Emotional Dysregulation
What is Emotional Dysregulation?
To understand what emotional dysregulation is, it’s helpful to first grasp what emotional regulation is. Emotional regulation is the ability to manage and respond to your emotions in a healthy way. It means recognizing how you feel, understanding why you feel that way, and making choices about how to express or cope with those emotions effectively. Emotional dysregulation, on the other hand, occurs when one is unable to effectively respond to or manage their emotions, which results in difficulty controlling emotions, intense emotional reactivity and emotions that last longer than they should. This often leads to reactions that are inconsistent with the situation at hand, making it harder to handle emotions in a balanced way and making logical, thoughtful decision-making very challenging, if not impossible.
How Do I Know If I Am Emotionally Dysregulated?
You may be struggling with emotional dysregulation if you notice…
Intense Emotions or Emotional Sensitivity: Your feelings are much stronger than the situation seems to warrant.
Difficulty Calming Down: It takes a long time to calm down or self-soothe after getting upset.
Impulsive Reactions: You act or speak without thinking when emotional, often regretting it later as these reactions are inconsistent with your values or desires.
Frequent Mood Swings: Your mood shifts rapidly and unpredictably.
Relationship Strain: Your emotional reactions often cause conflict or distance in relationships.
Physical Symptoms: You experience headaches, stomachaches, or rapid heartbeat when stressed or upset.
Feeling Out of Control: You feel like your emotions are in charge, not you.
Negative Self-Talk: You criticize yourself harshly when emotional, leading to shame or guilt.
Emotional dysregulation can arise from a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors that can disrupt anyone's ability to manage and respond to emotional experiences in a healthy way. If you’re struggling with emotional dysregulation, know that you’re not alone. Many people experience difficulties with managing intense emotions, and it’s a common challenge. It’s important to understand that these feelings are valid and that seeking professional help is a proactive and courageous step.
How Therapy at Upper East Side Psychology Can Assist You
If emotional dysregulation is affecting your relationships, work, or self-esteem, therapy can be a powerful tool for change. At Upper East Side Psychology, our therapists specialize in utilizing evidence-based approaches like Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to help you develop skills to handle intense emotions.
Our skilled therapists will work closely with you to teach techniques for understanding and regulating your emotions, reducing impulsivity, and developing healthier coping mechanisms.
In our compassionate and supportive environment, you will gain insight into emotional dysregulation and acquire practical tools for managing your emotions more effectively. By focusing on emotional regulation, you can achieve greater stability and balance in your life.
Schedule a free consultation today to explore how we can support you in enhancing your emotional well-being and overall quality of life.