Mood swings

What are mood swings?

Mood swings are sudden, unexpected shifts or changes in one's mood. They can vary dramatically in severity - from feeling a little down or irritable to feelings of extreme sadness or agitation. Some key things to know:

• Mood swings can be influenced by life events, hormonal changes, or other factors like lack of sleep or poor diet


• They occur more frequently or severely in those with certain mental health conditions like depression or bipolar disorder


• For many, mood swings are a normal part of life and may not indicate any underlying medical issue

Some common signs of mood swings include:

• Feeling very happy and energetic one minute, and sad or hopeless the next


• Experiencing irritability and agitation followed by sudden tearfulness


• Having difficulty concentrating with frequent ups and downs in productivity or motivation

So what causes mood swings?

Hormonal factors often play a big role. Fluctuations in hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and cortisol can impact mood regulation. Events in life can also trigger swings - think job changes, deaths of loved ones, or move to a new city. Lack of sleep, poor diet, drug/alcohol use, and chronic stress take a toll over time as well.

For some, making lifestyle adjustments like getting enough rest, eating a balanced diet, exercising, or working on stress management skills can help stabilize mood. Counseling may provide coping mechanisms for certain individuals too. In more severe cases, medication could be beneficial to regulate brain chemicals that become unbalanced.