Communication Patterns and Mental Health: Why the Way We Talk Matters
Communication isn’t just about words—it’s about connection, safety, and emotional health. When communication breaks down, relationships suffer, and so does our mental well-being.
Why Do Small Things Sometimes Trigger Big Emotions? Understanding the "Wild Horse Effect"
Have you ever felt like your emotions were on a rollercoaster ride — one small thing can completely throw off your whole day?
Maybe your partner made a careless comment, or a professor gave vague feedback that felt like criticism. Maybe it was just the crowded bus ride home after a long day. Suddenly, you’re overwhelmed. You might snap at someone you care about or lose the motivation to finish that task due tomorrow. It’s like your entire day gets overturned by a single moment.
So why do such small things have the power to destroy our peacefulness?
There’s a psychological concept that really stuck with me when I came across it — it's called the “Wild Horse Effect.”
What is Regulation and How can we Regulate?
Emotional regulation or “regulation” means to be in a state of being able to manage and cope with your emotions. Developed by Dr. Dan Siegel, this zone exists when we are optimally aroused- that means stressors and challenges exist in our lives but we have the skills to overcome them or believe we have the skills to overcome them! You feel like you can deal with whatever is thrown at you and you are still functioning effectively.