The Brevity of Concern with Emotional Disorders

Human beings are emotional creatures, filled with various personas, demeanors, mood swings, and reactive personalities. There’s a mystery behind the prevalence of emotions and how they impact a person’s daily life. But when does it become a concern? Contrary to popular belief, the instability of managing emotions can significantly affect a person’s interpersonal and impersonal relationships.

Emotional disorders are mental health conditions that affect behavior, thoughts, ideas, and moods. It is essential to recognize that these conditions can range from mild to moderate to severe, and they can hinder expressive development and maintenance. The most common emotional disorders in society are depression and anxiety, which cause negative and isolating mood swings, decreased interest in activities, paranoia, stress, and low self-esteem. Regarding mood disorders, depression—whether minor or major—is often related to bipolar disorder, which causes shifts in participation and energy levels, or dysthymia, also known as persistent or long-term depression. There are many other forms of mood disorders, but the most common symptoms and side effects lead to emotional regression. Anxiety disorders are better identified through signs such as manic behavior, panic attacks, phobias, and compulsive behaviors. Due to these outward visible disorders, compulsions, and impulsiveness, physical symptoms associated with eating disorders and bulimia can result in physical symptoms affecting weight, energy, physical appearance, and the nervous system. Neurodevelopmental disorders are general conditions that impact brain and human development, such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Individuals with these diagnoses often struggle with change and social interaction. Psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia, involve distorted thinking and are unpredictable. It is also important to note that psychotic disorders can be disruptive and maladaptive.

The brevity of knowledge about emotional disorders lies in identifying symptoms and helping individuals realize they need treatment. Emotional regulation is essential, but the ways people self-regulate and manage their emotions can vary. Emotions can be seen as negative or positive depending on the observer. Reactions can be helpful or disruptive depending on the situation. However, management depends on our response to stimuli or triggers. We may believe our wants and needs can be satisfied through emotional responses; for example, if someone is cold, they might request a hug to stay warm. Conversely, if someone is upset, telling them to “calm down” may make the situation worse. Our understanding of how emotions work and our ability to control them make regulation more effective by helping us develop coping mechanisms. Coping mechanisms are skills people develop to manage stressful situations and are used instantly, whether right or wrong. Recognizing the difference between right and wrong is called common sense, but habitual emotional outbursts can sometimes lead us away from that mindset. To improve our understanding of emotional disorders, we can start by accepting people for who they are and realizing that not every action requires a reaction. It may seem simple, but a practical approach to complex emotions and individual personalities can be beneficial rather than a barrier. If you experience symptoms of an emotional disorder, it is essential to seek specialized support from a mental health professional, psychiatrist, or psychologist. They can conduct an evaluation or assessment, diagnose the condition, and suggest appropriate treatment options.