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Why do I get so emotional over nothing?

199 Answers
Last Updated: 06/10/2022 at 9:28pm
Why do I get so emotional over nothing?
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Jennifer Fritz, LMSW, PhD

Clinical Social Work/Therapist

Day to day life can be stressful and overwhelming and my strength is assisting my clients in a supportive, empowering and practical manner.

Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
May 15th, 2020 1:26pm
It happens when you have bottled up your feeling since a long time and haven’t shared it with anyone. Or you get stressed over small things like not getting your favorite dish or not getting enough sleep or not able to watch your favorite show. These things affect us but mostly we don’t realize . There might be a lot of emotions you have ignored or declined. It also happens when we feel alone and that time we need some good social support. It can also happen due to your hormonal imbalances or vitamins deficiency. It can be normal but not always. You can seek help if you face it too oftenly.
Heal2Grow
March 17th, 2022 4:01am
There are various reasons this could be happening. Often times, we are emotional over "something" but we are just having trouble identifying what that something might be. Reflection exercises, talking it out, seeking therapy/counseling, can provide important skills for self-awareness and help one "sit" with their emotions so they can hone in on the root of the feeling. Identifying the feeling first, then knowing how to reflect on the trigger for that emotion, is a valuable skill that can help one better cope during difficult times. In some instances, however, feeling emotional over "nothing" could have a neurological, chemical, or hormonal cause. Mood disorders and mental health issues, such as depression, could contribute to a real, physical cause for imbalanced emotions and insufficient release of chemicals in the brain that contribite to our feelings of happiness. Other times, hormonal imbalances or disorders originating at the hormonal level can contribute to chemical imbalance that affects brain function and emotional regulation. Something as seemingly simple as vitamin or nutrient deficiency, lack of good sleep, exercise, or self-care regimen could even be to blame! There are so many factors that could play into this, whether physical/biological, environmental, or maybe even a bit of both, but there is always a cause, and no one is ever emotional over "nothing." If something feels off, it is wise to seek help and identify the cause. The key to healing from this effectively is seeking professional treatment that considers all possible factors with someone credentialed to identify and help you work on the issue. If a mental health disorder is detected, a referall should be made to someone who can provide diagnosis and in some instances, prescribe and manage medication if this is necessary. Always seek help from a licensed professional for a mental health issue, and supplement this by reaching out to the 7 Cups community for supportive listeners! This community is a great tool for bolstering your emotional well being. 💖
Anonymous
February 23rd, 2022 12:35am
If something upsets you, it's not "nothing"! Your feelings are completely valid and okay. Sometimes we get a build-up of emotions and all it takes is one seemingly small thing to trigger a flood of emotions. That's why it is so important to acknowledge your feelings and not try to ignore them. Keeping things bottled up inside creates the conditions for them to explode so you can't ignore them anymore. Feeling your feelings and then addressing them can help you manage your emotions more effectively. Also, self-care! Taking care of your mind and body are crucial for being able to regulate your emotions and feel good.
windchimes1991
January 23rd, 2022 3:55pm
Just because other people don't feel the way you do about something doesn't invalidate your feelings. You're a unique individual with your own way of experiencing the world. It's easy to believe that your feelings don't matter because other people pay them little mind. But in reality, paying attention to your own feelings is the only way your life can have meaning. You don't get emotional over nothing; you just get emotional over things other people don't (appear to) get emotional over. When you get emotional, listen to what your heart is telling you. You might learn something important.
Anonymous
January 21st, 2022 12:44am
Sometimes it seems like all your emotions are trapped inside you, hiding, and you may think that everything is fine, but then the smallest thing can happen and all those emotions burst out. “Nothing is going right. Can I really not even have this?” The more you think about that, the more affected you may become. At some point, it may not even be that particular thing that happened that’s making you emotional, but rather the fact that you are getting emotional. This just adds on to whatever stress, anxiety, or worries you may already have, kind of like positive feedback, except it seems like you can’t make out anything positive out of your situation at all. In the end, I believe that whatever happened? It’s never “nothing”. People very commonly belittle their emotions and themselves by thinking that they are overreacting, thinking that they are being too sensitive. But aren’t we all human? It’s natural to feel things, so why do we sometimes blame ourselves for that? Pressure from society? Expectations for ourselves? It’s different for everyone, just like how “nothing” differs for everyone.
