What is mood swings?
Mood swings refer to sudden, unexpected shifts in mood that can go from feeling down and sad one moment to feeling relatively happy and content the next. We all experience some mild mood changes from time to time. But for some people, these shifts in mood can be more extreme or happen more often, significantly interfering with their relationships, work, and quality of life.
Some key things to know about mood swings:
- What causes mood swings? There are many potential causes, including:
- Hormonal changes and imbalances (e.g., puberty, menstruation, pregnancy)
- Stress
- Lack of sleep
- Drug/alcohol abuse
- Withdrawal from drugs/alcohol
- Medical conditions (thyroid disorders, diabetes)
- Mental health conditions (depression, bipolar disorder)
- How long do they last? The duration can vary greatly. An episode of feeling down or irritated may only last hours or days. For others, a low or irritable mood phase may persist for weeks.
- When are they problematic? Frequent, intense mood swings can be draining and disruptive. Seeking help is wise if mood swings:
- Are very frequent (multiple times a week or daily)
- Involve extreme high and low moods
- Significantly interfere with work, relationships, or daily activities
- Include suicidal thoughts
- What can help? Treatment depends on the underlying cause but may include:
- Lifestyle changes like exercise, diet changes, stress management
- Therapy and counseling
- Medications in some cases
The specifics of mood swings can vary a lot from person to person. Tracking your moods in a journal can help identify patterns and triggers to discuss with your doctor or a mental health professional at Vitality Health Clinic. Don't hesitate to reach out for help if frequent or intense mood swings are interfering with your well-being. Support and appropriate treatment can help manage symptoms.
Have you ever experienced intense or frequent mood swings? What have you found helpful in coping with rapid emotional shifts? Feel free to share your experiences and tips below!