A visceral, intense distress signal arising from loss, rejection, or threat to core psychological needs (e.g., safety, belonging). It shares neural pathways with physical pain.
Example:
The acute sting of a betrayal, the overwhelming grief after a significant loss, or the ache of social exclusion.
Valence-Arousal Position
Physiological Symptoms:
Cardio & Respiratory
Cognitive
Reflection Tip:
Acknowledge the pain as a sign that a vital relational boundary or connection is broken, just as physical pain signals tissue damage.
De-escalation Tip:
Engage the calming system (e.g., deep breathing, self-soothing) to reduce the 'threat' response, then focus on connection or restoration.
Self-Judgment Tip:
Emotional pain is a universal, evolutionary alarm mechanism; it is not a sign of weakness. Be kind to yourself for feeling an intense, necessary survival response.
Normalization Tip:
Neuroscience indicates that social pain and physical pain activate the same brain regions (dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, insula). Your pain is physiologically real.
Total Reflections
24
Average Intensity
6.8
Date Range
11/6/2025 - 12/6/2025
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