Riding the Emotional Rollercoaster: Coping with Flooding
Episode Overview
Emotional flooding can lead to a temporary shutdown of communication and thought. Triggers include life changes, past trauma, and relationship conflicts. Recognising emotions and taking pauses can help manage flooding. Breathing exercises and self-care are crucial for mental health. Setting boundaries can prevent future emotional overwhelm.
"When life stressors show up all at once, you get flooded and your brain just turns off."
Ever felt like your brain has just switched off, leaving you unable to think or communicate? In this engaging episode of the Secret Life Podcast, host Brianne Davis-Gantt tackles the topic of emotional flooding. This phenomenon occurs when overwhelming emotions temporarily shut down our ability to process and respond effectively. With her signature blend of humour and candour, Brianne shares personal anecdotes of how emotional flooding has affected her own life, particularly during moments of conflict or stress.
Brianne paints a vivid picture of what happens when our nervous system goes into overdrive, triggering reactions like anxiety, anger, or withdrawal. She explains how this state can be triggered by major life changes, unresolved past issues, or even an unexpected argument with a loved one. As she navigates through these intense emotional waters, Brianne offers practical advice on how to manage and prevent emotional flooding.
Listeners will find comfort in Brianne's relatable stories, such as the time she found herself in a heated exchange with her partner, Mark. Through these tales, she provides actionable steps to regain control, including taking a pause, identifying emotions, and using breathing techniques. Brianne also emphasises the importance of self-care and setting boundaries to maintain mental well-being. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of how we can better understand and cope with our emotional responses.
If you're looking for ways to handle life's emotional rollercoasters with grace and humour, this episode is a must-listen.