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Could I Be Struggling with Emotional Instability?

woman sitting on couch struggling with emotional instability

We’ve all heard of the term emotionally unstable, but what does that really mean? The term itself is often accompanied by mental illness. Unfortunately, many people with mental disorders experience so many distressing symptoms that it’s hard to manage emotions in healthy ways. However, with the help of a dual diagnosis treatment program at The Arbor Behavioral Healthcare, it is possible to heal. To learn more about the signs of emotional instability and the potential causes, call our treatment team today at 844.413.2690.

Signs of Emotional Instability

Dr. Ashley Hampton, a psychologist, told Bustle magazine in 2018 that typically, emotional instability refers to a level of unpredictability in a person’s emotions. She explained, “For example, an event happens, and one would expect a certain reaction but receives a completely different reaction.” Emotional instability can certainly result from a personality disorder, such as borderline personality disorder, but it may also occur alongside issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, etc. Those in addiction recovery have often struggled with devastating life experiences; in fact, these stressful life events often cause people to rely on substances as a form of self-medication. If you believe you may be struggling with emotional instability, consider some of the following signs:

  •    Do you tend to experience a “rollercoaster” of emotions?
  •    Do you find yourself acting impulsively when your emotions take over?
  •    Have you had trouble coping with painful emotions?
  •    Do you often react to certain situations in a way that seems “out of place”?
  •    Have you received concerns from loved ones about the way you handle your emotions?

It’s not uncommon to struggle with emotional instability. A study published in the journal Culture, Medicine and Psychiatry interviewed several people who had previously struggled with addiction. Emotions can get the best of us sometimes, but that doesn’t mean we can’t develop healthier coping mechanisms. If you’re ready to take hold of your life, speak with a professional from The Arbor today.

Causes of Emotional Instability

There are several factors that contribute to whether or not someone will develop emotional instability. These include genetics, mental health history (including past trauma), and exposure to certain stimuli such as drug use and abuse. Some of these risk factors cannot be controlled, while some can only increase the likelihood of developing emotional instability.

There are signs of emotional instability that the average person may be unaware of, including:

  • Sudden angry outburst
  • Guilt from anger outburst
  • Physical signs of anxiety or fear

If a person is experiencing these signs and symptoms, then they could be struggling with emotional instability. However, only a medical professional would have the tools to diagnose this mental illness.

When Does Emotional Instability Coincide With Addiction?

People who struggle with addiction can also be at a higher risk of developing emotional instability. In fact, some signs and symptoms of addiction overlap with signs and symptoms of emotional instability. Both causes include:

  • Social withdrawal
  • Irritability
  • Poor decision-making skills related to drug or alcohol usage

In addition, the impact of an individual’s upbringing can influence their likelihood of both addiction and emotional instability. A person raised by emotionally unstable parents may be more likely to develop signs and symptoms of their own emotional instability. However, a child who is exposed to heavy drug use in childhood may go on to struggle with addiction later in life.

Seek Treatment at The Arbor Behavioral Healthcare

To get treatment for the signs of emotional instability and addiction, reach out to our addiction rehabilitation center. We will provide alcohol abuse treatment, drug rehab treatment, and various addiction therapy methods to help you heal and get sober. Once sober, a person can begin their journey to recovery through our dual diagnosis treatment program.

The Arbor Behavioral Healthcare offers an integrative and holistic approach to the treatment of substance abuse. We treat a variety of addictions, as well as underlying mental health and psychological issues. All of the addiction recovery programs offered by The Arbor are designed to heal the mind, body, and spirit. Treatment can lead to a lifetime of sobriety, health, and wellness. If you’re ready to find healing and restoration in a peaceful, loving environment, please call us today at 844.413.2690.