Mood swings are a state in which your mind is affected by a biological disorder, or simply put, it happens due to a chemical imbalance in the brain. People experiencing mood swings can quickly become happy or suddenly sad; sometimes, they may start crying unexpectedly or feel sudden anger. This is a disorder that can affect any age group and can happen at any time, depending on the reason behind the mood swings. Many people dismiss this issue and don’t take it seriously, but it should not be ignored. One should consult a good doctor and adopt certain practices to cure it effectively.
Mood swings can significantly affect our daily routine, especially our mental health. Frequent mood changes can lead to future problems in areas such as career, relationships, family, and education. Health should be our first priority whether it is physical or mental, because good health is true wealth. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the causes and symptoms of mood swings so we can begin managing them early and prevent more significant issues.
Causes of Mood swings -
1. Depression
Mood swings are most frequently caused by depression. Negative ideas such as suicidal ideation, low self-esteem, hopelessness, loneliness, etc. are common in depressed people. Individuals with this illness frequently give up and feel overwhelmed by even the smallest problems. Their minds and hearts are at odds with one another all the time. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused this issue to grow significantly. To get over it, it’s recommended to speak with a reputable psychiatrist or mental health professional.
2. Sleep Deprivation
Lack of sleep, poor sleep quality, or not getting enough sleep is also one of the reasons for mood swings. Nowadays, due to hectic schedules, heavy workloads, and lifestyle choices, many of us are unable to get proper sleep. Sleep deprivation can cause both physical and mental issues such as tiredness, low immunity, weight gain, heart problems, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and of course, mood swings.
3. Pregnancy
Mood fluctuations are typical throughout pregnancy. Hormonal alterations, including elevated levels of progesterone and estrogen, are observed in pregnant females. These are called steroid hormones, or simply sex hormones and female mood swings are caused by the growing amounts of these hormones that cause these emotional fluctuations. In such situations, support from loved ones, creating a positive environment, and engaging in joyful activities can help them cope with these emotional fluctuations.
4. Hormonal Changes
Teenage years are characterized by hormonal shifts, which is why this stage is frequently called the “stormy period.” For both girls and boys, this is a period of significant physical change in the body. Hormonal changes, however, are not exclusive to adolescence; they can also result from pregnancy, puberty, menstruation, and menopause. Emotional imbalances or fluctuations are common in these circumstances, and mood swings from happiness to melancholy are common.
5. Thyroid Issues
Mood swings can also be caused by thyroid problems. Because the thyroid gland controls hormones that are involved in various bodily processes, including energy levels, metabolism rate, and mood fluctuations, it is the source of mood swings. Thyroid irregularities might lead to emotional instability, which might irritate you.
6. Menopause
Menopause is the term used to describe the end of a woman’s reproductive years and the 12-month menstrual cycle cessation. Usually, it starts beyond the age of fifty. Women go through a lot of physical and psychological stress during menopause, which can lead to problems including mood swings, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and trouble sleeping.
7. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Physical and mental symptoms come together to cause PMS. It usually begins a few days before to the onset of the menstrual cycle. In this stage, women and girls feel emotionally unbalanced and deal with a range of physical and mental problems, including mood swings, melancholy, cramps, irritability, and breast discomfort.
8. Stress
Mood fluctuations and stress are directly related. We are all aware of the negative effects stress may have on mental health. An individual under stress frequently experiences physical side effects as well. While some people gain weight owing to overeating during stressful times, others lose weight as a result of unhealthy eating habits brought on by extreme stress. Stress has a detrimental effect on one’s thinking, relationships, profession, education, and other aspects of life, which can lead to frustration and mood disturbances.
9. Bipolar Disorder
A psychiatric ailment called bipolar disorder causes severe mood swings. The spectrum of mood swings in this illness might abruptly move from high to low. Mania or hypomania is the term for when bipolar disorder symptoms are high; it is characterized by an abrupt, intensely elevated, agitated, and energetic feeling. On the other hand, depression is a state of low emotions in which you feel depressed, helpless, and incapable of doing anything. Mood fluctuations characterized by severe highs and lows are a hallmark of bipolar illness.
10. Certain Medications
We occasionally take medications to address specific ailments, and it’s possible that these side effects could alter the brain and produce hormonal abnormalities. People’s everyday routines, including mood swings, may be disrupted by this.
Symptoms Of Mood Swings –
- The mind stays stressed, making it difficult to focus and concentrate on work, which reduces productivity.
- Negative and fearful thoughts arise, leading to changes in eating habits.
- Constantly feeling tired and lazy.
- Sudden mood changes, which negatively impact behavior and actions, affecting personal and professional life.
- A feeling of anxiety and restlessness.
- Difficulty falling asleep or not being able to sleep properly.
Practices and techniques that can overcome mood swings –
1. Meditation, Yoga, and Exercise
In Hindu scriptures and Vedas, the importance of meditation and yoga has been greatly emphasized. With their help, the mind can be kept calm, which directly supports keeping our brain peaceful and can play an important role in controlling mood swings.
Exercise improves hormones like endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine, which are not only good for our physical health but can also be useful in reducing mood swings.
2. Dance and Music
Dancing is a fantastic method to get over mood swings. When we dance, we let go of our worries and stress and give our whole attention, beginning to enjoy the dance. Numerous engaging dancing styles, such as salsa, hip-hop, Zumba, and others, can improve your mood while teaching you a new skill. Music can soothe even the most agitated mind. It is quite helpful in taking our minds off things and makes us feel good. Dancing and music go hand in hand and are a terrific way to lessen mood swings.
3. Humorous Content
I firmly believe that laughter is the best medicine, as it is said. Videos, comedic dramas, and comedy shows all make us laugh. I’ve also heard from several folks that, to help them deal with problems like mood swings, they would watch comedies and humorous television shows to help them decompress.
4. Avoid Negativity
Avoid bad items and negative people as much as you can. Concentrate on the good things in life and surround yourself with upbeat, driven individuals who encourage you to take on new challenges since negativity breeds mental tension and anxiety. This will inevitably boost your self-assurance.
5. Ensure Adequate Sleep
You can prevent issues like mood swings by getting enough rest. Sufficient sleep clears the mind, soothes inner turmoil, and keeps you focused and attentive to your work, all of which pave the way for success.
6. Improve Eating Habits and Follow Balanced Diet
We ought to eat a balanced, healthy, and wholesome diet. Our mood is also greatly affected by food. Nutritious food keeps us healthy and satisfies our thoughts. A person in good health can reason properly, assess events appropriately, and come to wise conclusions. Mood swings issues can be resolved in part by leading a healthy lifestyle and adopting excellent eating habits.
Conclusion
Mood swings are an issue that cannot be disregarded, and if we notice their signs, we should exercise caution. Mood swings can occur in a variety of circumstances, including pregnancy, PMS, hormonal changes, stress, sleep deprivation, menopause, and thyroid issues. However, bipolar disorder, depression, and certain drugs can all be dangerous causes of mood swings. Thus, seek the advice of a reputable psychiatrist or mental health professional if this problem emerges. Some effective strategies to lessen mood swings may enable you to get over the condition and enhance both your personal and professional lives.