If I don't use basic feeling words, I also tend to use paradoxical terms too. One that comes to mind is drowning in air; not drowning in water or suffocating.

Another way to convey feelings is to describe a situation (even if the situation is different than what you're experiencing), using poetry, music, movies, stories, etc. I know some people here use art.

Have to be careful with art. I showed my T some of my art once. It was metal embossing of a dead tree, another a dying rose, and another a vortex into a black hole. By no means was I trying to convey sadness or depression, but it sure came off that way. I just wanted her to see examples of my art and I happened to pick those 3 Next session I made sure to bring in my uplifting art