Getting mood swings under control

Author: Frank Hunt
Date Of Creation: 14 March 2021
Update Date: 1 July 2024
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Mood Changes and MS: Practical Ways to Deal with Mood Swings - National MS Society
Video: Mood Changes and MS: Practical Ways to Deal with Mood Swings - National MS Society

Content

It has happened to you a million times. You're walking down the street feeling fine when an interaction with a friend or a stranger, or even a random thought, lands you in a pool of despair. Or maybe you're chilling out with friends and flaring into a rage after an innocent comment. If you regularly experience mood swings that are difficult to control, it is time to take action.

To step

Part 1 of 4: Adjust your perspective

  1. Develop optimism. Mood swings are usually associated with the persistent expectation that bad things are going to happen — negative thoughts, in other words. For example, you can wait for a message after an application and assume after a day that it was not you. Or maybe your mother told you to tell you something, and you automatically assume that she is terminally ill. These negative thoughts are usually not only false, but can have a dramatic effect on your mood. They can make you very angry or upset, and usually for no "real" reason. There are two different tricks you can try to deal with these unhealthy automatic thoughts:
    • Take a step back and relax. Instead of always assuming the worst, think about all the other possible scenarios. This will help you see that the worst possible scenario is unlikely to happen, and there is no point in getting upset until you have more information.
    • You can also dwell on the worst possible scenario and prepare for it, just in case. By making sure that you are well prepared for the worst possible scenario, you can shift your attention to something else; instead of dwelling too long on the unpredictable consequences it could have.
  2. Avoid overgeneralizing negative outcomes. Overgeneralization is another way you can talk yourself into a bad mood. Maybe you had a bad interaction with a date or a colleague. So what? You may think this means that you will never find true love or that you will be fired, but don't think that this one situation will be a determining factor for the rest of your life. This overgeneralization is bound to make you moody and upset, but there is a way you can combat it.
    • Remind yourself that what happened is an isolated incident. Rather than assuming that an incident (such as a disagreement with a date or co-worker) will characterize the entire relationship with that person, see it for what it is - an incident: something that doesn't happen very often. Reminding yourself of all the success you have had in this area, be it in your work life or your love life, will allow you to unwind - you will be able to realize that you are not at all heavy lifting.
  3. Make room for the gray areas of life. Thinking only in extreme “black and white” terms (such as perfect vs. disastrous, or beautiful vs. ugly, etc.) has been associated with both mood swings and sudden fluctuations in affect — it has even been proven.
    • It has been proven that if you focus too much on just one outcome, the ability to engage with ideas and emotions that you gain from interacting with the world is severely limited. If you see everything as black or white (such as: someone makes you happy or unhappy, success or failure, beautiful or ugly) you will miss out on a variety of experiences.
    • It's important to remind yourself that the world is a lot more nuanced than this. The world is gray; not black and white. There are a lot of outcomes other than complete success or total failure.
    • Maybe your last business deal has been called off. Do you now see yourself as a complete failure in the business world? Absolutely not. You've had enough success and also had a few setbacks. Here you become a real and balanced person.
    • Consider it valuable experience if something is not going to your liking. If you didn't get a job, it doesn't mean you don't have skills. It means that that job might not suit you very well. The world is big, and there are still many opportunities for you! Don't let that one rejection (or those many rejections) tell you who and what you are. Don't let rejection drive you into a dark emotional corner.
  4. Learn to laugh at yourself. When it comes to controlling your mood swings, one of the best things you can do is take a step back and laugh at yourself. People who are prone to mood swings often take themselves very seriously, making it difficult to make fun of themselves, make fun of themselves, or even laugh at a debacle they have found themselves in. But if you want to control your mood swings, you need to be able to laugh at yourself. Don't let all the little things that life presents you with.
    • Say you're going to pick up your date and a bird poops on your head. You can choose to burst into anger, become upset or frustrated. You can also choose to take a step back and think, "Wow, what are the chances of this happening ?!" Or, "Well, at least I can tell the kids a nice story about our first date!" Of course there are also situations that you absolutely cannot laugh about. But for all those other situations it is useful to think a little lightly. This will help you stay strong and keep your mood swings in check when you're in tricky situations.
  5. Reflect objectively on your situations. Take a step back and think twice. You may need to take a break to adjust your expectations so that they match the actual state of affairs. Sometimes a bad feeling can creep up on you when you are looking for a parking space at the supermarket for 15 minutes. While you may think that is the end of the world at the time, think about what's actually bothering you. Is it really that strange that the supermarket is so busy just before dinner time? Are you really angry about something trivial like a parking space, or are you actually angry about those nonsensical comments your coworker made earlier today? Ask yourself if it really plays a significant role in the bigger picture. Maybe you do, but chances are you will turn a mosquito into an elephant.
    • Often times, we let a vote prevail without really thinking about the source. While sometimes it is of no use to know that there is no logical explanation for your current mood, at other times it can actually help you unwind and cool down. This way you can see that things are not as bad as you feel.
    • Think about your situation as if you were someone else. What would you say to yourself? Would you think that the situation you are in is really such a big deal?

