Asking For Help

Mood Swings Pt 1

When you struggle with , it can be hard on you and on those around you. You may feel like your days are spent riding a roller coaster of unpredictability. What to do about your mood swings depends on the cause and on whether they are disrupting your life and the lives of those around you. Sometimes mood swings are normal and are related to fatigue or body rhythms, but extreme ups and downs could also be a sign of a mental illness such as or . Lifestyle changes may help mild fluctuation in mood, and a mental health professional can help if you are having dramatic mood swings. If you have already been , sudden mood swings can be a sign that a change is needed

Causes of Mood Swings

There are many possible causes for mood swings. It's normal to experience both
up and down moods from time to time. Causes for mood swings include:

Lack of sleep and fatigueStress from life events, which include both positive and negative life
experiencesCaffeineAlcoholSeasonal changesSubstance abuseMental Health Conditions That Can Cause Mood Swings

Intense mood swings can be a symptom of a variety of mental health conditions, including , , bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder. An individual with bipolar disorder experiences highs and lows that are much more intense than those the average person experiences. When you have bipolar disorder, your mood
swings can last for hours, days or even weeks. Borderline personality disorder causes frequent and intense mood swings, which can last a long time. These mood swings may be triggered by minor events, causing the person's mood to change from calm to enraged or hopeless within minutes.

Coping with Stress

Ordinary life can be stressful at times, and some of life's stressors and
disappointments can't be avoided. The number and intensity of mood swings you
have may be reduced by learning coping skills for stress management. Examples of
coping skills include:

MeditationYogaVisualization techniquesAromatherapyGoing to bed at a regular time and relaxing before bed with soothing music
or nature soundsAvoiding alcohol, caffeine or any mood-altering substancesCommitting to regular exerciseKeeping a journal to track your mood swings and what may have triggered
them—Pay attention to what you eat and drink and how much sleep and exercise
you are getting. Try to determine whether there may be a patternTreatment for Mental Health Conditions

If you have mood swings that are caused by mental health conditions, treatment by a mental health professional can help to bring them under control. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is an important form of treatment for helping you to recognize your triggers and learn the coping skills needed to gain better control of your emotions. Examples of therapy that can help with mood swings include:

, which can help you to change patterns of thinking and behavior, which can help people with certain conditions, such as borderline personality disorder, manage dramatic mood swings and control intense emotions like anger and despair

Medication is an important part of a treatment plan for some mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder. If you have bipolar disorder, medications such as mood stabilizers can help to keep your moods balanced. It sometimes takes a period of trial and error to identify the medication that works best for you, so it's important to let your doctor know the frequency and severity of your mood swings and how well your current treatment plan is working.