EXPERIENCING ISSUES WITH
Emotional regulation?
Emotional regulation is the ability to manage your emotions in a healthy way and experience difficult emotions without being overwhelmed by them.
Need immediate help?
If you or someone you know is in danger of hurting themselves or someone else — or if there’s any type of health emergency — please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
How issues with emotion regulation might show up
People with good emotional regulation can identify and label their emotions, understand the causes of their emotions, and develop strategies for coping with their emotions in a healthy way.
Issues with emotion regulation can affect thoughts, behaviors, and relationships. The most common way we see this is through:
- Emotional intensity such as outbursts of anger, rage, or crying, even over what seems like minor things.
- Feeling overwhelmed by emotions, including positive emotions.
- Trouble calming down after emotional responses.
- Behavioral issues that may include impulsive actions and risky decisions, self-harming behavior, or saying things you may regret later.
- Social withdrawal or isolating to avoid emotional or overwhelming situations or interactions.
- Trouble with relationships because of struggles with concentrating, focusing, and communicating.
Need immediate help?
If you or someone you know is in danger of hurting themselves or someone else — or if there’s any type of health emergency — please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Challenges with emotional regulation can also create physical symptoms such as stomach problems, headaches, fatigue, and loss of sleep.
Emotions can feel like a rollercoaster sometimes with lots of difficulties. It’s important to pay attention to your body and determine if your emotions feel overwhelming and intense to the point that they’re disrupting your daily life.
If you are concerned about your emotional regulation or how it is impacting your life, it’s a good idea to talk to a therapist or counselor who can help you develop healthy coping mechanisms, identify emotional triggers and better understand them, and improve your overall emotional well-being.
Frequently asked questions about emotional regulation
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There are many reasons why you might be feeling more emotional: Stress, lack of sleep, and hormone changes are common reasons. Talk to someone about how you’re feeling, whether that’s a friend or family member or a professional, such as counselor or social worker, if your emotions are becoming more intense more frequently.
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Therapy can be a very effective way to improve your emotional regulation skills. A therapist can teach you a variety of coping mechanisms, including relaxation techniques, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and mindfulness exercises. They can also help you identify the triggers that lead to emotional dysregulation and develop strategies for avoiding or managing these triggers.