Emotional What?? Information regarding emotional dysregulation

Emotional dysregulation, a phrase that is sometimes thrown around like we all understand what it is, when I first heard the term I thought it was simply “throwing a tantrum”. It actually means “having difficulty managing your emotions and the way you react to them". Dysregulated emotions are those that are intense, sometimes out of left field, and makes one feel as though they are not in control. This includes one’s reactions to stressors.

Imagine a child throwing themselves on the floor after being told it was time to go. This would be an example of dysregulation. In instances like this the child is usually assisted in regulating their emotions. This is how children learn emotional regulation (through experience and assistance). And though most associate dysregulation with young children, if not properly taught the skills people of all ages can experience moments of dysregulation.

“That’s not me, I don’t go throwing tantrums and crying all the time” Dysregulation goes far beyond this so let me break it down for you..

Some Symptoms of Emotional Dysregulation include (but are not limited to) 

Impulsivity

Easily frustrated 

Having trouble "calming down" 

Losing temper often

Ongoing Irritability and anger 

Shutting down or going numb

Dissociation 

Verbal outbursts

Aggressive behaviors (verbally or physically)

Consistent emotional dysregulation can be caused by many things including

neurodevelopmental delays or disorders, brain conditions/injury, and trauma

Then there are the Mental Health Conditions

( now you should have know it was going to come to this eventually. Lol)

Mental Health Diagnoses that may include difficulties when it comes to emotional regulation:

Anxiety

Depression

Bipolar

Disruptive, impulse control (this includes ADHD)

Personality disorders 

PTSD

OCD

Most times emotional dysregulation feels like you have no control over your emotions or your reactions to stressors.

Good new people!!! There is treatment for emotional dysregulation, you do not have to struggle with this forever. Treatment options include talk therapy to help you understand what is leading to your symptoms as well as healthy ways to manage these overwhelming emotions. Depending on your specific symptoms and diagnosis medications to treat the underlying mental health condition may also be an option. 

A lot of us experience these intense, out of control emotions from time to time. If these episodes seem to be increasing in frequency, duration, or are problematic seek treatment. There is help and nobody should have to go through this alone. If you think you may be struggling with dysregulated emotions feel to reach out to me at info@shannonrileylmhcd.com and we can discuss your symptoms