Understanding Chronic Emotional Dysregulation

Chronic emotional dysregulation refers to an ongoing inability to manage emotional responses effectively. While everyone experiences emotional highs and lows, individuals with chronic dysregulation find it difficult to return to a “baseline” state after an upsetting event.

What Does It Feel Like?

Imagine your emotions are a volume knob. For most, the knob turns up and down smoothly. For someone with dysregulation, the knob often gets stuck at “10,” or jumps from “1” to “10” in seconds. This often leads to:

  • Hyper-reactivity: Intense responses to seemingly small triggers.
  • Slow Return to Baseline: Taking hours or days to “calm down” after a conflict.
  • Emotional Lability: Rapid, unpredictable swings in mood.

The Cycle of Dysregulation

Understanding the cycle is the first step toward breaking it. It typically follows this pattern:

  • The Trigger: An internal thought or external event occurs.
  • The Surge: A rapid increase in physiological arousal (heart racing, heat).
  • The Action Urge: An impulsive desire to lash out, run away, or self-soothe in unhealthy ways.
  • The Aftermath: Feelings of guilt, shame, or exhaustion, which often become the trigger for the next cycle.

Chronic emotional dysregulation is a core feature of several conditions, including Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), ADHD, Complex PTSD, and Bipolar Disorder. However, it can also exist independently as a result of prolonged burnout or stress.

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

Our dedicated team is committed to supporting clients and their families throughout their therapeutic journey.