Mood swings are sudden, unexpected shifts or changes in one's mood or emotional state. We all experience fluctuations in our moods and emotions from time to time. However, when these ups and downs become severe, frequent, or interfere with daily life, it may indicate a mental health concern such as bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder.
Some key things to know about mood swings:
- They involve intense emotions that are out of proportion with the situation. For example, experiencing extreme sadness over a minor issue.
- Mood shifts can occur very rapidly, within hours or days.
- The mood changes feel outside of one's control.
- There may not be an identifiable reason or trigger for the mood change.
- Symptoms range from feelings of severe depression, to heightened excitement or agitation.
Common symptoms of mood swings can include:
- Periods of extreme elation and energy (mania/hypomania) followed by feelings of sadness and hopelessness
- Heightened irritability and agitation
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Lack of motivation
- Withdrawing from others
- Difficulty concentrating
- Change in appetite and sleep habits
What causes mood swings?
Mood swings can occur in various mental health conditions, including:
- Bipolar disorder - This involves extreme high and low mood episodes. Mood shifts in bipolar can occur for no reason and persist for weeks to months at a time.
- Borderline personality disorder (BPD) - People with BPD struggle to regulate emotions and experience instability in moods, self-image, and relationships. Mood swings tend to be rapid and short-lived.
- Major depression - While unipolar depression mainly involves low moods, some days may be better than others.
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) - Women may experience depression, irritability, or anxiety in the lead up to their menstrual period.
In some cases, mood swings can also result from stressful life events.
When are mood swings a problem?
Frequent, severe mood swings can disrupt work performance, school work, relationships, and wellbeing.
Consult your doctor or a mental health professional if you feel you can no longer cope or function due to rapid emotional shifts. They can provide an official assessment and help determine if medication or psychotherapy may help improve stability. Developing healthy coping techniques, maintaining good self-care habits, and enlisting social support from loved ones also helps manage difficult mood swings.
I hope this gives you a helpful overview of mood swings - their characteristics, causes, and treatment options. Let me know if you have any other questions!