Annalise de Groot

Guilt is intended to be a motivational emotion, allowing us to change behaviour that might cause us to be excluded or persecuted by others in our social groups.

We are hardwired to know how to react to danger – when we perceive a threat, our bodies instantly assess it to determine how we should respond.

It is a common misconception that sadness is ‘weakness’ and that to feel sad somehow undermines one’s ‘toughness.

Grief does not discriminate as to whether the loss is ‘good’ or ‘bad’ for you; it is about the absence of something you have held close for a long time.

Anger can be a confusing emotion, especially when it doesn’t seem to fit the situation you are in.

Anger is an alert siren that tells us when our boundaries have been violated or when our needs have not been met. Healthy anger involves expressing ourselves and working towards a resolution.

It is human nature to screw up. It is how we learn, adapt and grow. This does not excuse causing harm to others, but it is an important thing to remember when we think about our mistakes.