Emotional Outbursts: Are They A Sign Of Mental Illness?

Being overly emotional is not always a sign of mental illness. Experiencing a wide range of emotions is a normal part of the human experience. However, if emotions are interfering with your life, it may be a cause for concern. Emotional dysregulation, which is a symptom of mental health conditions such as trauma-related disorders, personality disorders, and depressive disorders, can cause difficulty in managing emotions and how one acts on those feelings. It's important to note that everyone has different emotional thresholds, and there is no shame in seeking help if emotions feel overwhelming.

Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder

PTSD is characterised by four categories of symptoms: intrusion, avoidance, alterations in cognition and mood, and alterations in arousal and reactivity. Intrusion symptoms involve involuntary and distressing memories, flashbacks, or nightmares related to the traumatic event. Avoidance symptoms manifest as efforts to avoid people, places, or objects that remind the individual of the trauma. This may include changing routines and isolating oneself.

Alterations in cognition and mood can lead to negative thoughts and feelings about oneself or the world, distorted beliefs, ongoing fear, anger, guilt, or shame. Individuals may lose interest in previously enjoyed activities, feel detached from others, and struggle to experience positive emotions. Arousal and reactivity symptoms include being easily startled, feeling tense and on edge, having difficulty concentrating or sleeping, and displaying irritability or aggressive outbursts. These symptoms often interfere with daily life and can lead to reckless or self-destructive behaviour.

The development of PTSD is influenced by various factors. Biological factors, such as genes, play a role, with women being more likely than men to develop PTSD. Additionally, certain aspects of the traumatic event itself can increase the likelihood of PTSD. Previous traumatic experiences, particularly during childhood, can also contribute to the development of PTSD. Other risk factors include experiencing horror, helplessness, or extreme fear during the event, and lacking social support afterward.

Resilience factors can help reduce the likelihood of developing PTSD. These include seeking social support, learning to cope with and process the traumatic event, and developing strategies to manage stress. It is crucial to recognise that stigma associated with mental illness may hinder individuals from seeking help. Therefore, early intervention and comprehensive treatment, including psychotherapy and medications, are essential for managing PTSD symptoms and improving quality of life.

Mental health issues

Being overly emotional can be a symptom of mental health issues. Mental illnesses are often associated with changes in mood, such as rapid or dramatic shifts in emotions, irritability, or persistent feelings of sadness or anger. While it is normal to experience a range of emotions, when these emotions start to interfere with one's life and cause distress, it may be a sign of an underlying mental health condition.

Depression

Depression is a common mental health disorder that can cause people to experience persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite and sleep, and difficulty concentrating. In some cases, depression may also lead to thoughts of self-harm or suicide. It is important to seek professional help if one is experiencing symptoms of depression.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme mood shifts, ranging from intense feelings of joy and euphoria to deep depression. The manic phase of bipolar disorder may involve increased energy, reduced need for sleep, racing thoughts, and impulsive behaviour. On the other hand, the depressive phase may include feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and fatigue.

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders can make a person more fearful or reactive. They may experience excessive worry, restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and physical symptoms such as muscle tension and sleep disturbances. If left untreated, anxiety disorders can significantly impact one's daily life and may lead to other mental health issues.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD can include intrusive memories or flashbacks of the traumatic event, avoidance of reminders of the trauma, negative changes in thoughts and mood, and increased arousal or reactivity. People with PTSD may also exhibit emotional reactions that seem disproportionate to the situation.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

BPD is a type of personality disorder that affects one's emotional functioning and leads to impulsive behaviours and unstable personal relationships. People with BPD may experience intense emotions, poor self-image, and difficulty regulating their emotions. They may also engage in self-harm or have suicidal thoughts.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

While ADHD is primarily known for symptoms such as difficulty focusing and trouble sitting still, it can also magnify one's emotions. People with ADHD may experience emotional dysregulation, which can lead to intense emotions that are difficult to control.

Other Conditions

Other mental health conditions that can cause emotional dysregulation include obsessive-compulsive disorder, disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, and trauma-related disorders. Additionally, certain neurodivergent conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder, can also contribute to emotional dysregulation.

Seeking Help

If you or someone you know is struggling with emotional dysregulation or experiencing symptoms of a mental health disorder, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional. Treatment options may include psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both. Support groups and social support can also provide additional help in managing emotions and improving overall well-being.

