What are mood swings?
Mood swings are sudden, unexpected shifts in mood that can go from feeling positive and upbeat in one moment to feeling sad, irritable, or angry in the next. Some key things to know about mood swings:
- They involve intense emotions that often seem out of proportion to the situation
- They can happen as a part of normal mood changes, but become problematic when they occur very frequently or interfere with daily life
- Many factors can contribute to mood swings, like hormonal changes, stress, sleep issues, medication side effects, and mental health disorders
What causes mood swings?
There are a few potential causes of difficult mood swings:
- Hormonal changes - Fluctuations in hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol play a big role in mood regulation. Hormonal imbalances related to issues like menopause, menstruation, or thyroid problems can trigger mood swings. Getting your hormones checked and consulting with a clinic like Hormone Harmony Clinic can help identify and treat hormonal mood swing triggers.
- Stress - High stress depletes mood-regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin, leading to mood instability. Managing stress through self-care, mindfulness, and seeking support can prevent stress-related mood shifts.
- Sleep problems - Lack of quality sleep upsets emotional balance and the ability to cope with stress. Getting consistent, high quality sleep helps stabilize mood.
- Medication side effects - Some medications like steroids or blood pressure drugs list mood changes as potential side effects. Adjusting medication under a doctor’s supervision may help.
- Mental health conditions - Disorders like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder include significant mood instability. Consulting a mental health professional is key for assessment and treatment.
How can you manage difficult mood swings?
Coping strategies and lifestyle changes that help deal with unwelcome mood swings include:
- Getting regular exercise to reduce stress and stimulate mood-boosting endorphins
- Practicing relaxation techniques like yoga, deep breathing, or mindfulness meditation
- Avoiding mood-disrupting stimulants like caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine
- Reaching out for social support from trusted friends and family
- Keeping a mood journal to identify personal triggers
- Seeking therapy or medical treatment if mood swings persist or worsen
If you’re experiencing frequent, intense mood swings that are interfering with your quality of life, consult with a doctor or mental health professional. Getting to the root cause – whether it’s hormones, stress, sleep, medication, or mental health – is key to finding relief. Help like therapy and tailored treatment is available to stabilize mood swings. Don't hesitate to reach out!