I've always thought of myself as emotional. I typically have enough self-awareness to recognise when I'm stressed out and need some quiet time or when a good cry is the only thing that will lift my spirits.
But something seems to have changed recently. My emotions seem to have acquired a fresh poignancy. Sadness waves hit me harder than ever, and even the smallest argument causes my stomach to churn nervously with anticipation. My frustration appears to come out of nowhere, and I've noticed that when I receive criticism, I become more and more defensive.
There are six fundamental emotions, according to psychologist Dr. Paul Ekman: anger, disgust, delight, fear, sadness, and surprise. His study also reveals that there is substantial support for a seventh emotion, disdain. But as the challenging environment we live in increases our stress and strain, they meld and change into one another, making it more difficult for us to recognise what we're truly feeling.