Most days, I have a pretty tight grip on my emotions, and I tend to the cheerful more often than not. For the most part, I am in control. Some days, though, I can really relate to the emotional whirlpool that is my toddler.
Lately, I feel like my emotions are driving the truck. They are driving the truck through a really bumpy field, and I am holding on to the back bumper by my fingertips, trying not to get thrown off and run over. I’m all strung out and covered in bits of manurey straw, emotionally speaking.
You get the idea.
Do you think it’s possible that we get emotional viruses just like we get physical viruses? This is a new theory of mine. A regular virus is some sort of bug that invades the body, reproduces alarmingly and manifests itself with physical symptoms like a hacking cough, runny nose, fever and the like.
What if there are emotional viruses, too? Viruses that somehow get into your system and completely mess up your emotional responses to things, so you are inordinately crabby for a couple of days, or sensitive to the point of hysteria. Ever noticed how emotional instability sometimes spreads through the family just like a virus, and a family that is perfectly well-balanced and content one day can be a typhoon of overwrought emotions the next?
What do you do on days like that, when know you’re on the edge? Any coping strategies you’d like to share? Don’t worry, I’m not heading for a bell tower with a rifle (not yet, anyway)… it just seems that everything gets under my skin immediately, instead of giving me a bit of a grace period to see it coming and dial down the burners. (Ugh, what a stew of mixed metaphors. And you know what, I’m not even going to go back and edit them out. Ha!)
Oh look, I’m officially rambling at this point. Time to wrap this one up, cohesive ending be damned. Comment if you want to. Or don’t. See if I care.
(I care.)
And apparently this virus is contagious! While I am not one to use hormones as a crutch, I do honestly believe that sometimes my hormones, or chemicals, whatever they are take control.
It couldn’t possible be ‘me’ that is causing that hysterical woman I see to scream – nay, shriek – at her family and co-workers. Stress can also manifest itself in the oddest ways and, unfortunately, it seems to be our families that take the hits.
It’s weird, because I’ve actually noticed some heightened emotions/crabiness around the blogsphere in the last week or so. Several of the bloggers that I regularly read have been pretty crabby. I do think people can spread their crankiness to other people — I think people who are particularly sensitive (such as myself) do pick up on vibes when others around them aren’t having a great time of it.
I struggle with coping mechanisms myself, so I don’t have a lot of sage advice there. The only thing I try to keep in mind when I’m feeling down is that this too shall pass. 🙂 Hang in there.
I try square breathing, but sometimes that only makes me a little more stressed because toddlers can be rather impatient when all they see is Mommy standing there just inhaling and exhaling.
Really Dani, I don’t know what to say, and I don’t really want to be flip – but I care.
i tend to be an emotional person anyway, but i do realize there are days when i’m more emotional than others. so you might be on to something. (((HUGS))) hope it gets better soon!
I thought that we, as a species, had decided all such episodes were henceforth and forevermore to be referred to as “PMS”? Regardless of sex, age, and reproductive status?
No, it doesn’t make much sense to me either. But yes, it happens. There are times when Frances can wail like a banshee for two hours and I’m fiiiine. There are times she can say, “mummy!” and poke my leg and I’m ready to rip off her head.
Hang in there… at least we know there are days when we AREN’T emotional right (contrary to popular opinion).
Take deep breaths. Close your eyes and think of a happy place. And well, hang in there.
Wow, I have SO had days like this. We don’t have kids, so the hubland bears the brunt, which is horrid. Lately if I find I’m in that weird head space and I snap about something stupid, I take a step back – literally. The last time it happened, I took a drive for 5 minutes and about halfway through I thought “OH MY GOD, I’M A JERK!” and couldn’t wait to get home. Taking a break seems to work right now, but I’m hoping to get to a point where I can actually stop the comments BEFORE they exit the mouth.
I also agree with the hormonal aspect of this: it is CRAZY what hormones can do to you, and if this is a new thing for you, your body may simply be shifting cycles in some way. I’ve heard we go through a new one roughly every 7 years.
P.S. I loved the “manurey straw” bit. 🙂
AMEN SISTER! that must be my problem becasue I’m super mom… right? i play wth my boy and keep my house clean and have all gourmet home cooked meals Plus I am an excellant lover for my Hubby! Can this viris last 15 and 1/2 years I wonder? I must have it I am delirous with fever and thinking I can be the prefect mom, wife and lover. Awww guess that’s it.
I don’t get mad…ME… never…My emotions are always in check Never loose my patinces I have the best well behaved kids in the world they never throw tamturms. Have you read my blog lately? OMG I’m actully loosing my mind! (Pulling hair and screaming.)
Dani Your better than me trust me on this.
HUGS
Dani, I had a similar feeling yesterday, that my patience that I usually always have was no where to be found. I felt much better after a walk and actually made it through the day today (even without leaving the house) without losing it!
I am going to attribute it to the weather. We had a fabulous summer, followed by the rainiest October in history and now so much cloud! I think we just didn’t have the ease into fall/winter that is usual. I am looking to the Sun to help me out, and I think it will be here tomorrow, can’t wait.
Anna
I know that some people are carriers and some people spread it. One example is my SIL. The first time I ever talked to her, I ended up laid up in bed, sick, with a stomach ache. She’d leave the room, I’d feel better. I’m telling you, it can be very contagious, and it takes a lot of strength to walk away from it.
Virtual hugs to you, and may you have a lot of sunny days to boost your mood.
Our whole family had this last Sunday–it was really dreadful. I think it’s hard not to feed off others’ emotions, good and bad. If Luke is in a lovely mood, it tends to rub off on me. If he’s in a really foul mood, I tend to get frustrated/annoyed–which can lead to a shorter temper, crankiness and remorse. This is usually followed by excessive brooding and moaning to my poor husband about what a shitty mother I am–which does wonders for his mood, as you can imagine. At least, that’s how the disease seems to spread in our household.
Take Vitamin B.
Yoga.
Walk the dog – alone.
Drink wine.
Laugh, hysterically.
Get laid.
Eat chocolate.
Eat popcorn.
Get a pedicure.
Not necessarily in that order.
xoxoxoxxxoxo
P.S. I care.
On the run, late for Toronto, but had to say a quick thank you to everyone for your comments today.
What do you know, it’s true – misery does love company!!
xo Dani
I like your theory of the emotional virus. I totally get that. There are days I have called into work sick because I have needed a “mental health day” Forget that, I think now I will just consider it a virus.
Also, I totally hear you about it spreading through the family. Families are like mobiles, when one component of it moves, it sends them all in motion.