Mood swings - Vista Clinic

What are mood swings?

Mood swings refer to sudden, unexpected shifts in mood that can go from feeling positive and upbeat in one moment to feeling extremely sad, irritable, or anxious in the next. We all experience minor mood changes from time to time. However, when mood swings happen frequently and interfere with daily life, it may be a sign of an underlying mental health condition.

Some key things to know about mood swings:

• They involve intense emotions that often feel out of proportion to the situation
• Shifts can happen very quickly, within hours or even minutes
• The episodes are temporary, but can occur repeatedly
• Causes range from lifestyle factors like lack of sleep to mental illnesses

What causes mood swings?

There are various potential causes of intense or frequent mood swings:

• Stress - High stress often disrupts mood regulation
• Lack of sleep - Fatigue reduces emotional control
• Hormonal changes - Menstrual cycles, menopause, etc.
• Medications - Some drugs have mood fluctuations as side effects
• Mental health conditions - Depression, bipolar disorder, etc.

How are mood swings treated?

Treatment depends on the underlying cause but may involve:

• Lifestyle changes - Healthy diet, exercise, sleep habits
• Stress management - Relaxation techniques, social support
• Therapy - Cognitive behavioral therapy, counseling
• Medications - Antidepressants, mood stabilizers

Learning to anticipate triggers, communicate openly about your feelings, and practice self-care can also help minimize the frequency and impact of mood swings.

I tried to cover some key points on understanding and managing mood swings here. Let me know if you have any other questions!