Mood swings - Balance Clinic

What are Mood Swings?

Mood swings refer to extreme or rapid changes in one's mood or emotional state. We all experience fluctuations in our moods and emotions throughout the day. However, when these shifts become intense, happening many times a day, or lead to extreme emotional states, this is considered unhealthy mood instability or mood swings.

Some key things to know about mood swings:

• They involve intense emotions that are out of proportion to the triggering event. For example, feeling extremely sad after a minor disappointment.
• They represent dramatic shifts in mood, such as going from happy to angry to depressed and back again over the course of a few hours.
• The mood changes happen without warning and are difficult to control.
• There can be physical symptoms accompanying the mood swings like headaches, stomach issues, or changes in appetite and sleep.

What causes mood swings?

There are various potential causes of mood instability including:

• Hormonal changes - Menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopause
• Medications - Certain medications
• Physical illnesses - Thyroid disorders, diabetes, stroke
• Sleep issues - Sleep deprivation, sleep apnea
• Stress - High stress levels, traumatic events
• Mental health conditions - Depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, borderline personality disorder

When are mood swings serious?

Frequent and intense mood swings can disrupt work, relationships, and overall wellbeing. Seek medical advice from Balance Clinic if you:

• Feel unable to control your moods or behaviors
• Have thoughts of harming yourself or others
• Notice mood shifts interfering significantly in your life

Treatments for mood instability range from lifestyle changes and therapy to medication, depending on the underlying cause. Getting an accurate diagnosis is essential.