Looking up mental disorders, the term emotional regulation keeps coming up, we know that we struggle with it, but what does it really mean?
Emotional regulation is a term used to describe the processes by which individuals control, modulate, and manage their emotional experiences and expressions. It involves both conscious and unconscious strategies and techniques that are employed to regulate emotions in ways that promote or enhance well-being, personal growth, and positive social functioning. Emotional regulation includes a range of psychological and biological processes, including attentional control, cognitive reflection, emotional expression suppression, and physiological arousal regulation. Let’s try to delve into these processes and their importance in maintaining emotional health and balance.
Emotional regulation is an essential component of maintaining our mental health. When someone struggles with emotional regulation, it can lead to a variety of related disorders. These disorders can range from mild to severe and affect people of all ages.
One of the most commonly brought up disorders in the context of emotional regulation is borderline personality disorder (BPD). People with BPD often experience intense and unstable emotions, difficulty forming and maintaining relationships, and a distorted sense of self. Another disorder related to emotional regulation is bipolar disorder. This disorder causes extreme mood swings, from periods of manic excitement to deep depression.
In addition to these disorders, there are many other conditions that can affect a person’s ability to regulate their emotions. Anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression are just a few examples.
It should be emphasized that although these diagnoses may suggest notable challenges in emotional regulation, there is a broad spectrum of difficulties concerning this ability, and most individuals will face it to varying degrees. Bearing this in mind, it’s crucial to acknowledge that some people may find it debilitating. It’s essential not to dismiss your own experiences, regardless of where you lie on the spectrum. Moreover, refrain from judging those who suffer from emotional regulation disorders if you find it comparatively easier to manage your own emotions.
On a personal level, managing my emotions has been a major challenge, impacting every aspect of my life. Although I haven’t achieved perfection, I can assure you that significant improvement is possible. With work, effort and time – you will get better. Even though some days are tougher than others, over time, you’ll be able to look back and appreciate the growth you’ve made.
