Are Your Mood Swings Normal? When to Seek Help

Mood swings are not new; in fact, most of us experience them at one time or another in our lives. From feeling joyful and energized, we suddenly become cranky or sad. These shifts in emotion often come with the day-to-day package. But at what point does it cease to be normal and start becoming indicative of an underlying problem that may need attention? 

In this blog, we will explore facts about mood swings, how to deal with mood swings, the causes of mood swings, and when to seek professional help. 

What are Mood Swings? 

It refers to a situation in which you are likely to see sudden changes in mood, which can sometimes be very significant. At one moment, you might feel elated and down or angry the next without any apparent reason. These changes can range from small mood swings to extreme ones, which may seriously impact your daily life.

Common Causes of Mood Swings 

Hormonal Changes 

Mood swings result from fluctuating hormones, especially in the conditions of PMS, pregnancy, menopause, and possibly an imbalance in thyroid hormones. For men, it can happen due to changes in testosterone levels. 

Stress 

Chronic stress can lead to mood swings. When one has been under pressure at work, home, or within for too long, such stressful events may cause emotional instability, which may result in irritability, anxiety, or being overwhelmed. 

Diet and Exercise

A lack of essential nutrients like omega-3s, vitamin D, or iron may cause fatigue and mood swings. Regular exercise boosts chemicals that elevate mood, while a sedentary lifestyle can lead to irritability and an energy crash.

Sleep Deprivation

Poor sleep habits affect one’s emotional well-being. Sleeping is one important factor in maintaining a balanced mood. If one is sleep-deprived, they might feel cranky, anxious, or depressed, which may lead to mood changes.

Substance Use

Alcohol, caffeine, and drugs can give you mood swings. While alcohol may get you into a good mood for a while, on most occasions, it contributes to an emotional crash afterward. High levels of caffeine intake may cause anxiety and mood swings.

How To Deal With Mood Swings 

Mood swings can only be dealt with if they are minor. Here are some tips to handle minor mood swings. 

• Draw on adequate sleep, proper nutrition, and regular exercise. 
• Deep breathing, meditation, or yoga reduces stress and emotions.
• Cut off caffeine, alcohol, and sugar, as these may trigger mood swings.
• Regularly undertake exercises that release endorphins, which have a mood-stabilizing effect.
• Watch mood journals, where one records patterns of mood swings and the triggers involved, whether lack of sleep, other food intolerances, or whatever the case may be. 
• Build a support system surrounding yourself that can offer comfort and perspective during emotional changes. 

When to Seek Help for Mood Swings

Where mood swings are concerned, periodic mood swings are somewhat normal. On the other hand, frequent and serious mood swings may point toward another problem altogether. The time to get help is when emotional ups and downs affect relationships, work, or daily life. Here are some warning signs you should pay attention to:

Frequent and Unpredictable Mood Swings

If you are having more than a few mood swings a day or in a week, then it may be a sign of a mood disorder, not just stress.

Severe Mood Swings

Minor mood swings are typical, but to the point of extreme highs, where you feel incredibly satisfied, or extreme lows, when you feel angry or sad; this might be a sign of bipolar disorder, not just stress.

Unable to Find the Reason

If mood swings arise for no reason whatsoever, this can be indicative of deeper emotional or psychological problems that require attention.

Interference with Daily Life

When mood swings interfere with your relationships, work, or lifestyle, this is an opportune time to seek help. If your ups and downs are so strong that you can’t function, they may not be “just mood swings.”

Associated Symptoms

Anxiety, depression, irritability, sleep disturbance, or difficulties concentrating may be the symptoms of one major mental illness known as depression or anxiety.

How to Get Help

If you find that you have mood swings too frequently or highly, consult Samvedna Care. Our therapist will diagnose your symptoms and help you determine whether your mood swings are caused by stress or any other health conditions, such as depression and bipolar disorder. Many regard cognitive-behavioral therapy as the most mainstream treatment for mood regulation. Sometimes, medications may be prescribed if your mood continues, as in the case of mood disorder.

Conclusion

Although mood swings are common, frequent or serious mood swings can indicate something more severe is occurring. Understanding how to detect what causes mood swings and when to seek help is crucial in finding ways to take control of one’s emotional life. If you are in doubt, it is always helpful to get in touch with Samvedna Care to make sure you are going in the right direction. 

At Samvedna Care, we will help you get through the ups and downs and navigate your lifestyle.