Regulating emotions, avoiding distorted thoughts, and understanding the impact of mental health on daily life were key topics discussed by psychologist Enrique Corral during his participation in the podcast "The Joy of Living in Sobriety," where content focused on addiction recovery is regularly presented.

According to Corral, the key to a balanced life is not avoiding emotional distress, as it is a natural part of life, but learning to manage it properly. This is a task that requires specialized support, such as that provided by therapeutic communities.

One of the central points Corral addressed was emotional regulation, explaining that therapy doesn’t aim to eliminate emotions like fear, anger, or sadness, but rather to teach how to regulate them to avoid extreme emotional peaks that can cause distress.

“This approach allows people to face daily challenges without feeling overwhelmed,” Corral explained, noting that while negative emotions are natural, learning to manage them is crucial for a more balanced life.

In connection with this, Corral highlighted the impact of mental health on daily life, emphasizing that it affects every aspect, from work to personal relationships.

He noted that people often underestimate its importance, prioritizing other responsibilities like work or finances. However, he emphasized that a healthy mind is essential for performing well in all areas of life.

Another relevant topic discussed was confirmation bias, a phenomenon that leads people to seek evidence that supports their beliefs, distorting reality and often generating anxiety.

For example, someone who believes they are not loved may ignore signs of affection and focus solely on small details that reinforce their negative belief.

Therefore, Corral stressed the importance of being aware of these biases and questioning automatic beliefs that often cause unnecessary suffering.

In addition to biases, Corral explained that distorted thinking is another common factor that contributes to emotional distress. He mentioned the concept of "filtering," where a person focuses on one negative aspect of their life, overlooking the positive ones.
This can create a disproportionate perception of reality, increasing stress and anxiety.

To counteract this, Corral recommended regular self-evaluation, taking time to reflect on one’s thoughts and emotions to better understand one’s mental state and avoid falling into these distortions.

Regarding unmet expectations, such as a lack of expressions of love or attention, the expert explained that these can lead to misunderstandings and emotional suffering. He suggested that people reflect on their expectations and express them clearly to avoid unnecessary tension in relationships.

A key aspect of the therapeutic process is questioning beliefs that cause distress. Corral urged people not to assume the worst without evidence and to seek real proof to support their beliefs before accepting them as true.

Finally, Enrique Corral emphasized the pursuit of well-being as the ultimate goal of therapy and mental health work. The aim is to reach a state where emotions are regulated, and individuals can live more balanced lives, facing daily challenges with greater resilience.

To achieve this, having the right support is essential, whether through individual therapy or specialized therapeutic communities like Misión Zoe.