Having a Breakdown?

I think we've all had that time where we've been walling back a wave of tension from a very stressful day, whether this be at school, work, or otherwise. Then after we finally get home to our family or alone, we have an emotional breakdown. This horrible well of emotions floats out unchecked, and without any restraint. Sometimes it's extremely difficult to not let that kind of emotion devour and deplete you. This usually happens spontaneously, and sometimes it comes on by triggers that you wouldn't even expect. Often I think that these outbursts happen in severity when you internalize for an extended period, which is why it's so important to let it all out when it happens.

Events like this can happen when you are watching a movie, or even in the most common of situations like having dinner. Many would like to classify this as a woman's issue, but that's simply not true. Men experience the same type of breakdown, but it may not include sobbing or crying necessarily. Taking a deep breath and reevaluating things after you've been emotional does place situations in perspective. It's a great place to find that center, and lessen the distress you've felt. Couple the deep breathing with gently shutting your eyes for a moment can help to relax. This is almost like a form of light meditation.

I've also found that journalling is a great release. If you write down everything that you experience from your day, you are able to chronicle and reexamine events which have occurred throughout. This is actually a therapy technique and an important way to communicate your feelings on paper. This form of expression releases tension and aids in our sense of well-being. This method keeps us free from judgment, where we can say what needs to be conveyed through our experiences. This form of catharsis is important and can help to lessen stressful outbursts. I've actually had better success with journalling and it really helped even more than therapy alone. It's part of the work in progress.