Licensed therapist and mental health advocate Raquel Hopkins is sounding the alarm on a common misconception in the self-help space: that emotional awareness and emotional growth are one and the same.
In a recent Instagram post that has struck a chord with thousands, Hopkins challenges the growing trend of emotional “looping” under the guise of mindfulness.
“A lot of what’s being labeled as ‘emotional awareness’ is just looping pain,” she writes. “You’re not sitting with the emotion—you’re staying in it. Naming it. Replaying it. Living in it… Feeling something doesn’t mean you have to freeze there.”
In her powerful message and accompanying video, Hopkins distinguishes between “sitting with” emotions and “drowning in” them—a concept that resonates deeply in an era where emotional intelligence is often championed but not always fully understood.
“A lot of people are emotionally aware but not necessarily emotionally mature,” she explains.
Understanding vs. Overidentifying
Hopkins describes “sitting with” emotions as a process rooted in presence and honesty. This means naming what you feel without judgment or the urge to fix it immediately. It involves asking yourself, “What is this emotion trying to teach me?” and using that information to grow.
On the other hand, “drowning” in emotions means remaining stuck in a painful narrative—even after the triggering moment has passed. It’s when you replay the hurt, reattach to the story, and internalize it in a way that reinforces self-doubt or hopelessness.
“Let’s say you didn’t get the job,” Hopkins says in her video. “Feeling disappointed is natural. But if you start saying, ‘This always happens to me. I’m never chosen. I must not be good enough,’ now the emotion is something you’ve internalized—not something you’re learning from.”
A Call for Emotional Maturity
Hopkins’ viral post is a timely reminder that emotional awareness should lead to growth, not stagnation. While validating our feelings is crucial, she urges followers to avoid using those feelings as justification for remaining stuck.
“Your emotions are valid,” she states, “but they’re not always telling the truth about who you are.”
With mental health conversations becoming more mainstream, Hopkins’ message adds essential nuance—encouraging people not just to feel, but to reflect, grow, and move forward.
Her teachings continue to foster meaningful conversations around mental wellness, emotional regulation, and personal resilience—reminding us that the ultimate goal isn’t just to feel, but to heal.
Follow Raquel Hopkins on Instagram @raquel_the_capacity_expert for more tools on emotional healing, therapy insights, and daily affirmations rooted in psychological truth.
