Emotions are an essential part of the human experience. They help us connect with others and understand ourselves. But when our emotions become too intense or prolonged, they can have adverse effects on our physical health.

Emotional dysregulation is a condition in which individuals have difficulty identifying, expressing, and regulating their emotions effectively. A variety of issues related to physical health, mental health, and interpersonal relationships can occur as a result of emotional dysregulation. Developing healthy coping mechanisms is therefore vital to minimizing the negative effects of emotional dysregulation.

Properly Identifying Emotions

One of the primary issues with emotional dysregulation is the inability to identify emotions properly. When individuals are unable to recognize and label their emotions accurately, they may have difficulty communicating their needs effectively, leading to a build-up of stress and tension. Over time, this chronic stress can lead to physical health issues such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

Our thoughts and our words have power. In the same way that positive affirmations have been shown to effectively reprogram the brain, improperly labeling our emotions can also have the same impact on the brain. This can lead to unintentional hormonal changes in our bodies.

For example, if we mislabel sadness as anger, we may engage in aggressive or confrontational behavior rather than seeking comfort and support. This then triggers our bodies’ stress response, resulting in the release of cortisol and adrenaline. In other words, our bodies will respond to the emotions that are labeled, and not the emotions that are organically felt. Consequently, being able to clearly articulate your feelings is one of the most important components of regulating your emotions.