Symptom 5. Emotional Lability: The Roller Coaster of Emotions
Life with PBP is not just a physical journey but an emotional one too, highlighted by the symptom known as emotional lability. This term refers to the uncontrollable bouts of laughing or crying that PBP patients may experience, often without any apparent reason. It’s like being on an emotional roller coaster, with abrupt ascents and descents that can leave the person feeling perplexed and exhausted.
Emotional lability is not about feeling exceptionally happy or sad; it’s more like the emotional expressions have a life of their own, independent of the actual feelings. One could be laughing hysterically without feeling particularly amused or start crying without feeling sad. It’s a disconcerting disconnect between the inner emotional state and its outward expression.
This symptom arises due to the disruption of the neural pathways that control emotional expression. It’s like a misfire, where the usual control we have over our emotional responses is lost. The result is an emotional display that can feel as confusing to the person experiencing it as to those around them.
Living with emotional lability can be quite challenging, as it adds an extra layer of complexity to social interactions. Yet, it also presents an opportunity for deeper understanding and compassion from the individual’s support network. It’s about not just reading the tears or the laughter on the surface but understanding the turmoil underneath.
Peering through the lens of emotional lability, we can appreciate the intricate web of challenges that individuals with PBP navigate. It’s not just about managing the physical symptoms but also about riding the wave of unpredictable emotional displays. It’s a testament to their strength, resilience, and the unconditional support of their loved ones. (5)
