It is very common to experience mood swings, which are known as sudden changes in how one feels. Scientifically, they happen because of changing levels of chemicals in your brain. It may occur because of something as small as the feeling of being hungry. Or they may be related to something else, such as entering menopause or adolescence. Let’s explore them more in this article.

What are Mood Swings?

As per UCLA Health, mood swings meaning is the fluctuation between different emotions. These sudden shifts from one emotion to another are very common during certain situations, such as stress, puberty, or pregnancy. Since a person will not always have the same mood, these swings are not considered severe health problems.

However, it should be a concern if they are extreme or intense and may happen with people with some existing medical health conditions. These conditions can be bipolar disorder, depression, or borderline personality disorder. Simply put, if mood swings do not interfere with your daily activities, they are nothing to worry about.

The person experiencing this may switch from being happy to angry or irritable. So, it is essential to watch out for them.

Causes of Mood Swings

There can be several emotional, physical, or mental health situations that may affect your mood. In addition, consuming substances like nicotine and alcohol may also contribute to mood fluctuations. These causes of mood swings in females and males may be the same or differ because of certain gender-specific conditions. 

In females, these mood fluctuations may happen because of hormonal changes or swings. It does not mean females cannot have mood fluctuations because of other health issues; it can happen, and they will also require medical treatment. Some reasons for these fluctuations include irregular sleeping, eating, or any emotional disconnect with colleagues or friends. 

Women may also experience mood swings during periods, and they are often termed menstrually-related mood disorders. During menstruation time, the female body experiences intense hormonal fluctuations that may lead to depression or increased vulnerability. Menstruation-related mood disorders include perimenopausal depression, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

How to Manage Mood Fluctuations?

Mood fluctuations are not easy for the person experiencing and others around them. It may feel like riding a roller coaster where what may come next is unpredictable. Primarily, the cause defines how to manage these mood changes and whether they also impact others. Making simple lifestyle changes may help in managing these sudden swings. 

However, if you are experiencing extreme changes, discussing it with a health professional is always better. In the meantime, here are a few things that one can do if they have a family member going through sudden mood shifts:

  • Try to remain calm as the person experiencing may be going through something difficult. If you get angry, it may just fuel up the things.
  • Check if you can help them with anything.
  • Make sure to listen to them appropriately to vent their feelings.
  • If they are constant, identify whether they are happening because of any life event, such as mood swings during pregnancy, stressful episodes, physical or mental illness, or substance abuse.
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Last Thoughts

Experiencing mood swings is a natural part of your life. Sometimes, you may feel pleased, while you may be very low on other days. Remember not to blame yourself; give yourself space to manage those swings easily. If you feel you cannot manage it or it impacts others, contact someone trustworthy or a doctor and discuss your situation.