How to Deal with Disappointment in Healthy Ways
When expectations and reality don’t align, disappointment results. Everyone experiences disappointment, but how you deal with it affects how quickly you bounce back and handle similar situations in the future. Our expert team of Mind Matters therapists created this guide to share what you need to know about how to deal with disappointment in healthy ways.
Physical and Psychological Effects of Disappointment
Disappointment is a mix of unsavory feelings, including frustration, anger, and sadness. These emotions may cause physical symptoms, such as:
- Headaches.
- Fatigue.
- Upset stomach.
- Muscle tension.
The psychological impact is often more far-reaching. You may have less motivation to try new activities, work towards goals, and hesitate to make important decisions. Continuous disappointment can cause a negative self-view and pessimism about the world around you, making it vital to learn how to cope healthily.
Positive Coping Skills for Disappointment
The first step to navigating an uncomfortable emotion is to acknowledge it. Denying or avoiding disappointment will not resolve it and will usually make you feel worse. Be kind to yourself while processing the experience by using positive self-talk. Berating yourself will not change the situation and will prevent you from working through it. Take time to reflect on your disappointment and use it as a learning experience for the future.
Helping Kids and Teens Recover from Disappointment
Children and teenagers are likely more susceptible to disappointment because of the developmental stages they’re still going through. As a result, they can experience more intense emotions in situations. Watching your child struggle feels difficult; however, guiding them through the experience is crucial rather than trying to fix the issue for them.
Encourage your child or teen to discuss their disappointment while empathizing and validating their emotions. You can model resilience by sharing your stories about overcoming unmet expectations. If your teen uses the word “might” instead of “always” or “never,” they can learn to set realistic expectations. An all-or-nothing mindset can heighten your child's pressure to succeed.
Additionally, you can emphasize the importance of relying on a support system of friends and family when they’re struggling. This sense of community and connection with others can give kids the confidence to risk disappointment because they know they won’t have to face it alone.
Work Through Disappointment with Mind Matters
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you can’t work through an issue alone. If you’re dwelling on your disappointment or feeling depressed and anxious, therapy can help. Our Mind Matters clinicians lead sessions with empathy and compassion. We will meet you where you are on your mental health journey.
In addition to our on-site services, we provide telehealth appointments to make therapy accessible to everyone. We believe that it truly is mind over matter, and with the help of our team, you can overcome whatever you’re going through.
Find Therapy and Telehealth Care Near Columbus, OH
To feel more confident in your ability to handle disappointment healthily in the future, contact our team. The Mind Matters clinicians will develop a treatment strategy that meets your needs and provides modern-day solutions for modern-day life.
Call (614) 545-9773 or schedule an appointment online. Mind Matters is located near Columbus, Ohio. We provide therapy services in Columbus, Dublin, Hilliard, Powell, Worthington, Galloway, Grove City, Bexley, Grandview Heights, Clintonville, Upper Arlington, and Franklinton, Ohio.
