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What do I do when my emotions start to overwhelm me?

Profile: DoctorDDDandy
DoctorDDDandy on Nov 14, 2016
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Deep breathing works for me. I know this sounds like the most generic answer in the world but it's all in the way you do it. When most people breath in they do it from their chests. You take a deep breath in through your gut and let it expand naturally, then you let it out slowly. This gives your brain more oxygen which helps cool things down a bit.
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Profile: Lirra
Lirra on Dec 20, 2016
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When MY emotions overwhelm me, I try to slow my breathing and take deep breaths. I will go to some place quiet like a bathroom and focus on my body. I will remind myself that although anxiety can feel really terrible, it can't hurt me. I remind myself that I am safe. Calming down doesn't happen by itself. I have to really focus on it.
Profile: Sunshine201
Sunshine201 on Mar 6, 2017
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Either distract yourself from the situation that is causing an overwhelming emotion for you,,, or getting aside a bit from the scenario, do deep and slow breathing mindfully,
Profile: Brittany8013
Brittany8013 on Nov 14, 2017
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This is a great question! There are many things you can do, such as mindfulness, distraction techniques, and much more! If you are unsure how to practice these, myself or another listener would be happy to assist you! You can also search this site for different ideas!
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Jan 30, 2018
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I listen to music and close my eyes and it helps me to switch off my brain and reset. Today is a new day and today with be MY day.
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Oct 14, 2019
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I think there are several answers to this. In the past, I was an unknowing advocate of simply trying to distract myself but I found that this didn't really help me resolve anything. So when the distraction ended, no emotional growth and no resolution took place. Now, when I feel overwhelmed, I try and do the opposite. I try to focus on the emotions and feel them fully (even if they are somewhat scary) in a controlled fashion. To help steady the process, I have found writing them out in a journal to be immensely helpful and calming. Also, getting into a calm, comforting environment and then focusing on breathing can help me experience what I need to experience and grow in the process
Profile: amandarintheorange2150
amandarintheorange2150 on Jun 16, 2020
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Dealing with emotions is difficult, and sometimes we tend to bottle them up. Talking with someone about it can help a lot if you feel comfortable with it. For me, I usually face a lot of emotions at night when there's no one around, so I would write in my notebook about my feelings. Writing about my emotions helps to calm me down. Afterwards, I can remember what I felt and how it got better. At first, I thought having a journal would just be silly, but it really helped me to understand what I was going through. A;though, it really depends on the circumstances and what feels best.
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Aug 24, 2020
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Learn the art of self-soothing. For example, meditation. Understand the roots of your overwhelming emotions. Treat the root cause. Try writing a diary. Talking with someone about it can help a lot if you feel comfortable with it. I think if one wants to control their response and be present, they must practice mindfulness. Emotions don't need to be feared. Learn how to separate emotions from emotional responses. The next time you feel a wave of emotions coming, try to take slow, deep breaths in through your nose, out through your mouth. Just keep going. No feeling is final.
Profile: Elizabeth7117
Elizabeth7117 on Sep 14, 2021
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First, take a deep breath. It is important to have a clear mind when dealing with overwhelming emotions. For me, I find it very helpful to write out a list of ever emotion I am feeling. Sometimes just putting it on paper can take pressure off yourself. Then go through the list one emotion at a time. Try to identify what triggers this emotion and how you can change or address it. Many times you may find that multiple emotions are coming from one certain person/event/location. It may also be helpful to communicate these feelings with a trusted person. Just saying feelings out loud help you to process them.
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Jun 7, 2022
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It can be easy for our emotions to take over us during difficult or challenging times. Or even times that seem overwhelming to us. But it does happen. There's no easy answer or an answer that is right for everyone. We each have to do what is best or what works for us individually. But some things you can try to do is find something that distracts you from your thoughts and emotions. Whatever that thing is for you that makes you happy, or brings your joy, or simply redirects your thoughts from what you are overwhelmed from. Things like taking a walk, playing with your pet, journaling, watching a good tv show, listening to music you like, reading a good book, or talking to someone you trust. Or of course, coming to 7cups where there are many trained listeners who can listen and talk to you. There are many options to choose from. Find which ones work best for you and stick with them as best you can when your emotions try to take over.
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