Why Am I So Emotional? 14 Reasons Why & What To Do

Do you find yourself getting emotional more often than usual? Are intense emotions ruling your life instead of the other way around? If so, you're not alone. 

Sometimes, it can feel like we're on an emotional roller coaster and can't get off. We may feel happy one minute and sad the next. Or, we may be angry one day and anxious the next. So you may be wondering, "Why frequent mood swings?"

Although It's normal to feel the occasional pang of anxiety or to shed a few tears after a breakup, sometimes emotions can be incredibly powerful and seem to take control over us.

This blog post will discuss eight common reasons people become emotional and what to do about it!

Unlock the potential of emotional healing from your own home with online therapy. Embrace your emotions and start living a more fulfilling life today!

Causes of heightened emotions

Emotions are complex. They are often caused by a mix of our thoughts, physical sensations, and outside circumstances.

Here are some of the most common reasons people experience heightened emotions:

Personality trait

Some people are just naturally more emotional than others. If you've always been sensitive, your emotions will likely continue to be strong.

There's nothing wrong with being emotional. In fact, some research suggests that people who are in touch with their emotions tend to be more successful and happier. However, if your emotions start to feel out of control, it's important to understand why.

Genetics

Some people are more prone to experiencing intense emotions due to their genes. Several studies have shown that people with specific genes are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders.

Additionally, emotional sensitivity can be passed down from generation to generation. So, if your parents or grandparents were overly emotional, chances are, you'll also be an emotional person.

Lack of sleep

Sleep plays a vital role in our overall health and well-being and can also affect our emotions. When we don't get enough sleep, we're more likely to feel irritable and short-tempered. We may also find it more difficult to concentrate or remember things.

If you're experiencing a lack of sleep, try to make some changes. Establish a regular sleep schedule and stick to it as much as possible.

Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed, and create a relaxing bedtime routine that will help you wind down at the end of the day.

You can read more about How To Sleep Better on UltiHow.

Diet

The foods we eat can also affect our mood. A healthy diet is essential for maintaining our physical and mental health. Eating a healthy diet can help improve our mood and reduce symptoms of depression.

A poor diet, on the other hand, can lead to low energy levels, irritability, and feelings of sadness. If you're not eating a balanced diet, make some changes to your eating habits. Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats.

You may be dehydrated

Dehydration can cause many emotional and physical symptoms, including fatigue, headaches, and dizziness. It can also affect our mood, making us irritable and short-tempered.

Make sure you're drinking enough water throughout the day. Aim for eight glasses of water per day or more if you're active or live in a hot climate. Try carrying a water bottle with you to take frequent sips throughout the day.

Health reasons

Anxiety

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health disorders, affecting 40 million adults in the United States alone. And it's not just adults who suffer from anxiety disorders; children and adolescents can be affected too.

One reason is that anxiety can cause people to focus more on their negative emotions. When people are anxious, they constantly worry about things going wrong, making them feel more stressed and overwhelmed.

Additionally, anxiety can also cause physical symptoms like a racing heart and sweaty palms, further contributing to feelings of emotional distress.

Finally, many people with anxiety also have difficulty regulating their emotions, which can mean that they often feel overly emotional and unable to manage their feelings.

Depression

Though depression is often thought of as simply feeling sad, studies have shown that it can cause a range of other emotions. These can include feeling empty or hopeless, anxious or irritable, and even angry or violent. In fact, one study found that nearly 60% of people with depression also experienced irritability, while another found that almost 50% reported feeling more anger than usual.

While the exact causes of these emotional reactions are not fully understood, they are thought to be linked to changes in brain chemistry.

Depression can also lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, further compounding the emotional difficulties. As such, it is crucial to seek help if you are struggling with depression, as it can be challenging to manage independently.

If you'd like to read a more in-depth article about depression, read our other article Depression Explained.

ADHD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health condition that can cause people to experience focus, impulsivity, and hyperactivity difficulties. While ADHD is most commonly diagnosed in children, it can also occur in adults.

People with ADHD may have difficulty controlling their emotions due to the impulsivity and hyperactivity symptoms of the disorder. In addition, people with ADHD may also struggle with anxiety or depression, further contributing to emotional outbursts.

Hormones imbalances

Hormones play a significant role in our overall emotional health. When we have an imbalance, it can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and irritability.

Here are some common hormone imbalances that can cause emotions:

• Thyroid: An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can cause fatigue, weight gain, and depression. An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can cause anxiety, weight loss, and irritability.
• Adrenal gland: The adrenal glands produce the stress hormone cortisol. If they are not functioning correctly, it can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression.
• Menopause: Menopause is a time when a woman's ovaries stop producing estrogen. The drop in estrogen levels during menopause can cause all sorts of emotions, from sadness and anxiety to irritability and anger.
• Pregnancy: During pregnancy, many women experience mood disorders due to the drastic changes in their hormone levels.
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS): PMS is a condition that affects women of childbearing age. It is characterized by mood swings, irritability, and anxiety.
• PMDD: PMDD, or premenstrual dysphoric disorder, is a severe form of PMS that affects around five percent of women. Symptoms include depression, anxiety, and irritability the week or two before your period. If you have PMDD, you may feel like you're going through a significant life event, even if nothing has changed.
• PCOS: PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, is a hormonal disorder that affects women of childbearing age. It can cause irregular periods, weight gain, acne, and fertility problems.

Personality disorders

Personality disorders are mental health conditions that affect how you think, feel, and behave. They can make it hard to cope with life's challenges and interact with others.

