Effective Ways To Deal With Emotional Dysregulation
Emotional Dysregulation is a condition that makes it difficult for the individual to regulate their Emotions.
Emotions are part of human nature. Sometimes, we feel sad, angry, happy, or frustrated, depending upon the situation. We tend to expect these emotions on a regular basis. Expressing emotions in an acceptable way is perfect. However, expressing emotional responses in a volatile manner or failing to take control of your emotions and behaviour is a sign of Emotional Dysregulation. The persons facing emotional dysregulation disorder can lead to a lifetime struggle resulting in an inability to work properly at job and school. It impacts their interpersonal relationships also. If you are facing difficulty regulating emotions, then read this blog completely.
What Do You Understand By Emotional Regulation?
Before we understand the concept of Emotional Dysregulation, let us first understand what emotional regulation is.
As per the study, emotional regulation is a condition that encompasses both positive and negative feelings and how we strengthen them. As per the study, the emotional regulation is divided into five main dimensions:
- Recognizing emotions in other people
- Recognizing your own emotions
- The ability to calm yourself down (Arousal reduction)
- Ability to improve your Mood/Emotional generation
- Emotional reactivity
Managing the emotions is important. When the emotional regulation fails people says or executes the things they later regret.
What is Emotional Dysregulation?
Emotional Dysregulation is a condition that makes it difficult for the individual to regulate their emotions. People suffering from this condition often feels difficulty regulating emotions which lead to significant mood swings, or the emotional lability. In short, the person suffering from this condition often have trouble in controlling their emotions and how they express these emotions.
Those with Emotional Dysregulation might not easily recognize their emotions or feel guilty about expressing their emotions. Their behaviour is not socially acceptable. Emotional regulation is a difficult task for them and they become impulsive.
Often, it is seen that emotional Dysregulation is a common feature of Adult ADHD and children's ADHD. Individuals suffering from ADHD Emotional Dysregulation often have trouble in making decisions. In simple terms, emotional Dysregulation is a core trait of ADHD.
Main Causes of Emotion Dysregulation
Experts believe that there are several things that lead to emotion dysregulation. While the exact etiology may differ from person to person, the most common causes that contribute to the development of this condition are:
- Early Childhood Traumas: Early childhood traumas such as abuse, witnessing violence, or neglect can disrupt the development of emotional skills. It will later on result in behavioural Dysregulation in Children.
- Traumatic Brain Injury: Your brain plays an important role in expressing the emotions. The research shows that the traumatic brain injury will alter the way the people respond to their emotions.
- Mental Health Disorders: Conditions like post-traumatic stress, borderline personality disorder, extreme depression, and anxiety can lead to this condition.
- Chronic Invalidation: When the person's thoughts and feelings are neglected in the early stage of life, it often leads to a chronic disorder that later on develops into this condition.
- People with neurodivergent: Persons whose brains develop and work differently than normal people will face emotional Dysregulation.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Emotion Dysregulation?
The main symptoms of Emotional Dysregulation are intense emotional states or emotional meltdowns. These people face difficulty regulating emotions like fear, sadness, anger, and happiness.
While the signs and symptoms might differ from person to person and the situation responsible for triggering this condition, the most common signs and symptoms of emotion dysregulation include:
- Self-harm or suicidal Behaviours
- Severe depression
- Anxiety
- Feeling confused by emotions
- Decreased emotional awareness
- Interpersonal conflict
- Extreme perfectionism
- Feeling "numb" and ignoring responsibilities
- Impulsive Behaviours, like binge eating or unsafe sex
- Trouble calming down
- Mood swings
Situations when the Emotional Dysregulation Disorder Becomes Problematic
Individuals with emotional Dysregulation are unable to handle stressful situations. The severity of emotional difficulties can disrupt the individual's personal, social, and professional life. Situations when the emotional dysregulation disorder becomes problematic are:
- Violent behaviour or aggression towards the animal, person or objects.
- Shouting, screaming, and yelling (verbal outbursts) in different situations.
- Facing trouble in maintaining social relationships, friendships, or emotional connections.
- Trouble in sleeping or holding the grudges for a longer period of time.
- Might have developmental disorders later on stage due to this condition.
Is Emotional Dysregulation Disorder a Mental Disorder?
No, it is not necessary that showing extreme emotional expression (violence) is a sign of a mental disorder. However, the prolonged continuation of this condition might result in a mental disorder at a later stage of life.
The list of common mental disorders that are commonly associated with the emotional Dysregulation are:
- Bipolar disorder
- Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder
- Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) ( ADHD Emotional Dysregulation)
- Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (complex PTSD)
Main Strategies to Overcome the Emotional Dysregulation Disorder
As per the experts, there are four main strategies to overcome the emotional dysregulation disorder. The individual can pick any of the strategies depending upon their condition and circumstances. Let us have a quick look at both strategies one by one.
Medication
Proper medication can be the best treatment for dealing with dysregulated mood. It includes antidepressant pills. Several Antidepressants are available on the market that have various side effects. These antidepressants are prescribed by a certified doctor.
Therapy
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is the main treatment method for the emotional dysregulation disorder. In this therapy, the skills to regulate your emotions are taught. The individual learn the method to focus on your present movement and how to deal with the stressful situations.
Dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT) consists of five stages:
Initial sessions – Orientation and Commitment
Stage one – Behavioural Dysregulation
Stage two – Quiet Desperation
Stage Three – Ordinary Problem in Living
Stage Four – Freedom of Choice
Another useful therapy for the emotional Dysregulation is Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).It is a form of talk therapy where therapists/ psychologists treats your mental condition. The core concept of CBT lies that thoughts, feelings, and actions are interconnected. By changing the way you think in a positive manner will lasts changes how you feel.
Self Help Strategies
There are plenty of strategies that can help you to develop emotional self-regulation. One of the best way is to identify the cause that triggers this condition and learns to reframe them in a positive manner. Another way is to practice mindfulness, name your emotions or to build a supportive network of trusted persons.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle and emotions are often interconnected. Making a few changes in the lifestyle of an individual, like getting enough sleep, exercising daily, and practicing medication can help you regulate your emotions. Also, limiting substance use can help you in coping with emotional challenges.
Let's Recap
Whether it is you, your near one, or your child who struggles with Emotional Dysregulation needs immediate help. Emotional Dysregulation is a condition of underlying mental health condition that needs the immediate attention of a mental health professional. With the right treatment by a certified and experienced doctor/therapist/ psychotherapist, this condition can be improved over time. Book a Session to get the Therapy now!
