Having just spent several days in Tennessee, we watched broadcasts of cities being flooded with unseasonal rains. Many panicked as their homes were besieged with water. I felt immediate empathy, having been a victim of flooding myself.

This literal flooding reminded me of another kind of flooding that takes place —emotional flooding. When our brains are overwhelmed with too many emotions, in a short 

period of time, they are unable to process information accurately, leading to something I call wild brain. 

Perhaps you’ve experienced wild brain yourself. Overcome with too much emotion, you:

• Can’t think straight;
• Panic, tempted to engage in “fight or flight”;
• Distort information;
• React, instead of act;
• Make threats you later regret;
• Make promises you later regret;
• Use language you later regret.

Wild brain is a natural phenomenon—a state where we literally cannot process all the information coming at us. In this state of flooding, we feel out of control, and in many ways we are out of control. Like trying to restrain raging waters, information pours over the “banks” in our brains. Subsequently, we cannot accurately process what is happening to us.

Unfortunately, the results of wild brain are much like the tempestuous waters during a horrific rainstorm. Thoughts are unruly, emotions unmanageable, and behavior can become equally erratic. The impact on relationships is obvious—a great deal of damage can be done unless a couple is extremely careful.

A man wrote to me recently indicating his personal struggle with wild brain.

Dear Dr. David. There are times when I’m talking to my wife when I can’t follow what she is talking about. When we fight I get so upset I can hardly think straight. She expects me to make decisions when I can hardly make sense of what I’m thinking, let alone make a healthy choice about what she’s talking about. During these times I have shouted at her and feel terrible later. I feel like I’m losing control and it scares me. When I ask her to slow everything down she gets exasperated with me. What can I do?

This man is experiencing something common to most of us—wild brain. During any stressful situation it is common for us to become flooded.

What can be done to minimize the impact of wild brain?

First, get out of the storm. There is a time when we must simply seek shelter from a storm, rather than try to contain the wild waters. We seek shelter by calling a “time out” with our mate, limiting any discussion with voltage. We refuse to carry on a discussion when we become defensive and angry, knowing we are acting out of wild brain. We seek higher ground by finding a place that is safe—a sanctuary that is peaceful.

Two, attempt to calm yourself. After calling “time out,” reflect on what is happening to cause your wild brain. What is the “hot button” needing your attention? What is the threat you need to consider? In the quietness of your place of safety, breathe deeply and see if you can sort through the events leading to your flooded feelings.

Three, if necessary, seek people offering comfort. During the stressful times, find someone such as a counselor or confidant who offers comfort. Find that person who exudes compassion, a place where you will be able to sort through the wildness of your wild brain.

Four, sort through your thoughts and emotions a piece at a time. Beware of logjams where thoughts stack up and stick together. Alone or with the help of your compassionate friend or counselor, explore issues one at a time. Tease apart emotions, listening for what they are telling you. Sift through the distortions of wild brain, talking out your ideas, asking for feedback as to the truth and accuracy of your perceptions. Tease the truth apart from wild reactions, amplifications and misperceptions. Be willing to let go of beliefs that are inaccurate and unhealthy.

Fifth, pray. Just as the Psalmist sought comfort “in the cleft of the Rock,” so too we must take our cares to the One who can ably manage them. “Cast all your cares on Him, for He cares for you.” (I Peter 5: 7) Develop the habit of testing your thoughts and emotions. Petition God for wisdom, who promises to give it to us generously. 
Sixth, get some distance from the problem. The brain tends to get stuck in a rut and a change of pace, scenery or circumstance alerts the brain that we are ready to see things differently. Working up a good sweat in exercise will help us shift gears. Journaling has also been proven effective to help sort through wild thoughts. Our parents were also right when they told us things would feel better in the morning—sleep on it!

Finally, prepare for wild brain. Just as rain will storm onto our land and into our lives, so too emotion will occasionally overwhelm us. Anticipate this. We will have times when our thoughts become jumbled. Have a well-worn path to safety. Know who you will turn to when you’re flooded with thoughts and unable to make a rational decision. As you sit comfortably on higher ground, clarity will return.

Dr. David Hawkins