There are many personality disorders, but some of the most common are borderline personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, and antisocial personality disorder.

Personality disorders can affect the way a person communicates and experiences emotions. For example, someone with an avoidant personality disorder may have difficulty expressing themselves and often feel anxious or insecure. Someone with borderline personality disorder may have trouble controlling their emotions, leading to outbursts or extreme reactions. As a result, personality disorders can affect a person's ability to communicate their feelings effectively.

This can create difficulties in personal relationships and work or school settings. Personality disorders can also affect a person's mental and physical health. For example, someone with a paranoid personality disorder may constantly be on edge, leading to stress and anxiety. 

If you're struggling, we suggest online therapy!

Situational circumstances

Life changes

Change is a part of life. However, some changes can be more challenging to adjust to than others. One of the most difficult times in life is when you experience a significant change, such as getting married, starting a family, or moving to a new city. These types of changes can often cause you to feel overwhelmed and stressed. As a result, you may find yourself feeling more emotional than usual.

In addition to the stress that comes with change, people often have difficulty adjusting to new situations and feel overwhelmed. This can lead to people feeling more emotional than they usually would. 

Grief

Grief is a natural response to loss. Whether it's the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or something else, grief can cause people to feel overwhelmed with emotions.

Often, people try to bottle up their emotions when they're grieving. However, this can make the grieving process harder. It's essential to allow yourself to feel your feelings and talk about them with others who understand what you're going through.

Trauma

Trauma can have a profound effect on a person's emotions. It can cause them to feel more intensely and for longer than in ordinary circumstances. This is because trauma can disrupt the normal functioning of the brain.

When someone experiences trauma, their brain goes into "fight or flight" mode. This causes the release of stress hormones, which can impact a person's emotional state.

In addition, trauma can damage the area of the brain that controls emotional regulation. As a result, people who have experienced trauma may find it difficult to control their emotions. This can lead to outbursts, impulsiveness, and self-destructive behaviors.

Stress

Everyone experiences stress from time to time, but chronic stress can affect your mental health.

Your emotions will likely be all over if you're constantly under stress. When we're stressed, our bodies release a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol is the "stress hormone" responsible for the fight-or-flight response. This is the body's natural way of dealing with stress, but stress can lead to high cortisol levels, which can negatively impact our health.

If you're constantly stressed, finding ways to relax and de-stress is essential. Exercise, meditation, and leisure time in nature are great ways to reduce stress.

Herbal teas can also be a great way to relax and de-stress. Our Get The Best Organic Chamomile Tea is an excellent choice for stress-relieving tea. This concentrate is made with a blend of herbs that have been traditionally used to help reduce stress and anxiety.

Or even our The Highest Rated Teeccino Herbal Tea.

How to process your emotions

Before you can start to deal with your emotions, you need to be able to identify them. This can be tricky, as sometimes our feelings can be confusing or overwhelming. But it's important to take the time to figure out how you're feeling.

Start by naming your emotions. When we're feeling an emotion, we often don't know it. We may feel "bad" or "sad," but we don't know why. Naming your emotions is a way of processing and understanding your feelings.

After identifying your emotions, take a step back and figure out where it's coming from. Often, our feelings are based on our thoughts. If you're angry, ask yourself what reviews are causing that anger. Do you think about something that happened in the past? Are you worried about something that might occur in the future?

Our blog on Anger Management can help you healthily deal with your anger. 

It can be helpful to keep a journal or write down your emotions as they come up. This will help you notice patterns and figure out your emotional triggers. Once you know your triggers, you can start to work on avoiding or managing them.

Healthy ways to control your emotions

If you're finding that your emotions are impacting your day-to-day life, there are things you can do to regain control.

Try these tips:

Exercise

Exercise is a great way to release endorphins, hormones that improve mood and reduce stress. Endorphins are sometimes referred to as "happy hormones." Regular exercise can also help to regulate cortisol levels in the body.

Meditation

Meditation is a mindfulness practice that can help to calm the mind and body. There are many different types of meditation, so you can find one that suits your needs and preferences.

Spending time in nature

Spending time in nature has been shown to have a calming effect on the mind and body. If you live in an urban area, try to spend time in parks or green spaces. Even a short walk in the fresh air can help to improve your mood.

Talk to someone

Talking to a trusted friend or family member about your feelings can help you release some pent-up emotions. Just knowing that someone is there for you can make a big difference.

Eat healthily

Eating nutritious foods helps your body function at its best, which can positively affect mood.

Get enough sleep

Sleep is essential for both mental and physical health. If you're not getting enough sleep, it can be challenging to manage your emotions.

Take a break

If you're feeling overwhelmed, take a few minutes to relax and rejuvenate. Take a hot bath, read your favorite book, or walk outdoors.

Practice deep breathing

Deep breathing is a simple but effective way to calm yourself when feeling emotional. Try taking slow, deep breaths and focus on exhaling longer than you inhale.

Write it down

Try writing down if you're having trouble identifying or expressing your emotions. This can be a great way to get in touch with your feelings and start working through whatever is causing your emotional turmoil.

Conclusion

There are many ways to deal with emotions, and what works for one person might not work for another. But if you're feeling overwhelmed, hopefully, these tips can help you start to feel better. Remember, it's okay to ask for help if you need it. There's no shame in reaching out to a therapist or counselor if you struggle to cope. Emotions are a part of life, but they don't have to control you. With a little effort, you can learn to manage them in a way that works for you. Thanks for reading!

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