When your child or someone you love is suffering, as a parent or family member it can be hard not to suffer as well. The emotions you may experience can be complicated and at times conflicting. It is particularly challenging to manage your own emotions in the face of an emotionally dysregulated loved one when the stakes can feel very high. You own fear, anger, sadness, guilt and shame can overtake you and hijack your parenting or relationship with your loved one. In the best times your emotions can lead to deeper connection and understanding, and in the harder times they can lead to isolation, disconnection and hopelessness.