Why Do I Get Mood Swings?

Mood swings can be caused by all sorts of things, from stress and anxiety to hormone fluctuations and medical conditions. Mood swings are a completely normal experience that everyone goes through at some point in their life. 

However, if you’re experiencing regular mood swings and it is causing you distress, it's important to figure out what's causing them so you can start managing them. It might not always be a mental health condition, but talking to a mental health professional can help you get to the root of it and feel better. 

In this article, we'll discuss what mood swings are, what can cause them, and how you can start managing them.

What Is Mood Swing?

Mood swings are mysterious, aren't they? One day you're feeling great and the next minute you're irritable, emotional and totally out of control.

A mood swing is a sudden or intense change in an emotional state. During a mood swing, a person may quickly switch from feeling happy and upbeat to feeling sad, irritable, or angry. 

Understanding what's triggering them is a good place to start. If you can identify the cause, you can take steps to manage it. Managing stress, getting enough sleep and eating a balanced diet are all important factors. And if your mood swings seem to be more severe or longer-lasting than normal, it's important to see a mental health professional for further evaluation. 

Also read: How OCD and Bipolar Disorder Are Connected

What Causes Mood Swings?

Mood swings can be the result of a number of different factors, including hormone fluctuations, stress, sleep deprivation, nutritional deficiencies and even medical conditions.

Mood swings are usually caused by a change in hormone levels.

Your mood can be affected by many different things, including stress, diet, sleep, and your environment. But when it comes to mood swings, the most common culprit is a change in your hormone levels. Hormones like estrogen and progesterone can have a big impact on our moods. If you're prone to mood swings, it's important to be aware of the triggers so you can try to avoid them.

Changes in hormone levels can be due to many different things, such as puberty, pregnancy, menopause, and thyroid problems. And if you're taking birth control pills or other medications that contain hormones, that can also cause changes in your mood.

If you’re finding your hormonal-based mood swings overwhelming or disruptive to your life, it’s important to reach out for help from a mental health professional. They are experienced in helping you identify and manage triggers and provide resources for managing extreme emotions in healthy ways.

Differentiating Medical Conditions From Mood Swings

Mood swings can be one of the many symptoms of a mental health condition, such as bipolar disorder, anxiety or depression. If you're experiencing a number of mood swings and you're not sure if they're caused by a medical condition, it's important to see a doctor. Differentiating medical conditions from mood swings can be tricky. For example, some medical conditions can cause changes in mood that may be mistaken for a mood swing. For example, thyroid imbalances, stress or PCOS. And, some people who have a mood disorder may also have a medical condition that causes mood swings.

To get a proper diagnosis, it's important to see a mental health professional like a psychiatrist or therapist who can rule out any potential medical causes for your mood swings. Once any potential medical causes have been ruled out, they can then provide a proper diagnosis for a mood disorder, if necessary.

They will be able to give you a diagnosis and help you create a treatment plan. Mood swings can also be a sign of a hormonal imbalance, which is another common cause of mood swings. If your mood swings are related to your hormones, your doctor may prescribe medication or refer you to a specialist.

How to Deal With Mood Swings?

So, how can you deal with mood swings in a healthy way when they arise? Well, the first step is to identify the triggers and underlying causes of your mood swings. It might be related to something going on in your daily life or linked to an underlying medical condition like depression, so it’s important to recognise the source and then start addressing it.

Next, you should create an action plan to help you manage mood swings when they occur. This could include doing some form of physical activity, such as going for a walk or hitting up your local gym;

• Talking to a trusted friend or family member about your feelings;

• Practising mindfulness techniques like meditation;

• Opting for counselling from a licensed professional if stressors have become unmanageable.

It’s also a good strategy to create a toolkit of activities and coping strategies that you can draw upon when experiencing mood swings, such as reading, art therapy, journaling and listening to music.

Finally, make sure to pay attention to your diet and nutrition. Eating healthy meals full of fresh fruits and vegetables along with regular exercise can help regulate hormones and improve moods. Plus, be aware of recreational drugs/alcohol as they can compound any existing issues with moods/emotions. 

How to Get Over Mood Swings

Now that you’ve learned a bit about what mood swings are and how you can identify them, let’s talk about how to manage mood swings. Here are some tips to get you started:

• Keep a log: Track your moods by writing down the time of day, your emotions, and what was happening around you when those emotions occurred. This can help you narrow down triggers that may be contributing to your mood swings.

• Get moving: Exercise is a proven way to help regulate your hormones and clear your mind of worries. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day, like walking, biking or doing yoga.

• Make time for relaxation: It’s important to give yourself time each day to find moments of peace and mindfulness. Try meditation, reading or any activity that allows you to temporarily escape reality and just be with yourself.

• Seek support: Talking with friends or loved ones can help make the rollercoaster of emotion easier to deal with. Consider talking to a psychiatrist or therapist if needed – it can be incredibly beneficial for your mental health.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, managing mood swings comes down to understanding your triggers and being proactive about self-care. For some people, that might mean making lifestyle changes, like getting more exercise or eating a nutritious diet. For others, it might mean working with a mental health professional to develop a treatment plan. And for others, it might mean taking medication to stabilise moods.

If you’re struggling to manage your mood swings, know that you’re not alone. Millions of people deal with mood swings on a daily basis. But with the right help, you can learn to manage your mood swings in a way that works for you.