Mood Changes
Mood changes refer to shifts or fluctuations in a person's emotional state. Moods can vary from positive to negative, and changes can occur gradually or quite abruptly.
Some key points about mood changes:
- Common causes include hormone shifts, stressors, major life events, genetics, medications, lack of sleep, etc.
- Mood swings involve more extreme vacillations between highs and lows. They may signal an underlying condition like bipolar disorder.
- While mild moodiness is normal, extreme or prolonged changes can negatively impact relationships, work performance, self-care, and overall well-being.
Signs of Mood Changes
How do you know if your moods are frequently shifting? Here are some red flags:
- You oscillate between feeling energized, productive, and "on top of the world" to feeling depleted, unmotivated, and hopeless
- Your mood is highly reactive to external events and situations
- Small frustrations provoke intense irritation or anger
- You have trouble concentrating and making decisions
- Your sleep and eating patterns are erratic
If you closely track your mood, you may notice predictable patterns. For example, some people experience seasonal depression during the winter months. In women, mood changes may correlate with the menstrual cycle.
Coping with Mood Changes
While we can't always control our moods, we can mitigate the impacts through lifestyle strategies like:
- Getting regular exercise to boost feel-good endorphins
- Practicing stress management techniques such as yoga and meditation
- Ensuring adequate sleep and a healthy diet
- Avoiding alcohol and drug use
- Scheduling pleasant activities that lift your mood
- Building a strong social support network
- Seeking counseling or therapy if changes persist
The bottom line? Mood changes are a normal part of being human. But if you feel like your emotional fluctuations are extreme, disproportionate, or happening too frequently, don't hesitate to seek professional support. There are many effective treatments available today for stabilizing mood disorders at clinics like Vitality Wellness Center.