Part 2 of 4: Controlling your mood swings on the spot

  1. Know when to run away. Keep in mind that sometimes it is best to leave situations when the emotions are running too high. Excuse yourself and walk away if you experience excitement, anger, resentment, or any other negative emotion and you can vouch for what you are going to do or say. You can also just leave the situation without saying anything. While this may not be the solution you would like to see, it will help you avoid doing or saying something that you will later regret.
    • When emotions run high in a discussion, you can say something like, "I'm sorry, but I just need a few minutes to get my thoughts straight." Then find a quiet place to reflect on what happened.
    • If you walk away and your breathing and thinking patterns return to normal, you will be able to approach the situation more rationally. Then you can consider rejoining the situation or conflict.
  2. Take a five minute break. Sometimes you just have to hit the pause button and take a few minutes to unwind and get it all sorted out. If you feel the emotions bubbling up, whether it's from an email exchange or an unpleasant situation at the supermarket, take a five-minute break. Concentrate on your breathing and try to return it to normal levels. Wait until you no longer feel angry before returning to the situation. Know that you really don't have to be ashamed to take a break so that you can return with peace of mind.
    • During your break, try to count to ten and take a deep breath. This act has been practiced since time immemorial and is very effective. That's because it provides you with distraction and allows time between the incident and the response - this will keep your emotions from getting the better of you.
    • Sometimes you just have to change your environment. For example, you may feel like you are locked in your office all day long. If so, you can walk outside to get some fresh air. Maybe you've been driving from place to place all day and you just need to sit down. Whatever it is, a short break from what you're doing can positively affect your mood.
  3. Talk to a friend about it. If you're in a really bad mood that you just can't get rid of, sometimes it's best to talk about it with a good friend and counselor. You will feel a lot better if you can express your anger, sadness, or frustration. You will also feel a lot less alone. Knowing that there is someone who will support you through thick and thin will help you control the mood swings, as you will find comfort in the fact that someone can provide you with advice and help.
    • However, keep in mind that if you always call someone when you get upset, and then keep talking about the incident all the time, it can actually amplify your negative feelings. Get to know yourself and decide for yourself whether talking to someone is the best choice for you.
  4. Find a calming ritual. Everyone does something different to find their “quiet place”. Experiment a bit to find out what works best for you. Some people take a walk to clear their minds. Others settle down in the easy chair with a cup of peppermint or chamomile tea. Some enjoy listening to classical music or jazz, or prefer to play with their beloved pet for a few minutes. Find out what calms you down and what helps you keep your emotions in check. Try to find a way to find your "sweet spot" if one of your moods bother you.
    • Try to complete your calming ritual when you feel a bad mood coming on. Or at least try to get as far as possible. Unfortunately, you won't always have the things that make you calm or happy at your fingertips, but you should try to do your best. If herbal tea is your thing, bring a pack of tea to work. If your cat can always calm you down, save a picture of your cat to your phone - this way you can make yourself smile anytime, anywhere.
  5. Think before you say anything. This, too, is an important rule when it comes to controlling your mood swings. You may feel a bad mood coming up and saying something that makes everyone feel worse - saying something that you regret. If you feel that you are getting angry, take a moment to consult yourself. Ask yourself if what you want to say will be really helpful and productive to you, or if there are other ways to express yourself or achieve your goals. Even a break for a few seconds can help you regain yourself and take better control of yourself.
