Mood swings - Rebalance Clinic

Mood swings refer to sudden, unexpected shifts or changes in one's mood or emotional state. We all experience fluctuations in our moods and emotions from time to time. However, when these shifts are frequent, intense, and interfere with daily life, it may indicate a mood disorder. Some key things to know about mood swings:

• Common Causes

Mood swings can be caused by various factors, including:

• Hormonal changes - Menstrual cycles, pregnancy, menopause
• Stress - High stress levels can impact mood
• Sleep disturbances - Lack of quality sleep disrupts emotional regulation
• Medical conditions - Thyroid disorders, diabetes, etc.
• Medications - Some prescription drugs list mood changes as a side effect
• Mental health conditions - Depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorders
• Symptoms

When experiencing mood swings, people may feel:

• Sadness
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Euphoria
• Anger
• Apathy

These mood states can switch quickly and feel outside of one's control. Episodes may last for hours or days at a time.

• Coping Strategies

If you experience frequent or severe mood swings, there are some self-care strategies that can help:

• Get adequate sleep and exercise
• Practice stress management techniques
• Maintain a healthy, balanced diet
• Seek counseling or therapy if needed
• Communicate with loved ones
• Professional Help

If lifestyle changes do not improve mood instability, it's important to talk to your doctor. They can check for underlying medical conditions and refer you to a psychiatrist or therapist for a full evaluation if a mood disorder is suspected. With an accurate diagnosis, mood disorders like depression and bipolar can often be well-managed through some combination of medications, psychotherapy, and healthy lifestyle adjustments. So in summary, mood swings involve shifts in emotion that can originate from many sources. Frequent or extreme mood swings may require professional treatment. Coping strategies and healthy lifestyle changes can help stabilize mood. You can seek help from professionals at Rebalance Clinic for further assistance.