Is This You?
Do you experience your emotions as extreme and painful with a rapid onset?
Clients who have difficulty with emotions may become easily overwhelmed by how they feel. They are sensitive to emotions, have intense reactions, and may have some difficulty getting back to “baseline” emotional arousal.
Do your emotions take control of your actions in ways that you severely regret or can’t seem to control?
Many clients I treat have some difficulty with urges to escalate or continue arguments or screaming matches. Others have difficulty with texting, e-mailing, or calling others multiple times in order to seek reassurance- but have a hard time being reassured. Others simply want to withdraw, avoid, or shut down. Some have problems with out-of-control drinking, eating, or even self-injurious behaviors. Often these attempts to control feelings, experiences, or behaviors have short-term benefits but undesirable long-term consequences.
Do you tend to shut down, withdraw, hide, or go into “survival mode” while playing the part?
Some people have learned to function quite well in the “real world” but their private lives are hell. It is not uncommon for clients to report that the emotional turmoil they experience inside doesn’t “match” what’s going on “on the outside.” They’ve learned to adapt at the expense of what they feel inside.
Do you often feel empty, numb, or detached?
If the only way you’ve managed to control your emotions is to inhibit, suppress, or avoid them- you may feel empty, numb, or detached. Treatment is about being present, alive, and connected with yourself and the world around you.
Are you quick to blame yourself, resulting in a lot of self-hatred?
Hating oneself can keep alive a vicious cycle that simply doesn’t help people solve problems. Often what is happening is an attempt to punish oneself for feeling, wanting, or desiring things that others don’t approve of, acknowledge, or accept.
Do you absorb the emotions of other people, feel as if you have no emotional “skin”, or feel raw and exposed with your emotions?
Do people tell you things like “Your feathers get easily ruffled! You have a tendency to make a big deal out of nothing! You need to let it go.” While these comments may be well meaning, the emotionally sensitive person may feel misunderstood and have trouble following this advice.
If this sounds like you, go to What is DBT?
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