    • Saying something you don't really mean can trigger responses that escalate the situation — it will likely make you feel a lot worse.
  6. Eat something. Many people find themselves feeling cranky, angry, or irritated when their blood sugar is low and they need to eat something. Recent research has shown that basic physiological needs (such as the need for food) can influence how we perceive certain situations. Ignoring these basic physiological needs can cause us to perceive threats in our social environment that may not even exist, or at least are not considered important in our daily life.
    • Check when you last had a meal; you may find that you skipped a meal, or that you haven't eaten anything for several hours without knowing it. If you find yourself feeling moody, you can have a healthy snack such as an apple, a handful of almonds, or yogurt. It may cause you to cool down a bit.
    • It's best to be prepared for this. Make sure you can avoid situations where you get cranky because of hunger. Always take a banana, muesli bar, or a small bag of nuts with you so you never go hungry.
  7. Take a walk. Walking has been proven to help people fight their bad mood. Walking in the fresh air for half an hour can help relieve stress and lower your risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, obesity and even some types of cancer.
    • Make walking part of your daily routine, and go for a walk if you find yourself getting crusty. Concentrate it on the rhythm of your body and the sound of your breath - you will find that you have managed to escape one of your moods.
    • You can be in a bad mood because you are inside all day, worrying about your problems all the time. By taking a walk you will see that other people are just doing their thing too; it can help you see that there is a whole world open to you outside of you and your problems.
  8. Keep a diary. Keeping a journal can help you keep track of your mood swings. It can help you think about how you can avoid getting upset or overreacting in certain situations. You can write about what happened to your day, and even mention times when you felt happy or sad, scared, or frustrated. This can help you understand the patterns of your moods. For example, you may become moodier in the evening, or when you hang out with certain people. Keeping track of what you think and feel can help you become more aware of your moods - and thus better control them.
    • Try to write in your journal at least every two days. This will help you develop a routine that will allow you to sit back and think for a while; instead of doing things without thinking first.
  9. Find a way to address your triggers. Everyone has a certain trigger - something that ignites them and makes them feel moody. If you know what your triggers are, you can create a plan for how to deal with them. Ideally, your triggers are things to avoid, such as a friend who keeps putting you down or driving through certain areas of your hometown. Unfortunately, it often happens that you cannot avoid triggers, and that you actually have to learn to deal with the things that are bothering you and that cause the mood swings. It is therefore important to develop certain “coping mechanisms” so that you can learn to control those triggers. This will help you manage your moods better when you encounter your triggers again.
    • For example, if traffic jams are a trigger for you, you can turn on a relaxing classical or jazz CD in the car. If a particular co-worker is driving you crazy, you can try to avoid them where possible, or minimize interaction with that person. Just like with physical exertion, this is about pushing your personal boundaries and not forcing yourself too much.
    • If you can't avoid your triggers - if your boss is a trigger, for example - take it step by step. Try to put each individual interaction in context so that you can remind yourself of what you can and cannot control. If your boss is constantly being rude or putting you in uncomfortable situations, you can review your options to mitigate that situation. For example, you can look for another job, you can talk to your boss's boss, or you can give him / her the feedback directly. Just remind yourself that you only control YOUR actions, and that you cannot control what other people do or say.

