Examining the nature of your feelings and addressing them head on can be an important key to ensure that you do not repeat unhealthy patterns. The Bowen Center, a facility dedicated to family therapy and research on interpersonal dynamics, explains that when we try to avoid unresolved emotional issues, they can trickle over into other parts of our lives. For example, the Bowen center uses the example of a man who has unresolved, negative feelings toward his parents, refuses to address them with his parents, then projects his unresolved feelings onto his wife. In short, if you don't address unresolved feelings directly, they can affect other parts of your life negatively.

In addition to acknowledging and identifying your specific unresolved feelings, attempt to involve the people closest to you in the health process. Talking about your emotions and unresolved issues can help you avoid conflicts by helping those around you understand what you are going through. They can also give you support and feedback, as well as an outlet to share your feelings.

Because resolving feelings is often an ongoing process, it may be necessary to set boundaries with people who are involved in your unresolved emotional issues. For example, if you have unresolved anger toward a parent for events that happened in your childhood, it may be beneficial to limit contact to phone calls until you begin to heal.

Even if you are experiencing intense emotional pain, cutting yourself off from friends and social activities can be detrimental to your healing process, explains Arlene R. Taylor, Ph.D., on her website, Realizations Inc. Taylor recommends spending time with family members, calling friends or volunteering, even if it feels emotionally challenging.

Sometimes, unresolved emotions may be too much for you to handle on your own. An example of this is when the feelings involve trauma, such as past abuse or victimization. If unresolved emotions get in the way of handling day-to-day responsibilities or cause a significant amount of distress, seeing a professional therapist may be necessary. Your counselor can give you specific strategies for working through the emotions in a safe environment and at your own pace.