Emotional dysregulation, also called emotional lability, is characterized by an inability to regulate or manage its emotions. The result is sudden and intense mood changes, which can be disarming, both for those who live them and for those who undergo them. If this phenomenon is not dangerous in itself, it can nevertheless have an impact on daily life and social relations. Behind this excessive and rapid variability of emotions can hide a psychiatric disease such as borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder or a attention disorder with or without hyperactivity (ADHD). It can also reveal an anxious disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder or depression. Hormonal or medical factors can also be involved: premenstrual syndrome, postpartum, menopause, hypoglycemia, anemia. Emotional lability is also more frequent in people who have had a stroke. Here are the signs that prove that you are affected by this daily instability.
You have excessive emotional reactions
You tend to get off, shouting or starting to cry very quickly, including for things that seem trivial. These reactions can be unpleasant, both for those around you and for yourself.
You have difficulty returning to calm
After an intense emotional episode, you put a lot of time soothing. A simple annoyance can affect you for hours or even days.
You change mood suddenly
You tend to change your mood very quickly. You can literally go from laughter to tears in the space of a few seconds.
You are sensitive to criticism and rejection
A remark, as banal as it is, can mine your morale for several days. You feel like you are constantly judged or abandoned, even if it is not the case.
You are impulsive
Under emotion, you sometimes adopt behaviors that you regret then: saying hurtful things, sending hasty messages, spending money, eating in a compulsive way, etc.
You ruminate permanently
You constantly think back to a situation or an interaction that has upset you. It is difficult for you to let go, even if it harms your sleep or your concentration.
Your social relationships are complicated
It can be difficult for you to maintain balanced interpersonal relationships, as your sometimes excessive reactions can be misunderstood.