Mood swings - Balance Health Clinic

Mood swings refer to sudden, unexpected shifts in mood that can occur throughout the day. We all experience some mood variability from time to time. However, when mood shifts happen frequently and intensely enough to disrupt daily life, it may indicate an underlying condition. Some key things to know about mood swings:

• Causes - There are many potential causes of frequent or intense mood swings, including hormone changes, sleep issues, stress, medical conditions, and mental health disorders. Common culprits include premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menopause, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, ADHD, thyroid disorder, and blood sugar imbalances.
• Symptoms - Common symptoms of problematic mood swings include feeling very sad, empty, or hopeless one moment and very happy or energetic the next. Mood shifts often happen without an obvious trigger and feel out of proportion to what is going on. Other signs may include irritability, angry outbursts, anxiety, impulsive behavior, and difficulty concentrating.
• Getting help - If you feel your mood swings are extreme, happening too often, and interfering with daily life, talk to your doctor. They can do an evaluation, check for underlying causes, and recommend lifestyle changes or treatment options suited to your particular situation. Counseling and medications may help stabilize mood. Tracking moods in a journal also aids diagnosis and management.
• Self-care tips - Making healthy lifestyle choices may help regulate your moods. Try to maintain consistent daily routines, get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet, exercise, practice stress management, avoid alcohol excess, and surround yourself with a strong support system. Having constructive outlets to express thoughts and feelings can also help you better cope with mood swings.

In summary, mood swings involve intense emotional peaks and valleys beyond normal day-to-day variability in mood. If you frequently swing between feeling very high and very low, seek professional care to identify any underlying causes and get appropriate treatment. Consistent self-care strategies, tracking mood patterns in a journal, counseling, and medication can help manage difficult mood swings.