JEALOUSY
What This Emotion Is Telling You
Jealousy is an emotion many people judge in themselves, but feeling it does not make you selfish, controlling or unkind.
Within the Depression & Emotional Distress - Causes & Triggers series, this guide looks underneath jealousy. The emotion may be signalling fear of losing connection, insecurity, comparison, an unmet need, a relationship boundary or something you deeply want for your own life.
The full guide explores:
• what jealousy is and how it differs from envy
• what the emotion may be telling you
• jealousy and depression
• comparison and self-worth
• romantic relationships, friendships and family
• trust, reassurance and boundaries
• past betrayal and older emotional wounds
• social media as a trigger
• neurodivergence and rejection sensitivity
• when jealousy becomes controlling behaviour
• turning jealousy into a respectful request
• personal reflection and worksheets
• a jealousy response plan
• supporting somebody experiencing jealousy
• a seven-day awareness exercise
• books, professional support and clinical/source notes
A message from Space to Breathe Therapy:
You do not have to shame the feeling, and you do not have to let it control your behaviour. Listen for the message underneath, check the facts, and remember that somebody else's success or closeness does not reduce your worth.
Until next time, give yourself space to breathe.
With love, Maggie