Ashlyyns
December 22nd, 2021 3:22am
If you're getting emotional over something, it's not "nothing". You might have too much on your plate, so any little thing pushes you over the edge. Maybe you don't understand your emotions, and that's why it feels like you're getting upset over nothing. Or maybe you're experiencing stronger emotions than you normally do. Whatever it is, it's okay to experience that emotion, even if it seems irrational. Pay attention to yourself and the things you're feeling. Having insight helps you to better cope with your situation. If you want to reduce emotional outbursts, practice self-compassion. Being kind to yourself will go a long way
Anonymous
November 13th, 2021 5:02am
It might mean that you really value something. Although you don't understand what it is, there is something you really care for. It usually takes time for it to hit you or it doesn't hit you at all. Like still up to this day I would say I'm pretty emotional over nothing but it just goes to show that I really value something to the point it "hurts" but its hidden to the point I can't find it, if that makes sense. Hope I was able to answer your question. You're loved and special.
Anonymous
October 21st, 2021 3:38am
I can often feel heightened emotions or like I am unable to control my emotions as a result of diet choices, genetics, or stress. It can also be due to an underlying health condition, or health anxiety, such as depression or hormones. This distinction between the anxiety you feel and the worry that leads to it is crucial. Because if you want to feel less anxious, the only real solution is to learn to manage your worry habit better. Ultimately, worry is a form of thinking — a version of negative self-talk, to be more specific. It involves trying to problem-solve things in the future that either A) aren’t really problems, or B) you aren’t capable of solving. It is also important to make a time to check in with your expectations for key people and relationships in your life and adjust them to be as realistic and helpful as possible.
Anonymous
September 2nd, 2021 11:20pm
It is normal to get emotional and it is not something that one can control therefore no reason to blame anything. It seems that you are frustrated about getting emotional which is understandable. It may not be over "nothing". Something may be bothering you and has disguised itself as "nothing" or there may be trapped emotions within you that are escaping as "nothing". I sometimes get emotional too and this can be the result of many reasons. Reasons such as hormones, stress, anxiety etc. Do not blame yourself and instead try to understand yourself. The reasons for getting emotional can be linked which could give you the reason why.
hopefulArrow2212
July 10th, 2021 4:49pm
There can be a few reasons why we get seemingly emotional over nothing. The biggest would probably be we were probably triggered on a subconscious level that we did not realize. Perhaps you have experienced some stress from a previous similar situation and you thought you had managed it since then but it is still a little triggering. It may even be from some time ago that you do not actively think about. Sometimes it's not even related to a past situation, but instead you may have been frustrated or with other things currently and this seemingly small thing which usually does not bother or faze you at all, just was the one that pulled the plug and so all your pent up emotions regarding the other things just came out. It could just be a stressful day so don't worry to much about it. However, if you feel you do get these episodes often, you may want to talk about it with a professional because it may be due to other conditions.
solekage
June 17th, 2021 6:00pm
I don't believe that is is fair to yourself to brush off your emotions as "nothing." Your feelings should always be validated. Introspection should be done in order to underpin the specific triggers that are causing you this distress. Your emotions and mental health should never be brushed off as a simple "nothing." Care for yourself and speak to someone before it escalates into something worse. big or small, every emotional response should be examined, especially if you undergoing a time of emotional distress. Your body ands trying to convey a message to you, so actively listen and introspect.
PassionListener
April 24th, 2021 12:48pm
Feeling heightened emotions or like you're unable to control your emotions can come down to diet choices, genetics, or stress. It can also be due to an underlying health condition, such as depression or hormones. Emotional overwhelm is a state of being beset by intense emotion that is difficult to manage. It can affect your ability to think and act rationally. It could also prevent you from performing daily tasks. Emotional overwhelm may be caused by stress, traumatic life experiences, relationship issues, and much more. feeling overwhelmed, helpless, or hopeless. feeling guilty without a clear cause. spending a lot of time worrying. having difficulty thinking or remembering. sleeping too much or too little. having changes in appetite. relying more heavily on mood-altering substances, such as alcohol.
calmcloud33
January 2nd, 2021 3:27am
Everyone has individual thoughts, feelings, emotions, strengths and weaknesses. Being emotional isn’t a weakness. Its a expression. Showing emotion shows that you are a person. A unique individual with feelings. Some people often say “i wish they would show more emotion” when someone doesn’t express their emotions. Perhaps it is because you care. Or because you are in touch with your feelings. Showing emotion or being over emotional isn’t always a negative thing. It is just a part of you. It is a expression that you show. You say it is over nothing? Even if it is over nothing, there is nothing wrong with showing your emotions.
