of their age, gender, race, or religion.

The EA program is based on the belief that everyone has the potential to recover from emotional difficulties. The 12 steps provide a framework for people to work through their problems and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

The EA program is not a substitute for professional therapy. However, it can be a valuable complement to therapy. EA groups provide a safe and supportive environment where people can share their experiences and learn from each other.

Here are some of the benefits of participating in Emotions Anonymous:

👣 You will connect with other people who understand what you are going through.

👣 You will learn how to manage your emotions in a healthy way.

👣 You will develop a stronger sense of self-worth.

👣 You will find hope and inspiration for recovery.

If you are interested in learning more about Emotions Anonymous, you can visit their websites [ emotionsanonymous.org and emotionsanonymous.org.uk ]. There is no cost to participate in EA, and all meetings are confidential.

I am so glad I found EA today. Joining a group like this is a brilliant way to gain the essential support of others so you are not left alone to your own thoughts as a time your thoughts are likely steering you in the wrong direction. You are amazing and this group will let others see that and help you be the best version of you. Take care of yourself today.

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Christian Jacques Bennett

Please comment below on what you think about this path...

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Search Terms: AA, EA, Alcoholis Anonymous, Emotions Anonymous, Mental Wellbeing, Mental Health, Mental Support Groups, Anxiety, Depression, Phobia, Phobias Help me!
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