Mood Swings
Mood swings refer to abrupt, rapid, and sometimes extreme shifts in one's mood and emotional state. We all experience minor fluctuations in our moods, but in some people, these shifts are more severe and feel harder to control.
Common symptoms of problematic mood swings include:
- Feeling very happy and energetic one moment, then suddenly feeling very sad, hopeless, and lethargic
- Having mood shifts that don't always align with external circumstances or events
- Experiencing moods that are intense and distressing, versus subtle and moderate
- Struggling to carry out daily responsibilities and activities due to rapid mood shifts
There are a few potential causes of difficult mood swings:
- Hormonal changes and imbalances: Fluctuating or changing hormone levels related to menstrual cycles, pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid issues can trigger mood swings in some people.
- Stress: High general stress levels, traumatic events, grief, sleep deprivation, burnout, and fatigue may make someone more prone to extreme mood shifts.
- Medical conditions: Mental health conditions like borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, depression, seasonal affective disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder often involve significant mood swings. Some chronic health conditions are also associated with emotional volatility.
- Medications: Certain prescription drugs or herbal supplements can cause erratic mood changes as a side effect.
- Lifestyle factors: In some cases, things like unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, or irregular sleep patterns can negatively impact one's mood stability.
If you feel your mood swings are beyond your control, distressing, or interfering with your life, discuss your symptoms with a doctor or mental health professional at Rejuvenate Clinic. Getting an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan can help manage difficult mood shifts. Lifestyle changes like regulating sleep, diet, exercise, and stress levels often help as well. Support groups can also provide coping strategies for riding out intense mood swings when they hit.
The good news is mood swings can often be improved through self-care, therapy, medication, or developing personalized coping strategies that work for your situation. Don't hesitate to seek outside support if you're struggling - you don't have to tackle mood instability all by yourself.