Managing your partner's bad mood

Managing your partner's bad mood

As with many things in life, a relationship with your significant other is a double-edged sword. While it's a wonderful feeling to want someone and be wanted in return, even such a commitment comes with its own challenges. Intimate emotional bonds can make a person emotionally vulnerable. Not only is one easily influenced by how the other is feeling, but in such a scenario if one suffers from mood swings, things can become very difficult.

Studies show that one in five adults suffer from mood swings, and yet very little attention has been given to the consequences of such mental imbalances and the way they can affect intimate relationships. If neglected, such mood swings can lead to other serious mental disorders.

A bad mood in general can have various reasons. However, if it persists, it can indicate a mental health disorder, with anxiety and depression being the most commonly diagnosed. Both of these conditions can increase conflict in an intimate relationship and even cause an emotional breakdown. The most common symptoms include persistent irritability, varying degrees of social withdrawal, low self-esteem and a complete lack of eagerness and interest, which can damage the relationship between intimate partners.

The strange thing is that a depressed or moody friend or colleague doesn't seem as provocative as an angry or sulking spouse or partner. In fact, people are always willing to say a kind word to a grumpy stranger, but shy away from showing concern to a fearful partner. Isn't it strange that emotions often explode in unpleasant ways when it comes to someone so close? One way to deal with such a situation is to not react and remain calm despite the other person's behavior. Although it's easier said than done.

Strategies for dealing with an irritable and moody partner

Marriage or cohabitation requires many adjustments and efforts. However, if one partner is acting moody or prone to outbursts, there are ways the other can reach out and help. Here are some tips for dealing with a partner's mood swings:

Identify the problem areas:If one or both partners have a mood disorder, it is important to understand the causes and effects and seek a remedy. It's good to recognize and understand how you generally react to your partner's bad mood, as such moods can be very contagious.

Learn to take control of your own mood:It is important to understand one's reaction to a partner's bad mood, as this can be crucial in resolving or exacerbating a conflict. Mood disorders can destroy relationships by inhibiting intimacy or causing aggression.

Promote honest communication:Pretending like things are fine or hiding your frustrations won't get you results in the long run. It only creates resentment that eventually explodes. Instead, face the challenges by supporting each other in a non-judgmental way.

Plan your response:Sometimes all it takes is calming a moody partner to get the other person to acknowledge what's going on in their head. Most of the time, a person in a bad mood isn't looking for help; he or she just wants to be understood. Empathy can solve many problems.

Understand that a bad mood doesn't last:Mood swings are a temporary phase, although some people may take longer to come out of them. Sometimes a little emotional or even physical distance can help relieve tension.

Seek treatment for mood disorders

Mood disorders or depression are usually not under an individual's control but are treatable. One can choose to make their life better by cultivating certain habits that can help prevent depression and can also aid in recovery.

Inspired by Barbara Odozi