Emotional dysregulation refers to difficulty managing intense emotions. People may feel overwhelmed by sadness, anger, guilt, shame, or anxiety, and struggle to recover from emotional upsets. There might be times when all of us can struggle to tolerate and manage intense feelings. It’s not weakness, but it can become a recurring pattern that causes problems, and it can be understood and treated.
“I felt like my emotions were always too big for me. I couldn’t switch them off or calm down once triggered.”
Emotional dysregulation can manifest in many ways. Some people experience mood swings that feel rapid or unpredictable. Others may feel chronically overwhelmed by anger, shame, or anxiety, especially during periods of stress or when faced with conflict. These reactions often seem disproportionate—even to the person experiencing them—and can affect relationships, work, and self-esteem.
For some, dysregulation is part of a wider condition like borderline personality disorder (BPD)/emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), or trauma-related disorders such as Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Others may simply have developed unhelpful coping strategies over time but don’t necessarily meet the diagnostic criteria for a particular mental health condition. It’s relatively common to experience impulsive behaviours, self-criticism, or emotional shutdown when faced with intense emotions. Many adults don’t realise this pattern has a name—or that there is effective help available.
“Once people understand their patterns, things begin to shift. Helping patients learn to ride the wave rather than be pulled under is deeply rewarding.”
At Bloomfield Health, we offer thorough psychological assessments to understand the causes and patterns behind your emotional experiences. Treatment may involve psychological therapy that draws on dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), or schema therapy depending on your needs. We focus on building emotion regulation skills, distress tolerance, and establishing a more stable internal experience. Our compassionate clinicians work at your pace to help you feel safer, more in control, and better able to meet life’s challenges.
No—it’s a symptom that can occur across several conditions, or on its own. We assess carefully to understand the cause.
Not at all. Emotional dysregulation can occur without a personality disorder or other formally diagnosed psychiatric issue. It’s a common human experience.
Mood swings are regular intense fluctuations in mood (e.g., from feeling very low to feeling very agitated to feeling very euphoric). Dysregulation means struggling to manage the emotions once they arise, often leading to use of unhelpful coping strategies that can be harmful for the individual.
Yes. With the right support, most people learn to regulate their emotions more effectively.
Sometimes. If linked to anxiety, depression, or trauma, medication might help—but psychological therapy is often the core treatment.
Yes. Emotional shutdown is a form of dysregulation and can be just as disruptive.
Yes. It often leads to conflict, misunderstanding, or withdrawal. Therapy can help improve communication and trust.
No. With evidence-based therapy and the right support, emotional regulation can be learned and strengthened.
We are registered by the Care Quality Commission (CQC),
the independent regulator of health and social care in England.
