If you know how mood swings are, then you must have experienced emotional dysregulation. Well, do not worry; you are not alone. Many people find it challenging to handle their feelings, and this article will describe emotional dysregulation and how it might affect you in your daily life.
When you feel your feelings have a life of their own, they often act out in ways much more intense than their situation, which is emotional dysregulation. You might go from zero to one hundred in seconds or be so overwhelmed with emotions they wouldnt shut off.
It goes like this: One day, everything is going your way, and then, in an instant, some tiny remark from one of your colleagues causes you to snap into anger or plunge into despair. That's emotional dysregulation at work. It isn't just a matter of having intense feelings and unacceptably evil ways of handling such emotions for the situation.
Your emotion regulation system may be somewhat off because of the following elements:
Emotional dysregulation can drain life. You may believe that you are vulnerable to:
It is challenging to diagnose emotional dysregulation, though there are several telltale signs to watch. You may experience intense mood swings, feel overwhelmed by your emotions, or be unable to calm down after an upset.
Do you often feel like your emotions run on a roller coaster? People with emotional dysregulation have potent feelings, which may sometimes come out of nowhere. You might be so happy in one moment, and at another, you are sad, feeling little middle ground.
You may feel unable to cope with stressful situations. Minor setbacks, if they do occur, are judged catastrophic, leading to explosive outbursts or your emotions shutting down completely.
Acting impulsively is another symptom. You might do things impulsively, engage in reckless behaviors, make hasty decisions, or say mean things. Often, these spur-of-the-moment actions are linked with unsuccessful efforts to regulate mood.
Emotional dysregulation may create havoc in personal relationships through constant conflict, fear of abandonment, or an inability to keep relationships stable due to misunderstandings from misread social appearances or overreactions to perceived slights.
Emotional dysregulation does not come from anywhere. It could be because of these different influences that might be quickly gathered to hint at one's tendency and, therefore, seek professional assistance.
Another factor is biological makeup. Neurological or chemical imbalances in the brain can influence a person to control his emotions. For instance, studies revealed that individuals with low levels of serotonin are more susceptible to mood swings
Experiences and environment shape the way that you interpret your emotions. Traumatic events, chronic stress, growing up in an emotionally volatile household, and neglect or abuse-particularly if you experienced either one as a child-may raise the risk of emotional dysregulation.
Emotional dysregulation is closely linked to certain mental health disorders. Anxiety, depression, and borderline personality disorder may increase one's inability to regulate their emotions. A lack of awareness about one's emotions can further worsen the situation.
It may, however, be tricky to regulate emotional dysregulation. You can manage your emotions much better with the appropriate tools and techniques. Here are some things you can do to manage overwhelming feelings and reactions.
Mindfulness is one of the most effective habits you can cultivate in your life related to emotional regulation. Mindfulness means paying attention to the present moment with no judgment. Try these easy exercises:
Here are some beneficial coping skills that you can use:
If emotional dysregulation starts to cut into your life meaningfully, it's time to get professional help. There is nothing wrong whatsoever with reaching out and seeking help regarding your mental health concerns.
Find a therapist who focuses on emotional regulation. They will use the following approaches, among others:
The therapist will help you in the following areas:
The doctor may prescribe certain medications that can alleviate symptoms for some people. This could be a type of antidepressant or mood stabilizer. Always weigh up the pros and cons with your doctor.
Of course, support groups. Finding others who have gone through something similar will be beneficial and convenient for you. You will not be alone in this journey of better emotional regulation.
Remember, you are not alone; everybody has problems when it comes to keeping feelings at bay from time to time. Happily, there are ways you can get a hold of that. There are options through therapy, mindfulness, and being kinder to yourself. With a little work and some encouragement, it is possible to surf those waves of emotion like a professional.
