Why Am I So Emotional? Science Has the Answers You May Not Expect

When it comes to being an emotional person, there could be a lot more to it than you realize. If you ever wonder, “why am I so emotional?” here's why.

Having emotions is normal - obviously. But some people tend to be far more emotional than others. These people were often referred to as “cry babies” when we were little and as we grew, those people were then called “immature.” Those people probably often ask themselves, “why am I so emotional?”

The truth is, they can't help it. It has far more to do with science and genetics than it does with anything else. For those of you saying highly emotional people need to grow “thicker skin,” it may not be as simple as that.

It's okay to be emotional and show people that side of you

There's absolutely NOTHING wrong with showing your emotions. Everyone has them. Just because some people choose to hide that side of them doesn't mean you should if you don't want to. It's human to experience emotion.

So if you're feeling sad - then feel sad! Cry if you have to. Don't apologize for how you feel or for who you are. Own it. That emotional side of you may be what someone falls in love with someday.

Why am I so emotional - what science has to say about your feelings

Emotions have everything to do with your brain and its chemistry. Therefore, you can't really do anything about being a really emotional person. Sure, you can practice hiding those emotions, but that's not always healthy.

If you often ask yourself, “Why am I so emotional?” these answers may be what you're looking for. Just remember that everyone is different and how you're feeling could be 100% unique to you and your situation.

#1 You're not. A lot of people in Western societies may feel like they're “too emotional” based on society's standard. It's often thought that men aren't supposed to have too many “feelings” and that it's more acceptable for women to be overly emotional.

But in reality, you might not be too emotional at all. What you're feeling could be completely average. It really depends on your culture and those around you.

#2 Hormones. If you have a hormone imbalance, you'll start to feel very emotional. The stereotype of women being very emotional around the time of their period was invented because their hormones fluctuate during that time.

Therefore, women are particularly more sensitive during this time. However, your hormones can fluctuate for a number of reasons. Sometimes you're not eating enough fats, other times you may just have an issue with them. The bottom line is that if you're randomly feeling very emotional, your hormones may be responsible.

#3 Genetics. You could just be a sensitive person. That's not a bad thing by any means. It just means that genetically, you feel emotions on a deeper level than other people. Or perhaps you express your emotions more than other people even if you feel them on the same level.

If your family members are the same way, it's just how you are. You were made to be a more emotional person and there's really nothing “wrong” with you at all. So embrace your emotional side!

#4 You're not getting enough sleep. I know we've all seen a toddler who didn't take their nap. They freak out and throw a temper tantrum and cry on a dime all because they just didn't get enough sleep.

Believe it or not, people are the same way. If you frequently get less than 7 hours of sleep a night and you ask yourself “why am I so emotional?” it's because of that. Your brain needs time to rest and recuperate. If it can't do that, it won't be able to process emotion the same. AKA, you'll get cranky and sad very easily.

#5 You've been through something traumatic. Those who have experienced a trauma can often end up being more emotional people as a result of it. This is often due to PTSD related issues. Their emotions get triggered far easier and it causes them to relive certain horrors.

If this sounds like you, there are a lot of options to get help. Seeing a healthcare professional can help you get on the right track in dealing with your PTSD.

#6 You may have anxiety. Those with anxiety are usually much more emotional than other people. This is largely due to their minds going through different possibilities and outcomes - all of which provide a different emotional response.

When someone has generalized anxiety, they're always thinking of the possible outcomes. This can cause them to go through a number of different potential feelings depending on what outcome they visualize happening.

#7 You're exposed to other highly emotional people. People are contagious. Their emotions are contagious. That being said, if you're always around people who are typically more emotional and sensitive, you'll pick up on that a little bit.

You'll start to become more empathetic and that will definitely lead to you feeling as though you've become more emotional. It's not necessarily that you are, but it's more like you're relating to more emotional people.

#8 You're overly stressed. Stress, just like a lack of sleep, can definitely change your emotions. Not only will you become more irritable, but your emotions will fluctuate significantly. More specifically, you'll get angry and sad a lot easier than you normally would.

In order to cope with this, find a healthy outlet for that stress. Exercising regularly, getting into a relaxing hobby, and even getting the occasional massage can help you manage your stress much easier.

#9 You're not eating well. If you thought food didn't affect how you feel, you've got another thing coming. What you eat has a large role when it comes to how emotional you are as a person. If you don't eat well - as in, you don't eat healthy foods - you'll feel more emotional.

This is because you're not getting enough nutrients. When your body doesn't get what it needs to function, it doesn't operate correctly. That means you need to be eating enough food and the right kinds of foods in order to stabilize your moods.

#10 You could be depressed. Being very emotional is a big sign of depression. In addition to the other signs, if you find yourself unable to handle the fluctuations in your emotions, seek professional help. There are a lot of options when it comes to dealing with depression successfully.

Being really emotional usually just means that you were made that way. There's nothing wrong with it and there's often no need to worry. But if you ask yourself, “Why am I so emotional?” all the time, these answers may help you understand what's going on.