Common reasons why a person becomes emotional

Life involves happiness, excitement, and sadness. Our emotions are the same, but we process them differently. You may feel more emotional than relatives or friends. Emotionality is fine because it can be genetic.

However, emotional causes go beyond that. Your hormones and childhood can affect how you react to others. It's crucial to know why because it could be medical.

Genetics: You may be more sensitive to emotions. The U.S. National Library of Medicine says genetics determine 20–60% of temperament. Parents' genes can alter brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, which regulate mood.

Hormonal imbalances: Puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause can be emotional roller coasters for women. Hormonal changes might increase anxiety and reactivity. For instance, elevated cortisol levels might increase tension.

Trauma: Being abused or witnessing violence as a child can carry emotional stress into adulthood. This can increase threat awareness and stress response, say experts.

Neglect: Growing up without appropriate emotional or physical care might make you feel unsafe. Without this basis, managing emotions and forming healthy relationships is hard.

Intermittent parenting styles: Living in a family with unpredictable rules and attitudes might make you feel unstable and confused how to handle your emotions or trust people.

High sensitivity: Highly sensitive people may feel more deeply. Joys and sorrows can overwhelm, making daily encounters more emotional.

Neuroticism: You may be uneasy, moody, or insecure. These feelings can make you react more intensely to stress and unfavourable occurrences.

Major life changes: Losing a job, divorcing, or losing a loved one might affect your emotions. These events can disturb your routine and increase stress.

Constant stressors: Financial or marital issues might wear you down. Chronic stress can exacerbate emotional reactions.

Constant worry and fear can make regular circumstances more stressful and enhance emotional reactivity for anxiety sufferers.

Depression: Depressed people typically feel unhappy, hopeless, or irritable. These emotions can make it difficult to control and cause stronger reactions.

BPD: Extreme, uncontrollable emotions. Experts say mood swings and unstable relationships make emotional management harder.

Cultural norms: Your upbringing affects how you express and manage emotions. Different cultures emphasise emotional restraint or open expression, which might affect your emotions.

Social pressures: Success and image expectations can add stress. Pressure can make emotional management harder.

Peer influences: Your friends can considerably impact your mental health. Positive interactions can help, while negative ones can cause emotional instability.

Poor relationships: Conflict, manipulation, and abuse can raise emotional reactivity and make it hard to stay emotionally stable.

Conflicts: Frequent family conflicts can strain your emotions.

Co-dependency: Overdependence on another person for emotional support can cause upheaval and make it hard to manage your emotions.

Dr. Ghosh says taking alcohol or medications to manage stress might damage your brain's ability to control emotions, causing mood swings and stronger emotional responses.

Autism Spectrum Disorders: People on the spectrum may have high emotions and have trouble understanding and expressing them, making them emotionally sensitive.

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