Chicago, Illinois — Feelings of sadness and irritability can often emerge unexpectedly throughout our day, leaving many wondering about the causes. While these emotional shifts may warrant deeper introspection, several TikTok creators have initiated discussions encouraging followers to pause and assess their state of mind before jumping to conclusions about their emotional well-being.
In a viral video, one creator, Anania, shared their experience of feeling significantly better after eating. They explained this change in mood humorously but prompted a broader conversation about how simple biological needs can heavily influence our mental states. Anania suggested that many of us might be misinterpreting negative feelings, saying, “I’m not a terrible person; I might just be hungry.”
This sentiment resonated widely, leading to the introduction of the HALT technique, an acronym for Hunger, Anger, Lonely, and Tired. Another TikTok creator, @zairell777, highlighted the importance of using this method when faced with negative emotions. By checking in with oneself, users can better understand whether their emotions stem from a genuine psychological issue or a more straightforward physical one, such as hunger. She noted, “If you’re feeling off, run through the HALT checklist first. Were you really distressed or just in need of a snack?”
Research supports these insights; a study published in the journal PLOS ONE found a significant correlation between hunger and emotional responses. The data indicated that as much as 37% of irritability might be linked to hunger. It appears that low blood sugar levels can trigger a range of negative emotions, revealing how critical our basic needs are to our overall mental health.
Acknowledging anger is another crucial aspect of emotional awareness. Dr. David Streem, a psychiatrist, emphasized that while it’s healthy to feel anger, its persistent presence can signal deeper issues. He advised recognizing these feelings without judgment, stating that understanding how to manage them is key to maintaining emotional health. “When upset, one should be able to let that feeling go and engage fully in daily activities,” he explained.
Loneliness, too, can exacerbate negative emotions. Experts recommend fostering connections when feelings of isolation arise. Reaching out to friends or exploring new community activities can alleviate that sense of loneliness. TikTok creator Lacy expanded on how HALT can serve as a personal check-in tool, explaining, “When your mind spirals, ask yourself: do I need to connect with someone? Journaling or calling a friend could be what you need to feel grounded again.”
Fatigue is often overlooked but plays a significant role in shaping our emotional responses. Dr. Streem pointed out that exhaustion has a similar impact as hunger on the brain. Establishing healthy sleep routines can help mitigate feelings of irritability associated with sleep deprivation.
Engagement with the HALT method has sparked substantial discussion in the TikTok community. Users have reported using these self-assessment strategies to combat feelings of distress effectively. One user noted, “After tracking my mood, I realized I often felt down at the same time each day. I just needed to eat.” Another user added that practicing awareness of one’s needs has been invaluable in their mental health journey.
The importance of managing one’s emotional health through basics like hunger, sleep, and social connections cannot be understated. As Dr. Streem aptly said, “HALT serves as a great reminder of the simplest needs we often neglect.” Recognizing and addressing these factors can lay the foundation for improved emotional well-being, offering a pathway to more balanced mental health.
For those experiencing emotional distress, resources like the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline are available 24/7, providing vital support through trained crisis counselors.