Stabilizing Your Mood
with Counseling

Moods naturally change. There are days where you may feel sad and there are days when you feel you are on top of the world. Your mood will change throughout the day, you can start out feeling negatively and cheer up as the day progresses or start out feeling hopeful and then feel run down by the end of the day. These mood changes are natural emotional states, and they are generally considered to be healthy. On the other hand, if your mood rapidly switches from one extreme to the next on a regular basis, you may be experiencing unhealthy mood changes and perhaps even a mood disorder.

Mood Swings: An Overview

Mood swings are rapid or frequent changes in your emotional state that may occur as a reaction to an event or environment, as an effect of a physical or emotional health condition, or without any apparent reason. When mood changes are severe enough to interfere with your daily functioning, the support of a therapist may be beneficial to help you understand what is going on. A counselor can accurately diagnose and create a treatment plan for you to address your unique needs.

Mood swings can occur any time and at any place, at a duration that may last a few hours to a few days. Anybody, regardless of age, can experience these symptoms, although women have appeared statistically to be at a higher risk. An individual with a family history of mood disorders is more likely to be affected.

There are no specific known causes of mood swings. One theory suggests the condition is the result of chemical imbalances in the brain. Other factors include sleep, diet, medication, and other lifestyle factors. A number of physical and emotional conditions may cause a person to experience mood swings including:

  • Major life changes or difficulties – Many teenagers, for example, may have frequent and varied emotional changes as they face common adolescent concerns, such as self-image and acceptance.
  • Stress and other types of emotional distress
  • Emotional and behavioral health conditions, such as ADHD, addiction, bipolar disorder, borderline personality, depression, disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD). and schizophrenia
  • Medical conditions that directly affect the central nervous system, such as brain tumors, dementia, meningitis, and stroke
  • Thyroid conditions
  • Lung and cardiovascular diseases that affect the flow of nutrients and oxygen to the brain
  • Substance and alcohol abuse
  • Medication side effects
  • Hormonal changes associated with pregnancy and the menstrual cycle
  • Caffeine
  • Dehydration
  • Diet
  • Magnesium deficiency
  • Fatigue and lack of sleep

There is no need to be alarmed about mood swings that occur once in a while, but when they become so often or severe enough to impair your day-to-day life, studies, work, and even your relationships, it may be time to seek help. Untreated mood swings may contribute to self-harm and other risky behaviors. It may also have a negative impact on your health and general well-being.

Signs That It May Be Time to See a Therapist

An occasional change in mood is a common experience. If you, however, have unpredictable behavior that is severe and inappropriate to the situation, lasting for a number of days or longer, it may be an indication of something more serious.

Mood swings are commonly brought on by emotional distress. They are frequently experienced with chronic, long-term stress; thus, it can be frustrating. A person struggling with mood swings may demonstrate low self-confidence, self-esteem and feelings of hopelessness. Significant changes in eating and sleeping patterns are also common symptoms of mood disorders.

Mood swings may also awaken damaging emotions. One minute you feel grumpy and the next moment, you feel happy. For example, you feel excited and unable to contain certain urges, such as overspending, being aggressive, or having the desire to engage in unpredictable or risky activities. Self-harming thoughts, social withdrawal, and the lack of interest to even get out of bed may also impair you as you wrestle with bouts of sad mood, feeling empty and irritability. Physically, you may experience headaches, stomach and digestive issues, along with fatigue.

These patterns are symptoms of mood disorders that can seriously threaten your well-being. Keep in mind that mood swings differ in severity. The more they alter your behavior and negatively impact your life, as well as those around you, the more it becomes critical to see the right counselor who can help you stabilize your mood. A therapist can usually help to identify the root cause of your mood swings. Whether your symptoms are a result of emotional distress or some other types of concern, using therapy to discover the causes can be effective.

The Impact of Mood Swings on Relationships

It can be difficult to live with mood swings, not only for you but also for those close to you. Your spouse, family or friends may start to be confused, not sure how to behave. Mood swings can be so bad that they can disrupt your regular functioning, deter both routine and enjoyable activities, impact concentration, and damage relationships. Mood swings can leave you susceptible to negative thinking and anxiety.

A great relationship is often a two-way street. When those close to you start to see you having rapid changes in mood, they may start to back away from you, seeing you as extremely volatile and untrustworthy. Even work relationships are not immune to the negative effects of unhealthy mood swings.

Taking Command of your Moods and Emotions

While mood changes are considered a natural part of life, extreme mood changes often cannot be resolved on your own. Without help, your symptoms may worsen. Early intervention can improve the outcome of treatment. Resolving mood swings and restoring balance in your life are good reasons to seek therapy now.

If your mood swings are persistent, causing you concern, and interfering with your daily life, work, studies, or relationships, counseling can help. There is no need to live with mood swings that affect your life. The right therapist independently contracted with Carolina Counseling Services – Southern Pines, NC can help you. They can assist in unraveling the root cause of your mood swings and provide you with the tools and strategies you’re looking for. Call now to request an appointment and start feeling more like yourself again.

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