My Journey Through Unexpected Emotional Overwhelm
A couple of years ago, I found myself in two car accidents within a short period of time. The details of these accidents aren’t important, but what happened afterward is what truly matters. In the first accident, I was a passenger, and even though it happened at a low speed, I ended up with a cut on my head that required some unexpected plastic surgery. The second accident occurred while I was driving on a rain-soaked motorway, leading to a complete write-off of the car. Despite the severity of this second accident, I walked away uninjured. Who was to know at this point that these two events would lead me on a journey towards emotional overwhelm.
The Unexpected Aftermath
A few weeks later, when I was picking up my new car and preparing to get back on the motorway, I started feeling strange. A wave of dizziness and unease hit me out of nowhere. At first, I brushed it off, thinking it was just nerves from getting back on the road. But these sensations didn’t go away; in fact, they started to show up more often and in different situations. I began experiencing lightheadedness, blurred vision, confusion, and a sinking feeling in my chest. It got to the point where I couldn’t sleep properly, and I knew I had to see a doctor.
The Diagnosis I Didn’t Expect
After a series of tests, the doctors found nothing physically wrong. The diagnosis? Anxiety. I didn’t believe it at first. I wasn’t consciously anxious about anything. The accidents were behind me, and I didn’t think they were serious. But my body had stored the stress, leading to emotional overwhelm. The worst part was that the more I ignored it, the worse it got.
To discover more about the similarities between stress and anxiety symptoms click HERE.
The Body’s Way of Speaking Up
Our unconscious mind has a funny way of making us confront what we’ve been trying to suppress. It’s like it throws these hidden issues at us when we least expect it, demanding that we deal with them. Sometimes, emotions come out of nowhere, catching us off guard like a runaway train that’s impossible to stop.
At times like these, trying to change your thoughts can feel like trying to stop that speeding train with just your mind. Techniques like deep breathing and distraction can help, but they’re not always practical in every situation. So, what do you do when your emotions overwhelm you?
Letting Emotions Run Their Course
Sometimes, the best thing you can do is to hold on, acknowledge what you’re feeling, and let it run its course. Remember that emotions don’t last forever—this too shall pass.
For me, what really helped during these moments of emotional overwhelm was practicing awareness. When I noticed anxiety creeping in, I would redirect my focus to the present moment. I’d acknowledge the emotion with a simple, non-judgmental thought like, “Hmm, anxiety, that’s interesting.” Surprisingly, this approach helped the emotion dissipate much faster than I expected.
Techniques to Manage Emotional Overwhelm
Here are some techniques that can help you stay grounded when emotions start to take over:
1. Awareness:
Pause and bring your attention to the present moment. Acknowledge what you’re feeling and try to name the emotion (e.g., anger, sadness, anxiety).
2. Physical Sensations:
Notice where you feel the emotion in your body. Focus on these sensations without trying to change them. For example, if you feel tension, simply observe it.
3. Breath Awareness:
Connect with your breath. Take slow, deep breaths to anchor yourself in the present. Pay attention to the natural rhythm of your breathing, which can create a calming effect.
4. Non-Judgmental Observation:
Practice observing your emotions without labeling them as good or bad. Allow yourself to feel without criticizing yourself for it. Emotions are natural and valid.
5. Mindful Acceptance:
Accept the emotion without trying to change it. Recognize that emotions are part of being human. Remind yourself that it’s okay to feel what you’re feeling. Acceptance doesn’t mean you agree with the emotion; it just means you acknowledge its presence.
6. Thoughts:
Notice any thoughts that come with the emotion. Remember, thoughts are not facts; they’re just mental events that pass by.
7. Cultivate Compassion:
Be kind to yourself. Treat yourself the way you would treat a friend going through the same experience. This can help create a supportive and understanding internal environment.
8. Release and Let Go:
When you’re ready, allow the emotion to fade naturally. Don’t cling to it. Instead, engage in activities that make you feel balanced and well.
The Power of Letting Go During Emotional Overwhelm
It’s important to realize that analyzing, judging, or trying to control emotions often gives them more power. If you haven’t heard of the Law of Reverse Effect, it’s worth looking into. It suggests that the more you consciously try to change something, the less likely you are to succeed. This applies to emotions too—trying to control them often strengthens their hold on us and increases our level of emotional overwhelm.
So, next time you find yourself in the grip of intense emotions, remember that it’s okay to let go and let them pass. You’re not alone in this journey, and with practice, you can find ways to navigate through these challenging moments.
If you enjoyed this article on managing emotional overwhelm please leave me a comment and a like. For more articles please click HERE.
Until next time, Stay Awesome.
Rob
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“Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom” – Viktor E. Frankl