Anonymous
January 1st, 2021 10:16pm
You probably have lot of things on your mind right now that you wanna say out loud, but you fail to find the right way to express your emotions. That's why you "burst" on every little thing that may or may not be related to something that bothers you. Ask yourself when it all started. Try saying it out loud alone in the room. Then, write it down. And when you gather strength, go to some person (or people) you trust and say all that in front of them. You will feel better just by knowing you have someone out there that cares for you. In the end, it is ok not be ok sometimes! :)
Anonymous
December 30th, 2020 7:45pm
Sometimes it can be hard to see the issues causing our emotions, but it is unlikely that "nothing" is causing us to be emotional. Many different factors or happenings can cause us to become emotional. Emotions and feelings can arise from hormonal changes, chemical imbalances, life circumstances, emotional/situational triggers, and more. Sometimes our circumstances can even lead us to cover up our emotions, or bottle them up, until they build up too much and some small, seemingly innocuous problem comes up and makes them all tumble out. Finding out the root cause will help you gain clarity on why you are becoming emotional.
DaisyDiva2
December 30th, 2020 4:44am
For me, getting emotional over something small has to do with a number of different factors. Am I tired, am I hungry, am I stretched too thin at the moment, etc. For me, it also has to do with life experience. The more life experience I acquire, the less emotional I become over petty things. Perspective has come with age. I remind myself constantly to keep things in perspective. I also try to be judicious as to what I put on my emotional plate and what I must leave off. Again, something that has come with life experience.
hopefulParadise73
December 25th, 2020 8:57pm
This happens when you have suppressed desires, feelings and impulses. It also might happen if you have unexpressed hurt, frustration or anger.Feeling of being unloved or not cared enough can give rise to such a state. Simply, being tiered may also cause us to feel this way. We are unaware of emotional baggage in our unconscious. However, it does manifest in ways that we are unable to understand. It’s very natural to experience this way. Fee things can be solved by discussion or sharing with someone trustworthy , some can be by actions and some just get better as the time progresses.
Anonymous
December 16th, 2020 9:36pm
Right now more than ever we are experiencing a flood of emotions. Our lives have completely changed and we have had almost no control over these changes. Additionally, we are unable to lean on the company of those we trust because of the pandemic. We experience mental exhaustion from the overuse of technology but rely on it for connection. Emotions are normal and we shouldn’t suppress them. I would encourage you to allow yourself to feel these, really feel them. Try journaling them in order to understand where they are coming. Sometimes when we know the root, we can better manage what we are feeling. Clearly your emotions are not “nothing”. You’re feelings are real.
Sobhana
November 18th, 2020 9:08am
Emotional over nothing is not possible, there is always be a reason behind everything, it is just that a lot of people don't realize it. What you see and hear trigger what happened in the past Let's say when you're a kid, you went up to hike on a mountain and a heavy rain strikes. The road was all slippery because of the rain and that made you fell down many times. This kind of memory might comes up when you're walking under the rain, the smell of the rain might trigger your subconscious mind to that specific memory in the past, that is why the same thing will happen with being emotional.
Anonymous
November 14th, 2020 12:45pm
Probably a defense mechanism. Although the Nature vs. Nurture argument will be ongoing, growing up in a chaotic home environment can contribute substantially. When there's limited self-discipline instilled by the parent(s) or guardian(s), the child is left on their own to deal with life's obstacles as they grow older. Any trigger, even minor, can lead to an extreme (over)reaction without foresight. On the positive flip side, getting the intellectual upper-hand on unwanted emotional reactions works wonders. The original question shows awareness that there is a situation to remedy, and it certainly can be. Make commitments to coach yourself by "time out" moments in times of fear, anxiety or anger. Good luck to the original poster.
SharedPain5050
October 23rd, 2020 10:34pm
Our emotions can be a response system the way our body temperature spikes up when it is fighting against a sickness. Getting emotional means that you have a healthy response system that is allowing you to feel a certain way because that is the only way for you to feel better later on. A situation may be termed "nothing" by our brain but it can at the same time be emotionally triggering for your mind which in turn warrants an emotional response from you. Accepting that it is not nothing and then introspecting to see why that situation may be triggering for you can help you be a little more compassionate towards yourself. Getting emotional is a sign that you have the strength and courage to find out what is happening and give yourself a chance to understand yourself a little better.
GeneralIroh
July 27th, 2020 12:01am
Emotions are a natural part of being human. My mom used to tell me that sometimes when we cry, that just means we haven't cried enough, but now that I'm a senior I believe it's a bit more scientific than that. We cry because our body needs a way to expel an overload of any particular chemical--some of us just have different thresholds at which we need to cry for. Take me last year for example where during a group discussion, I lost the point of what I was saying while I was saying it, leading to a lot of embarrassment. For one, someone interrupted me while I was talking, so I had to address this counter-argument on the spot. And second, another person said my example was just "straight up terrible." Afterwards, I ended up crying over a mere three words, but now I look back at that and realize, I needed to cry to get out those chemicals/neurotransmitters along with the embarrassed feeling they brought.
