distinguishing between healhty and unhealthy emotions.

I had emotional problems, anxiety, and depression since my traumatic childhood.

Has anyone with past emotional problems recovered enough to distinguish between healthy emotional processing (particularly with sadness) and unhealthy dysfunctional emotional processing?

I don't think I am going to answer your question right, but I know I used to be an emotional wreck. my emotions going from 0-60 as I used to call it because my ptsd would be triggered. I could never keep the slightest emotion under control. I then took a beginners group for dbt. it was an 8 week class. I took it 3 times to really process it and learn how to process my emotions in a healthy way. it made such a difference in my life. I no longer have those strong emotions that take over me except those overwhelming unidentifiable ones associated with anxiety.

Hello: I don't give advise but,
When I had emotional issues, I discovered in support groups how to identify what my feelings were by keeping a feelings log and gently separating the good ones from the not so good ones and then working with my feelings in several ways like doing some anger work and a LOT of weeping. Over time, I began to first recognize my various feelings and accurately name them. Then I began to let my feelings out more & more as I learned to handle them instead of hide or repress them as I often did in the past. I learned to honestly say "I love you" to both friends and strangers. I learned to speak up and tell people how I feel about anything which blew a lot of people away with my unabashed honesty. I had to learn how to modify my feelings so I was not so forceful and grating yet not intimidated any longer. It was a long and sometimes painful process to identify and express my feelings but well worth it to obtain some kind of emotional health and freedom after years & years of fearful repression.
There are a lot of books written about working with feeling so I'd look around for them.
good luck,
jim

I am a personal wreck right now from following various emotions. I am however trying counseling again and boy lesson one should be get a grip on feelings. Stop and think before you act or speak!