Part 3 of 4: Developing a more balanced lifestyle

  1. Get plenty of sleep. Sleep deprivation can also make you prone to moody or difficult moods, and having too little sleep on a routine basis can make you feel lethargic or irritable. It can give you the feeling that you are not in control of your body and mind. Although sleep needs vary from person to person, most people need between seven and nine hours of sleep per night. If you know how much sleep you need, you can try to stick to that. Make sure you go to bed and get up at about the same time every day.
    • You may not even notice that you are sleep deprived because you drink so much caffeine to make up for that deficit. You will feel a lot better and less displeased if you drink less caffeine and get more sleep.
  2. Reduce your stress. While many steps in this section can help you relieve stress, becoming aware of your stress levels is always the first step - only then can you take steps to reduce stress. Our emotions indicate when something is physically or physiologically wrong. It is therefore important to think carefully about the things that cause you so much stress, fear or even anger. Then you need to find ways to handle those things. There are many steps you can take to lower stress levels and improve your mood.
    • If your calendar is too full, you can see if there are any social issues or work obligations that you can do without. Research has shown that stress increases and productivity decreases when we spend less time with friends and family than we would actually like. It is therefore essential to schedule enough free time for socializing with friends and family.
    • If a certain relationship in your life is causing you stress, then you have to work on it. Whether it concerns a tense situation with your parents or with your partner, the motto is always the same: the sooner you start talking about it, the better.
    • Make more time for relaxation. Relaxation comes in all shapes and sizes, such as yoga, a warm bath, meditation or laughing with friends. For example, meditation is incredibly easy to perform, can lower blood pressure, and relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression.
  3. Do not consume too much caffeine. Consuming more than the average dose of caffeine (generally two or three cups) per day can contribute significantly to mood swings. It can increase anxiety and / or blood pressure. That said, some people don't bother with four cups of coffee a day at all, while others start to feel different after just one cup. If you suspect that caffeine is partly responsible for your mood swings - for example, if you think that the majority of your mood swings are triggered during or shortly after drinking caffeine - then you should do your best to get off the caffeine gradually. You will be amazed at how much better you will feel, and the more you will feel in control.
    • Try switching from coffee to tea. Some people say that the caffeine in tea affects them differently than that in coffee. Incidentally, the caffeine content of different teas can also vary. For example, green tea generally contains (almost half) less caffeine than black tea. So experiment a bit to find out what works best for you.
    • Also try to drink your coffee or tea more slowly. You are more prone to mood swings if you drink a whole cup of coffee in less than ten minutes.
    • Avoid energy drinks. These drinks will make you bounce, and they can even cause mood swings in people who don't normally suffer from them.
  4. Don't drink too much alcohol. Drinking more than a glass of wine a day can contribute to increased mood swings. Drinking alcohol, especially right before bed, can make you sleep restless and wake up tired and cranky in the morning. You are also more prone to mood swings if you drink alcohol, because alcohol is a depressant. Limit alcohol intake to a minimum or stop drinking alcohol altogether.
    • Like alcohol, you should also avoid illegal drugs. They can worsen mood swings and cause a host of other physical and emotional problems.
  5. Exercise regularly. Make it a habit to exercise regularly. This can help you burn off excess energy and help you find a suitable outlet for your feelings. While at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day won't help you control mood swings completely, it can help you feel more in control of your mind and body. Exercise can also keep your mind from wandering and invite you to shy away from your attention for something else. It's also important to know that exercise has real emotional and physical benefits, including reducing stress and lowering blood pressure.
    • Find a routine or schedule that suits you. Think about yoga, swimming, dancing, running, or anything else that allows you to work up a sweat. If you are new to physical activity, you should start slowly. Go as far as you can handle without overdoing it - you don't want to hurt yourself. Build up the effort gradually.
  6. Find an outlet. An outlet can be anything and helps you pour your negative and overwhelming emotions into a particular activity. The best outlets are often things like fulfilling hobbies or passions, such as photography, poetry or pottery. Try to find something that will calm you down and help you “escape” the daily hassle. This does not mean that you can “run” from your mood swings, but that you try to minimize them by making time for yourself to do something you love.
