The psychologist gave advice to Russians experiencing emotional swings
Emotional swings are a complex psychological phenomenon that can be caused by both internal contradictions and external manipulative influences, said psychologist and crisis counselor Yulia Dobrynina. She told Izvestia on April 6 how to get out of this state.
"This is a condition in which a person experiences sharp and frequent fluctuations in the emotional background, moving from euphoria to frustration, from confidence to anxiety. This is not just a reaction to external circumstances, but a complex process in which cognitive attitudes, interpersonal interactions, and even manipulative strategies are intertwined," the expert clarified.
According to her, in conflictology, emotional swings are often considered as a management tool. For example, in a dysfunctional relationship, one partner may intentionally create situations that provoke strong emotional reactions in the other, from delight to fear. This allows the manipulator to maintain control, as the object of influence becomes dependent on his approval or attention.
But emotional swings also arise from internal contradictions that a person does not realize, the psychologist added. She explained that, for example, the desire for autonomy may conflict with a deep-seated fear of rejection. Or the desire for professional success may conflict with the fear of responsibility. These internal cognitive dissonances create tension, which manifests itself in the form of emotional outbursts.
They can appear not only because of external manipulations, but also because of internal self-deception. For example, a person may convince themselves that they are in a successful relationship, ignoring the obvious signs of dysfunction. This internal conflict between reality and illusion causes emotional fluctuations, Dobrynina emphasized.
"The psychology of lying also explains why we so easily fall into the trap of emotional swings. Lying, even if it is directed at oneself, requires significant energy expenditure. We must constantly maintain the illusion that everything is under control, that we are successful, strong, or loved. But reality inevitably breaks through this protection, causing emotional outbursts," Dobrynina added.
To get out of this vicious cycle, she advised identifying internal contradictions.
"Ask yourself the following questions: what do I really want? Which of my beliefs contradict each other? For example, you may simultaneously strive for professional fulfillment and be afraid of responsibility. Understanding these contradictions is the first step towards resolving them," the expert said.
The psychologist recommended developing emotional awareness — the ability to notice, understand, and regulate your emotions. You should learn how to capture which situations cause intense reactions and analyze why this happens.
"If you suspect that someone is using emotional swings for manipulation, it's important to learn how to recognize these strategies. For example, if a person criticizes you first and then offers help, it may be an attempt to create an addiction. In such situations, it is important to maintain an emotional distance and not succumb to provocations," Dobrynina explained.
At the same time, you need to work on self—esteem, learn how to form internal supports that do not depend on external evaluation, and also use self-regulation techniques, such as meditation, breathing practices, and physical activity. But if a person feels that they are not coping, they can turn to a psychologist.
Earlier, on March 31, it was reported that more than half of Russians feel signs of burnout or depression at work (56%). This is stated in the results of a survey of analysts of the Kontur communications service.A lot of sense." At the same time, 20% of respondents think that a psychologist could help them cope with a difficult moral state, and another 5% are already working out their problems with a specialist.
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