Emotional Dysregulation or feeling off for no reason can feel really scary sometimes. It increases anxiety and feelings of depression, and causes mood swings as well as outbursts.
Yesterday had been one of those days where I woke up and could feel in the pit of my being- something was off. I was feeling Dysregulated and irritable for no direct reason except for perhaps a culmination of internal and external variables. I know because I can feel it as this tangible energy coursing through my body that in turn makes me want to lash out at people or the world and feel aggressive tendencies.
I always look in first- did I eat enough, what did I eat, am I inflamed for some reason (food or sleep related), did I move my body enough yet, how did I start my morning? These factors typically play a large role in my brain chemistry which is a direct reason for Dysregulation in some people, including myself. Now while I can’t speak to this subject as a professional in the mental health field, I can speak to it as someone who experiences it and has the tools to work through it.
It can be easy to feel shameful or scared, especially since emotional Dysregulation was the key factor in m
y past as being unwell and harmful to myself. Where as now I don’t feel this as a large component of my life anymore, it is not such a far off realty for me, as throwing my brain chemistry off can lead me right back into the space. I always carry with me the thoughts “I’ve been here before and I can get myself out once again”
I first remind myself “you have the tools necessary to check in and balance yourself back out, these emotions do not define you and they can easily be changed”. Then I take action- these are some things I focus on to help me gain a sense of control over my external and internal worlds so I can feel the sense of ease I need to regulate my emotions and really check in with what the cause may have been.
When I allow myself to sit in the emotional chaos or focus too intently as a defining moment in my life that is when I spiral and resort to harmful behaviors or old patterns such as drinking excessively. Being able to know exactly what serves me in these moments is what has allowed me to find grace and live a much healthier and fulfilling life.
It's not always as easy as this, trust me I know- a lot of other work had to be done first for me to get to this place where I can take control. But, even in these small attempts you may find some guidance into your own emotional status and what tools work for you to move through them. Emotions are fantastic, "good" and "bad" ones, or rather, "excited" or "scary" ones. It is when we get stuck in these emotional states that the real issues can occur in our lives.
Feel free to reach out if you need any more support, advice, or want to work with me through my health coaching program. I would be happy to support.
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