    • Your outlet does not necessarily have to focus on your creativity or talents. Your outlet can also be some form of exercise or “doing”. For example, you can volunteer or watch classic movies. It's about doing something that works for you and that you enjoy.
    • Your outlet can also be something to reach for when you are entering a period of stress or mood swings. For example, when you feel a mood coming, you can start writing poetry, drawing, or anything else you enjoy that can provide distraction.
  7. Spend time with friends and family. Spending time socializing with loved ones can help you control your mood swings and make you feel happier and fulfilled. While certain social interactions can cause your mood to shift abruptly, spending time with people you love can make you happy - it can make you feel reassured and happy. You may also be suffering from depression or sadness because you feel isolated; interacting with other people can make you feel more connected to them. Make it a goal to visit your friends or family at least a few times a week. Doing so will make you feel happier and more stable.
    • It is also important to make time for yourself. Mood swings can also be caused when you feel like you don't have enough time for yourself and feel overwhelmed by everything you need to get done. Make sure you have enough time to come to yourself. During that time you can write in a diary, go for a walk, or just think in silence about the week you had.
  8. Follow a well-balanced diet. By adhering to a well-balanced diet, you also keep body and mind in balance. Eat at least five servings of greens and fruits a day, avoid excess carbohydrates and processed foods, and try to avoid high-sugar foods whenever possible. Eating healthy carbohydrates, proteins, vegetables and fruits every day will help you feel more balanced. The chance of hormonal mood swings will thus decrease. Here are some foods that can improve your mood:
    • Omega 3 fatty acids. These valuable nutrients can be found in salmon and soybeans, among others.
    • Folic Acid. Research has shown that people who are depressed consume less folic acid. So make sure you consume enough folic acid every week. Folic acid is found in leafy vegetables, among other things.
    • Protein. Eat eggs, fish, lean turkey, tofu, and other proteins to keep the body from crashing. Make sure to take the proteins with a healthy dose of carbohydrates to balance things out.
  9. Add herbs, vitamins and supplements to your daily ration. There are a number of herbs, vitamins and supplements that can help improve or boost your mood. However, it is important to note that there is quite a bit of disagreement among experts about the potential beneficial effects of these herbs and other supplements. In short, more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of certain mood supplements. Always consult your doctor before you start taking herbal supplements. Here are the most common ways to improve mood with herbs and supplements.
    • Take St. John's wort. St. John's wort is one of the most popular herbs prescribed for mood enhancement. It is a plant with yellow flowers that contains many chemical compounds that may have medicinal benefits. Just be aware that you should always consult your doctor before taking this herb as it can adversely affect other medications you are taking, including birth control pills, antidepressants, blood thinners, and HIV medications. St. John's wort comes in all shapes and sizes, from capsules and tablets to liquid extract and tea. The standard dosage of St. John's wort ranges from 900 to 1200 milligrams per day. You should take the herb for at least one to three months to achieve maximum results. Consult your doctor or homeopath for the recommended dosage.
    • Take S-adenosyl-1-methionine (SAMe). This substance is obtained from an amino acid and can also be obtained from certain protein sources. SAMe is a mood-enhancing substance that is widely used in Europe and has been thoroughly researched. In clinical studies of depression, a daily dose of between 800 and 1600 milligrams per day has been used for up to six weeks. While SAMe has few side effects, use caution if you have a pre-existing medical or psychiatric condition such as diabetes, low blood sugar, or an anxiety disorder.
    • There are also other vitamins and herbs that may be able to better control your mood swings. However, the evidence for the effectiveness of these products is less firm than for the two described above. For example, lavender is often used in aromatherapy and in essential oils and teas to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. Some people swear by valerian root, which helps them sleep and curb anxiety. Also, consider taking multivitamins to make sure you're getting enough B vitamins - these contribute to nerve cell growth and stability. While there is little evidence to support the effectiveness of vitamin D on mood enhancement, at least one study has shown that vitamin D can be effective in combating winter depression.

