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Dealing with uncomfortable feelings is a part of the human condition. In our daily lives, we all encounter conflict, stress, frustration, and grief – but emotional regulation helps us keep our reactions to these situations under control. By properly managing our emotions, we’re able to respond to difficulties in a healthy and socially appropriate way. Not everyone has such a firm handle on their uncomfortable feelings, though. For some people, it can seem as though your emotions are controlling you, instead of the other way around. Maybe you’ve been called “emotionally unstable” or a “drama queen. If any of this sounds familiar, and it’s happened more times than you’d care to recall, you might be experiencing emotional dysregulation. What Is Emotional Dysregulation?Even though we aren’t always aware of it, we’re constantly modulating our responses to the world around us. Social interactions and stray thoughts can provoke emotional reactions, such as sadness, anger, or shock. When we encounter these feelings, we then have a choice as to how to respond. People with emotional dysregulation disorders will usually respond in an overly exaggerated manner – for example, an aggressive outburst or a self-destructive behavior – which can often lead to a chaotic and hostile environment. Symptoms of Emotional DysregulationEmotional dysregulation can manifest itself in different ways. Some of the more common signs to be aware of include:
Causes of Emotional DysregulationThe causes of emotional dysregulation disorders aren’t completely known. Some scientists believe there is a genetic component, and there is also evidence linking emotional dysregulation with traumatic brain injury or damaging life events in the past. Many people with PTSD struggle with emotional regulation, particularly when it comes to excessive fear or anxiety. Other mental health disorders feature emotional dysregulation as well. People who suffer from borderline personality disorder have difficulty controlling their emotions and, as a result, often engage in self-destructive and risky behaviors. Bipolar disorder is also characterized by major mood swings; it is frequently misdiagnosed as borderline personality disorder, and vice versa. How to Treat Emotional DysregulationBecause of the link between emotional regulation and mental health, professional psychological counseling and psychiatric treatment is essential to overcoming this condition. One of the most effective methods of treating emotional dysregulation is dialectical behavioral therapy, or DBT. DBT is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy in which patients are taught skills and strategies for managing emotions, handling conflict, and building tolerance for uncomfortable feelings. One of the skills taught most often in DBT is mindfulness, which helps to cultivate emotional awareness and build a sense of self-control. Through both one-on-one and group sessions, patients undergoing DBT are given the opportunity to practice these newfound skills in preparation for applying them in the real world. Alvarado Parkway Institute Offers Therapy for Emotional DysregulationTreating emotional dysregulation requires a serious commitment, but you don’t have to live with it forever. Help is available at Alvarado Parkway Institute. Our caring and committed staff will develop a treatment strategy that’s right for you, walking you step-by-step through the process of recovery. With over 35 years of experience providing San Diego with inpatient and outpatient psychiatric services, we can properly diagnose your condition and give you the skills you need for long-term success. Your emotions don’t have to control you any longer. Call us at (619) 667-6125 to find out how we can help you overcome emotional dysregulation. Emotion dysregulation is a term used in the mental health community to refer to an emotional response that is poorly modulated, and does not fall within the conventionally accepted range of emotive response. Emotion dysregulation may be referred to as labile mood, marked fluctuation of mood or mood swings. Possible manifestations of emotion dysregulation may include angry outbursts, substance use/abuse, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, self harm and many other possible maladaptive behaviours. These variations usually occur in seconds to minutes or hours. Emotion dysregulation can lead to behavioral problems and can interfere with a person’s social interactions and relationships at home, in school, or at place of employment. Increased sensitivity from an early age can usually be seen in those with ERD/BPD. This emotional sensitivity has upsides as those with ERD/BPD can be very good at recognizing emotion in others and are often good nurturers with careers in the helping field. When well they are very in tune with their environments. The emotional sensitivity can also be overwhelming as the person with ERD/BPD feels their own emotions and the emotions of others self referentially and chameleon like. A healthy home environment which supports this sensitivity and provides validation is key to the wellness of those with ERD/BPD. With an understanding of the condition and skill learning, families can be integral in helping maintain a healthy, stable environment. Without healthy validation and skills, families can inadvertently and unintentionally make things worse for their loved ones. There is hope. Emotion Regulation Disorder does not have to be a prison sentence of high stress and regretful actions for persons with ERD/BPD and their familes. With skillful vigilance to help keep emotional responses at a reasonable level, and specific skills to help bring the volume down once it is increased, one can completely change their biological, social and psychological reactions to stress. Life is worth living. Causes of Borderline Personality Disorder – taken from NEABPDResearch on the causes and risk factors for BPD is still in its early stages. However, scientists generally agree that genetic and environmental influences are likely to be involved. Imaging studies in people with BPD have shown abnormalities in brain structure and function, evidence that biology is a factor. In people with BPD, more activity than usual has been seen in the parts of the brain that control feeling and expressing emotions. Certain events during childhood may also play a role in the development of the disorder, such as those involving emotional, physical and sexual abuse. Loss, neglect and bullying may also contribute. The current theory is that some people are more likely to develop BPD due to their biology or genetics and harmful childhood experiences can further increase the risk. Co-morbidities – taken from NEABPDBorderline personality disorder often occurs with other illnesses. This can make it hard to diagnose, especially if symptoms of other illnesses overlap with the BPD symptoms Women with BPD are more likely to have co-occurring disorders such as major depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse or eating disorders. In men, BPD is more likely to accompany disorders such as substance abuse or antisocial personality disorder. According to the NIMH-funded National Comorbidity Survey Replication—the largest national study to date of mental disorders in U.S. adults—about 85 percent of people with BPD also suffer from another mental illness.5 Most of these are listed below, followed by the estimated percent of people with BPD who have them:
Families can make a remarkable difference in their loves ones ability to maintain wellness. See video “If only we had known – A Family Guide to BPD” |