Why can't I be stronger emotionally?

I understand how you feel; it's hard to go through a lot of emotional struggle, but it's a process. The only way to become stronger emotionally is to go through these emotional problems. It's like a muscle; the more you exercise it, the stronger it gets. You may feel like you aren't strong enough emotionally right now, but you have to prove to yourself and everyone else that you can get through emotional turmoil. Keep your head up and believe that you can get through it. Keep your mind and heart busy with good things that make you happy, whether it's friends or hobbies or whatever else. Just know that all hard times pass; life is a cycle of ups and downs. When this event that you need to be emotionally strong for passes and you make it through it, you'll be amazed by how much stronger you've gotten emotionally for getting through it. The next time something similar arises, you will be stronger and can handle it better. For now, stay as strong as you can, but it's okay if you falter. Lean on others for support and help in staying strong. Even if you stumble, you can get back up again. I hope everything works out for you!

Emotional "strength" is a spectrum. I used to find it extremely hard to manage my emotions; especially anything to do with other people would immensely upset me and I would not be able to deal with it. It is practice that makes you emotionally stronger. You can be emotionally stronger. Why do you think you are emotionally weak? Is it because you cry, or because you have bad coping mechanisms? If the former, it is not weak to cry or to express your emotions; don't judge yourself harshly just for having emotions. If the latter, then learn better coping mechanisms, and though it is hard try to practise using them the next time something gets to you. Instead of asking why can't you be stronger emotionally, instead the question should be how you can, because you can. Try to understand where your emotions are coming from and work out ways you can manage them better.

This question is a little vague... If you aren't seeing a professional about this issue at the moment, you can talk to one of the listeners on here who would be able to help you better identify the issue and the possible solutions. It would also make you more comfortable with speaking to a stranger about it, in case you want to seek professional advice in the future :)

Maturity takes time, and becoming more emotionally resilient takes time as well. For some people, it's something that they simply grow out of; for others, it's simply who you are. If you don't like that aspect of yourself, you'll have to work at it; that means confronting your feelings, and making an active effort every day to change that part of yourself. Don't hold unrealistic expectations of yourself either. If this is simply who you are, then you can't expect to change over night.

It's a grueling task, trying to be "strong" emotionally. But I think weakness and strength are relative. We can't *force* ourselves to feel happy or motivated or anything else. But there is a power in being able to outlast the emotions you currently don't desire. There is no shame in feeling weak or sad or anything, in feeling consumed or hollowed or overwhelmed. They're all normal emotions. I think the strength in dealing with emotions comes from being able to accept them, and then being persistent in working through them. There is strength in simply enduring. You are strong already.

"Can't" is a word that underestimates your potential! You can always build your emotional resistance and regularity with mindful learning about your situation. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy is a GREAT tool for grounding yourself, getting to know your emotional triggers, and to calm yourself down in times of need, no matter what the situation at hand is. If you feel you are weak emotionally, you are a very caring person with a lot of admirable qualities. Stay strong, reach out, and be yourself! You can always grow and learn from your emotions, no matter how intense or not intense. Everything is a learning experience!

Becoming strong emotionally is definitely difficult, however it is possible. The reasons why you might not be able to be "stronger" emotionally are varied. Something may be bringing you down, you might have a vulnerability because of past experiences, or you may just be in an especially emotional place. It's okay that you don't feel "strong" right now, you don't always have to be. This too shall pass, as they say.

I always do my best to allow myself to feel what I need to feel, but sometimes my emotions do get the best of me and I can sort of crumble into an abyss. I've been working on doing short sessions of meditation and deep breathing during these times of overflowing emotion so that I can allow myself time to calm down and self-reflect on the situation.

For me, I had to find confidence in myself again to start to become stronger emotionally. For about a year it was very easy to break down, and then I found my confidence through excercising again and reading motivational books. I basically just needed to find what I needed to be happy in order to grow my confidence level.

You can! It takes time and effort but you can do it. You have to challenge yourself. Get out there and do something that makes you happy. Learn that other people can't define you, you define yourself.