Part 4 of 4: Identifying the causes

  1. Know that the causes of mood swings can vary. Nobody's mood is always completely stable. A bad day at work or an argument with a friend can affect your mood and how you feel. However, if you often suffer from mood swings, which are quite severe (for example, if you go from up to down very quickly) and there is no immediate reason to do so (for example, if you had a great day, without difficult or unpleasant interactions), then this may indicate an underlying physiological or psychological condition.
    • For example, if you have a persistent urge to drive other cars off the road while driving, or if you are constantly angry with your co-workers and you cannot fulfill your professional duties, this may indicate that certain areas are your life are problems that require your attention.
    • It is important to note that there are a number of potentially serious psychological or physiological conditions associated with severe mood swings. It is therefore important to visit your doctor or other medical or psychiatric professional so that he / she can determine if you have any of those serious conditions. The exact causes of your mood swings determine the best plan of action for you in terms of managing and controlling your mood swings.
  2. Know which physiological conditions can contribute to mood swings. There are certain physiological conditions that are known to contribute to mood and affect fluctuations. These are conditions due to factors such as lifestyle, including diet or lack of exercise, age or hormone-related conditions, or side effects of medications. A medical doctor, such as a family doctor, will be able to advise you so that you can learn more about these conditions. He / she can assess whether that condition (s) could be contributing to your mood swings. These physiological conditions include:
    • Head injury or brain tumor - Brain damage can affect the body's hormone regulation. This can have an adverse effect on your moods and emotions. If you think you have suffered a head injury, or if there is reason to suspect that you have a brain tumor, you should see a doctor immediately.
    • Dementia - All dementia correlates with severe psychological and physiological changes that can drastically affect mood and affect. See your doctor if you are over 40 and are experiencing other symptoms, such as memory loss.
    • Pregnancy Pregnancy can result in immediate and long-term changes in hormone levels and brain chemistry. These, in turn, can cause serious mood swings and emotions.Even if a pregnancy is not fully extended, such as with an abortion or miscarriage, the mood swings can persist. This is because of the hormonal, biological and physiological changes brought about by pregnancy and the postpartum period. Consult your doctor if you are experiencing mood swings and have reason to believe that you are pregnant or have been pregnant.
    • Puberty Once you reach adolescence, the rapid changes in the biological and social state of affairs can induce mood swings, and shifts in affect and desire. It is important to understand that these changes are natural signs of the growth and experience of puberty. In severe cases, for example, if there is a risk of harm to yourself or others, you should consult your doctor.
    • Menopause - As with other shifts in life, menopause can also be associated with severe mood swings and fluctuations in desire and affect. If these are likely to become untreatable in any way, you should consult a doctor.
    • Constant stress - The persistent stress caused by everyday life can sometimes become too much for people. This can manifest itself in highly flammable mood swings. It is best to combat these sources of stress as soon as possible. This prevents the kind of long-term changes in brain chemistry that can be caused by persistent exposure to environmental stressors.
  3. Know the psychological and social conditions that can contribute to mood swings. Scientists have discovered a number of psychological and / or social conditions that can contribute to severe mood swings or shifts in affect. Such conditions usually have a biological component, as is the case above, but are addressed more effectively by also addressing the psychological or social needs related to your daily life. To estimate the likelihood that such conditions are related to your mood swings, it is recommended that you consult a clinical psychologist or other mental health professional, such as a therapist or psychologist. These conditions include:
    • Substance abuse Substance abuse has the potential to alter brain chemistry and hormone levels in unpredictable ways. Do not hesitate to seek out a mental health facility or support group if you have struggled with such issues in the past, or do in the present.
    • Attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) and attention deficit disorder (ADD) Psychological disorders related to the inability to pay attention are also associated with mood swings and shifts in affect.
    • Bipolar disorder - Bipolar disorder is characterized by rapidly changing moods, especially by fluctuations from extreme happiness to utter despair and back again in situations that give no reason to do so. For example, people with bipolar disorder can become overly happy when they receive a compliment from a friend, and then after a few minutes become very angry with that same friend again. Only licensed mental health professionals should make decisions related to the diagnosis of bipolar disorder or other mental health disorders.
    • Depression - Persistent episodes of depression can be accompanied by extreme mood swings, both positive and negative. If you are suffering from depression and suddenly become unprecedentedly happy or enthusiastic, pay close attention to further shifts in affect and desire. This will help you better understand how such mood swings are related to your depression and everyday life.
    • Mourning - Losing a loved one often involves unpredictable emotional responses in situations you never cared about before. For some people this is a natural part of the grieving process. However, if you cannot deal with these mood swings, or if they create situations where you are a danger to yourself or others, it is wise to see your doctor or a mental health professional. They can advise you on the potential benefits of medications and other coping mechanisms that can help you move forward. This may be the case, for example, in prematurely terminated pregnancies. The emotional toll taken by the loss of an unborn child can become too much for a person and cause problems, even if no immediate biological changes are seen.
    • Stress due to major life events - Life-changing events, such as a new job, moving house, or having children, can correlate with unpredictable mood swings. It is not at all strange if such an event has happened to you recently and you have been experiencing unexplained mood swings since then. However, as with many of the descriptions above, you should see a doctor or mental health professional if mood swings are likely to get out of hand.
  4. Seek professional help based on your diagnosis. Consult a professional if you think any of the above physiological or psychological conditions apply to you. Visit your doctor if you suspect a physiological or biological condition. See a mental health professional if you think a psychological issue is troubling you (in some cases, you may need a referral from your doctor).
    • It is important to seek professional help if you feel that severe mood swings are gripping you and / or you feel powerless over them.
    • This does not mean that a doctor or medication is always the best option when it comes to mood swings. But if your mood swings are moderate to severe, it's a good idea to review all of your options before trying to combat the swings on your own. Some people who have been diagnosed with a mood disorder deal with their problems without the help of drugs. Of those people, there are several who achieve some degree of success where medication would not help.

Warnings

  • Mood swings can occur for several reasons. Depending on how your day goes, your mood can even fluctuate from day to day. However, persistent and fickle mood swings can indicate a more serious physical, physiological, or psychological condition. See your doctor if mood swings are increasing, and they don't just because you had a bad day at school or work.