Emotion · Shame family
Humiliation
noun
The feeling of being publicly lowered or disrespected by someone else, often on purpose.
How it shows up in the body
Burning face, shaking, a stunned silence, rage that rises fast afterward.
What it is telling you
Your dignity was attacked. Humiliation is one of the strongest triggers for violence, which is why naming it matters so much.
The urge — and the choice
To retaliate to restore respect. The choice is to protect your dignity without giving up your future.
One thing to try
Leave the room if you can. Then tell someone safe exactly what happened, in order. Dignity is restored by being witnessed.
Practice it: The pause.
Words you can use
What happened in there was humiliating. I need to talk about it before I do anything.
Read more: Emotional literacy in prisons and reentry