Anonymous
July 2nd, 2020 11:29pm
It is never over nothing, though it often seems like it is. There's always a trigger factor/number of factors that's behind that emotion. This can get really confusing, worsening your already emotional state. Really, there's no reason to dislike the fact that emotions are like this. Sure, it might get hard when you're experiencing such a mental rollercoaster. But it's important to remember that your emotions are valid and that this means that you are alive. I believe you can always find the root of it if you just have a conversation with someone who listens compassionately and actively.
BlondeDragonfly
June 27th, 2020 7:09pm
In my view people tend to overthink about their problems which leads to even worse emotions. In my personal experience it is worth to focus on yourself and ignore surrounding and other people. Each person is having only one life and only one body, so it is crucial to stay focused on set targets. Another my advise would be is trying to understand your emotions and keep asking questions about yourself. For example, try to ask yourself what is your favourite music or what people inspire you. When it comes to myself, I like to read books about successful people and experience their stories. Interestingly, each book that I read described challenges that people faced but at the very end, those successful people were happy about their life. If you are felling emotional now, do not worry... This feeling is temporary to help to you to understand yourself even better.
Shaily312
August 9th, 2019 6:52pm
I don't think anyone ever gets emotional over "nothing". I believe there's always some or the other reason. Maybe you have some repressed stuff and all the emotions from that is escaping you in other forms, or maybe the thing you're getting emotional over actually means something to you without you even realizing it. Sometimes it's possible that you've just had a really bad day and you've been holding it all in, but one small thing happens and the dam breaks. Or it's very much possible that it's just hormones, although if it's a long term thing then it's probably something else. Either way, try not to discard your feelings because they're important
Camilllleee
July 16th, 2019 8:40am
You may think you are getting emotional over nothing because of our different views. We can get emotional over nothing because we can value things that, in the scheme of things, may not mean very much at all. We also have different insecurities that may not seem very significant. Our different experiences and personality result in these different values. Some of us are also more sensitive, and value the small things. Some are less so and only look at the big picture. We are all different, what is nothing to some may be someone's whole world, and as a community it is important to acknowledge that and accept when someone may be getting emotional 'over nothing', because we all have our different definitions of what 'nothing' is.
ephemeralsonder
August 3rd, 2019 9:24am
sometimes it's not because nothing happened. it may be because u bottle up so many things in u, that it just becomes a whole pile of negativity festering inside u. and it gets buried so deep u forget that it's there. that's why sometimes u get so emotional because your hidden pain and anguish is in there, trying to be released. so remember, never bottle anything up. if u need help, ask for it. that's what 7cups is for. to help each other. just remember that whatever it is, you are never walking alone. we will all walk together and complete this journey together.
Parn442
July 7th, 2019 7:27pm
I think you've just had so much to face in life, that now, even the slightest of troubles make you feel lonely, like the problems are all back, like they were never gone in the first place. That would make you feel so emotional, not because of that particular problem at hand, but more because you're now thinking that your troubles were never gone in the first place and that you would keep having a miserable situation. But remember, you're never ever alone. Look around yourself and you'd find many many people who would be willing to help if given a chance by sharing your feelings. Just talk to them even if you feel that nothing will change.
Anonymous - Expert in Managing Emotions
September 4th, 2019 9:02am
It could be that all your emotions are kept and have build up. Therefore anything can trigger it at any time. Best to try dealing with the emotions one step at a time and trying to find the underlining problem that caused you to be emotional in the 1st place.
RubyDragonTea
October 10th, 2019 8:45am
I can give two answers: a scientific one and a spiritual one. Scientifically, there are all sorts of bio-chemical processes going on in our body and our brain, and some of these affect our emotions. Since a lot of these processes take some time, it might be difficult to connect the emotion to the event that caused it. Spiritually, it is believed in Kabala (Jewish mysticism) that many feelings and emotions exist outside of us, and drift through us at different times. This is likened to watching fish swim around from the tiny windows in a submarine - to us they seem to appear and disappear randomly, but they are really out there doing other things we don't know about. In both cases there is no fault of yours in feeling emotional. It is more comforting to understand why we are feeling things, but even when we can't understand the feelings if we give them place and feel them, the feeling will pass and we will remain, stronger and wiser than we were.