What is Mood Swings?
Mood swings refer to sudden, unexpected shifts or changes in one's emotional state or mood. We all experience fluctuations in our moods and emotions from time to time. However, when these ups and downs become severe, frequent, and interfere with daily life, it may indicate a mental health condition such as bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder.
Some key things to know about mood swings:
- Common causes - Hormonal changes, sleep disturbances, stress, medical conditions, and some medications can trigger mood swings. For teenagers, hormonal changes during puberty often lead to emotional ups and downs.
- Symptoms - Mood swings can vary, but may include feelings of sudden sadness, irritability, anxiety, euphoria, etc. The shifts often happen without warning and are out of proportion to the situation.
- Diagnosis - Frequent or severe mood swings can be a symptom of various mental health disorders. A doctor will check for underlying medical causes and assess symptoms to provide a diagnosis. Common diagnoses linked to mood swings are depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder.
- Treatment - Depending on the cause, mood stabilizing medications, therapy, lifestyle changes to reduce stress, or treating underlying medical issues may help stabilize moods. Maintaining a regular sleep routine, a healthy diet, exercise, and mindfulness techniques also help some people.
- Coping tips - If you experience mood swings, self-care strategies can help you better cope on difficult days:
- Talk to a friend or loved one
- Get regular physical activity
- Maintain a consistent daily routine
- Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation
- Keep a mood journal to identify triggers
- Seek counseling or a support group
In most cases, mood swings are manageable with the right treatment plan. If frequent shifts in mood are making daily life difficult for you or a loved one, consult a doctor or mental health professional at Revival Medical Clinic. With an accurate diagnosis, they can help identify appropriate next steps for handling mood instability.