Decoding emotions: the process of figuring out our feelings

By Dr. Anthony Townsend, PhD, Clinical Psychologist

Are “negative” emotions your enemy—or your ally?

Many of us have learned to view emotions like anxiety, sadness, and anger as problems to be eliminated. This belief is partly shaped by the medical model, which often treats emotions as symptoms of disorder rather than natural responses to life’s challenges.

Take anxiety, for example. Despite how it’s commonly discussed, anxiety is not a disease—it’s an adaptive emotion with an essential role in our survival. Unlike fear, which responds to immediate danger, anxiety arises from uncertainty about the future. It helps us prepare for potential risks: we study to avoid failure, save money for financial security, and build relationships to prevent isolation. In this way, anxiety acts as a protective guide rather than an enemy—it might be annoying, but it serves a purpose.

Emotions are messengers, not problems

Because some emotions feel unpleasant, we assume they’re bad. But in reality, they are signals—messengers alerting us to unmet needs.

A helpful comparison is homeostasis, the body’s ability to maintain balance. Just as hunger signals the need for food and thirst signals the need for water, emotions like sadness, loneliness, or frustration signal emotional needs that require attention. When these needs are met, we experience relief and fulfilment.

Understanding your emotional needs

Beyond basic survival needs, we also have complex emotional needs, such as:

✔️ Safety & certainty

✔️ Love & connection

✔️ Variety & stimulation

✔️ Growth & contribution

✔️ Self-worth & esteem

When these needs go unmet, unpleasant emotions arise. For example, depression can signal a lack of meaningful connection or purpose. If you feel isolated after losing a close friend, your sadness is a natural response to that loss. The feeling persists until you find a way to meet your need, reconnecting with others or developing new relationships.

However, if you avoid the feeling through alcohol, overwork, or excessive sleep, it may temporarily numb the pain, but it won’t resolve the underlying issue. The need remains unmet, and the emotion persists.

Decoding your emotions: The role of infusion-assisted therapy

At Syntonic, our approach helps you understand and respond to your emotions effectively. Through infusion-assisted therapy, you can:

🔹 Deepen your understanding of your emotional world

🔹 Identify unmet emotional needs and their impact on your well-being

🔹 Assess whether your current coping strategies are effective

🔹 Explore new approaches to meeting your emotional needs

Our goal is to help you decode your emotions so you can align your needs, feelings, and behaviours to create a more fulfilling life.

Want to learn more?

Discover how Syntonic’s Intravenous Infusion Programme (with optional integration therapy) can support your healing. Visit our website or call +27 83 765 8341 to explore your options.