Have you ever heard someone say they were “beside themselves” with emotion? The phrase “what does it mean to be beside yourself” is often used to describe intense feelings that can overwhelm a person, making it hard to think or act normally. But beyond its casual use, what does this expression truly signify? In this article, we will explore the meaning, origins, and emotional dimensions of being beside yourself, giving you a deeper insight into this powerful human experience.
What Does It Mean to Be Beside Yourself?
The phrase “beside yourself” typically refers to being overcome with strong emotions—such as anger, grief, joy, or anxiety—to the point where your behavior or state of mind feels almost out of control. When people say they are “beside themselves,” they often mean they are so overwhelmed that it’s like they have stepped outside their usual self.
In everyday language, being beside yourself can manifest in a variety of ways:
- Feeling intense rage or frustration
- Experiencing overwhelming sadness or despair
- Being so excited or happy that you cannot compose yourself
- General emotional confusion or anxiety that makes it hard to focus
These emotional extremes cause a shift from your typical emotional landscape, hence the phrase suggesting a sense of being “beside” or outside of yourself.
The Origin of the Expression
The saying “beside yourself” has roots dating back to the 14th century. Historically, it was tied to the concept of the soul temporarily departing the body or losing control due to extreme emotional states, almost like being “beside” the physical self. This notion relates to older beliefs in the separation of mind and body during shock or profound emotion.
In modern usage, it’s purely metaphorical but still conveys the strong feeling that your emotions have pushed you outside your normal self-awareness or behavior.
Emotional States That Make You Beside Yourself
When trying to understand what does it mean to be beside yourself, it’s helpful to look at the common emotions associated with this state. Here are some typical feelings people describe:
- Extreme Anger: When rage takes over, some people feel like they are no longer in control of their reactions.
- Profound Grief: Loss or heartbreak can create a sense of being fragmented or detached.
- Exhilarating Joy: Sometimes happiness can feel so overpowering that normal boundaries of self seem to blur.
- Severe Anxiety or Fear: Panic can cause a person to feel disconnected from reality or themselves.
Being beside yourself in these cases implies a temporary but intense emotional upheaval that challenges your internal equilibrium.
Psychological Perspectives
From a psychological viewpoint, “being beside yourself” fits into the concept of emotional dysregulation where emotions are experienced more intensely or for longer than typical, causing discomfort or dysfunction. People who experience this might feel overwhelmed and unable to regain composure quickly.
This can be seen in various psychological conditions such as:
- Acute stress reactions
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Bipolar disorder mood episodes
- Severe anxiety attacks
In everyday life, though, most people experience being beside themselves during isolated incidents, like receiving shocking news or an unexpected event.
How to Cope When You’re Beside Yourself
Understanding what it means to be beside yourself is the first step towards managing these overwhelming emotions. Here are some practical strategies to regain control:
- Pause and Breathe: Deep, slow breaths can help calm your nervous system.
- Express Yourself: Talk to someone you trust or journal your feelings.
- Physical Activity: Exercise can reduce stress hormones and release tension.
- Mindfulness and Grounding: Focus on the present moment to reconnect with yourself.
- Seek Professional Help: If intense emotions occur frequently, therapy can provide tools and support.
By applying these techniques, you can better navigate the experience of being beside yourself and restore emotional balance.
The Positive Side of Being Beside Yourself
While the phrase often has a negative connotation, being beside yourself isn’t always bad. For example, overwhelming joy or excitement can be uplifting and energizing. Feeling this intensity also reminds us we are deeply connected to our experiences and emotions. It signals authenticity and passion, qualities that enrich our lives when managed well.
In summary, “what does it mean to be beside yourself” boils down to experiencing a powerful emotional state that temporarily disrupts your usual sense of self. Recognizing this can help us better handle moments of emotional intensity and appreciate the depth of human feeling.
