What are mood swings? Understanding this destructive emotional state of mind

What are mood swings? Understanding this destructive emotional state of mind

Have you experienced intense moods due to events in your life? If yes, there are chances that you are suffering from mood swings.

What exactly are mood swings? it refers to extreme or rapid changes in mood. It is a predominant mental state that can vary from minor mood changes to significant mood changes in a person's daily life. The emotional state of mind is mostly common in women but can also occur in men. It can be a symptom of a mood disorder such as chronic depression, especially when it becomes problematic.

What exactly causes mood swings?

There is no single known cause for this as various things can trigger the onset of this condition, ranging from drug abuse to unhealthy diet to lifestyle changes. Here are some of the most common causes for this.

· Stress – People who are under stress for long periods of time are very susceptible to mood swings. When we are exposed to constant stress in our daily lives, we can experience intense moods in response to the events that make us feel stressed. Longer periods of chronic stress can also cause severe mood swings over time.

· Changes in brain chemistry – Abnormal levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin in the brain have also been attributed to mood swings and other forms of mood disorders. Even a mild neurotransmitter imbalance in the brain can lead to intense mood swings, anxiety, stress and depression.

· Bipolar Disorder – Individuals with bipolar disorder are very prone to mood swings as they have intense moods and react to any prevailing situation. In addition, they find it difficult to adapt their mood to the respective situations.

· Drug and alcohol abuse – Alcohol and other drugs such as cocaine are a major cause of mood swings in men and women. Medications are known to alter brain chemistry and make one vulnerable. They can also lead to dramatic mood swings and extreme reactions to external events.

· An unhealthy diet consuming too much sugar can lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels, which is also known as a major cause of mood swings

What are some of the symptoms of this?

Here are some of the most common symptoms you should always be on the lookout for if you suspect you are experiencing this destructive emotional state of mind.

· Irritability and feelings of excitement

· Stress

· Anger

· Lack of sleep

Treatment

While there may be no known cure for this, there are some treatment options that can help ease this emotional state of mind. They include-

· Therapy therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can be used to address the causes of this. Therapy uses techniques such as vicarious distractions and exercises to overcome intense mood swings. Therapy may also include counseling.

· Medications – Some medications such as anticonvulsants may be used to treat severe cases. Antidepressants may also be used for treatment if changes in chemical imbalances are suspected.

You can also overcome mood swings by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and limiting or avoiding drug and alcohol abuse. More importantly, you can combat this condition by learning about stress management and dealing with some life stressors that may expose you to mood swings

Conclusion

Mood swings, like all other mood disorders, can be destructive. Mood swings can also have a detrimental effect on your quality of life if left unattended. It is therefore imperative to seek help from your doctor if you are suffering from this mood disorder before the situation gets out of hand.

Inspired by Peter Wu