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Why can't I be stronger emotionally?

12 Answers
Last Updated: 03/16/2020 at 11:10pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Melissa Strauss, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

I am client focused and believe everyone has a strength. I feel confident in seeing clients with generalized and social anxiety, depression and relational goals.

Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
February 1st, 2015 6:48am
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!
Anonymous
February 1st, 2015 1:18pm
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.
Hui05
April 26th, 2015 6:48pm
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 :)
Anonymous
February 18th, 2015 12:50am
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.
Anonymous
May 8th, 2015 8:05pm
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.
MindfulnessIsKey
June 17th, 2015 5:36am
"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!
Anonymous
July 14th, 2015 8:16pm
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.
goldenLotus108
September 15th, 2015 4:05pm
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.
Anonymous
January 9th, 2017 3:51am
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.
bittersweetsunflowerr
January 29th, 2018 5:40am
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.
purpleRaven76
August 13th, 2019 8:52pm
Why can't you? You can. You can always strengthen any part of your body or mind, you just have to decide to do it. Of course, we humans work on a reward/punishment system, at our core. Maybe when you've been emotionally strong, it hasn't mattered to others, or you don't think you've made an impact. Emotions are as much a part of us as breathing, drinking, eating and sleeping. Now, if you're asking this question because others ask you, "Why are you so sensitive?" that's another thing. It means they're not as comfortable with their emotions as you are. You can be proud of your self-awareness, and all of your emotions. Just keep being there for yourself, never stop.
PieceoftheUniverse
March 16th, 2020 11:10pm
You're here to learn!:) Through learning you can become stronger emotionally. Thus the state of emotion/and your way of coping with it is gonna change. And this means you cán actually become stronger emotionally. What a good news we have here! Wish the newspapers were writing about this kind of thing:) You can become emotionally stronger by searching for methods that are able to help you to help you learn on this path. When you would like to brainstorm with someone concerning this an idea might be to message someone on 7cupsoftea about it. You will grow and bloom!