Hormonal shifts

Hormones are the body's chemical messengers, and changes in their levels can affect a person's emotions. Hormonal shifts can be caused by various factors, such as:

Pregnancy, menopause and puberty

Pregnancy, menopause, and puberty are life stages characterised by significant hormonal changes. For instance, menopause is associated with higher levels of negative emotions, such as anger and sadness, due to fluctuations in estrogen levels.

Thyroid issues

Thyroid hormones can also influence mood and cognition. A 2016 study found that 60% of people with hypothyroidism experienced some level of depression. The thyroid can also indirectly influence other hormones, which may further impact emotions.

Low or high testosterone

Testosterone typically decreases with age, but certain medical conditions, such as genetic hemochromatosis, injuries to the genitals, or cancer, can also cause low testosterone. This can negatively affect mood and emotional regulation in both men and women.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a condition where the female body produces too much testosterone, disrupting typical hormone levels and leading to mood shifts.

Use of steroids or hormonal contraceptives

The use of steroids or hormonal contraceptives can affect emotions. A study found that people taking hormonal birth control experienced higher levels of depression, anxiety, and anger.

Cushing syndrome

Cushing syndrome is caused by a benign pituitary or adrenal tumour leading to excessive cortisol, which can affect mood and increase anger and emotional sensitivity.

Adrenal insufficiency

Adrenal insufficiency involves an imbalance of hormones such as insulin, which may also affect emotions and mood.

Unmet physical needs

While being overly emotional is not a sign of mental illness in and of itself, it can be a symptom of an underlying mental health condition. Mental illnesses often arise from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and environmental factors.

Now, let's delve into the topic of unmet physical needs and their potential impact on emotional responses:

• Nutritional Deficiencies: Inadequate nutrition can have a direct impact on mood and emotional regulation. For example, deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B12 or omega-3 fatty acids, have been linked to increased risk of mood disorders and emotional dysregulation.
• Sleep Deprivation: Lack of sufficient and quality sleep is a well-known contributor to emotional instability. Sleep deprivation can lead to irritability, mood swings, and heightened emotional responses.
• Physical Illness or Injury: When the body is battling an illness or recovering from an injury, it can impact an individual's emotional state. The stress of dealing with physical health issues can lead to increased emotional reactivity.
• Substance Abuse: Abuse of substances, such as drugs or alcohol, can lead to changes in brain chemistry and emotional regulation. Additionally, the presence of addiction can indicate underlying mental health issues that contribute to overly emotional responses.
• Environmental Factors: Exposure to a challenging or unsafe environment can impact both physical and mental health. For example, living in an area with limited access to healthy food options or safe spaces for physical activity can contribute to unmet physical needs, thereby affecting emotional responses.
• Physical Exhaustion: Prolonged periods of physical exhaustion without adequate rest and recovery can take a toll on mental health. This can lead to heightened emotional responses and decreased emotional resilience.

Addressing unmet physical needs is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being. It is important to recognize that the impact of unmet physical needs can vary depending on individual factors, such as genetics, lifestyle, and access to resources. Seeking professional help is important when dealing with persistent or severe physical or emotional symptoms.

Stress

While being overly emotional is not explicitly a sign of mental illness, it can be a symptom of stress, which is a mental health issue. Stress can affect our emotions, behaviour, and physical health in a multitude of ways. Emotional stress can be caused by intense emotions such as fear, anger, sadness, or frustration, which can interfere with our ability to function.

Physical Symptoms of Stress

The body often manifests stress in physical ways. These effects might include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Blurred or sore eyes
• Muscle aches and headaches
• Chest pains and high blood pressure
• Indigestion or heartburn
• Constipation or diarrhoea
• Feeling sick, dizzy, or fainting
• Sudden weight gain or loss
• Skin problems like rashes or acne
• Changes to one's period or menstrual cycle

Emotional Symptoms of Stress

• Irritable, angry, impatient, or wound up
• Overburdened or overwhelmed
• Anxious, nervous, or afraid
• Unable to enjoy yourself
• Uninterested in life
• Like you've lost your sense of humour
• Suicidal

Behavioural Symptoms of Stress

Finally, stress can also impact our behaviour, leading to:

• Difficulty making decisions
• Inability to concentrate or remember things
• Constant worry or feelings of dread
• Skin picking or itching
• Grinding teeth or clenching the jaw
• Sexual problems, such as losing interest or being unable to enjoy sex
• Changes in eating habits
• Increased substance use, including smoking, drugs, or alcohol
• Restlessness or inability to sit still
• Overspending or shopping too much
• Changes in exercise habits, either too much or too little
• Withdrawal from social connections

Frequently asked questions