Mood swings are a common characteristic of every individual. All sorts of stressors (stress factors) and hormonal fluctuations (in relation to menstrual cycles), sleeplessness, and everyday difficulties can impact feelings. Sometimes, people experience ups and downs in their mood, but if mood swings go beyond the usual ups and downs and start interfering with daily life, it can be a sign of an underlying mental health condition.
At Ark Medical of Las Vegas, we are here to educate and inform you, and to help you know when it’s time to seek professional help.
What Are Normal Mood Swings?
Mood swings are sudden or noticeable fluctuations in your feelings. They can occur to anyone and could be caused by events outside you, whether that be a really rough day at work, lack of sleep, relationship problems, or hunger, as well as dehydration. In the morning, you may feel positive, and by the evening, you may feel a bit down, or you may feel frustrated when stuck in traffic, and defuse your emotions as soon as you’re home.
These changes typically go some way for a short while; they are not severe or aggressive, but are only mild or moderate in intensity, and they also do not prevent a person from functioning normally at work, maintaining healthy relationships, or taking care of their daily needs. There’s obviously a reason for the change that most people can see, and it takes a while for everyone to get back to their normal state. Life in a busy city with its distinct family obligations, occupational needs, and non-stop physical tempo, and consequently, these normal variations just naturally occur.
When Mood Swings May Signal Something More Serious
Some important factors that can help determine whether feelings are normal or if there may be a mental health problem are how intense, how long, how often, and how much your mood changes affect your life. Even if wild mood swings aren’t consistently linked to a specific cause, occur more often than usual for days or weeks, or become difficult to control or interfere with daily routines, school, or work, extreme mood swings warrant closer attention.
Some of the other symptoms (such as getting no sleep and feeling very depressed, desperate, or withdrawn for periods of time, then feeling euphoric, excited, and rushed for time for so long) are characteristic of symptoms such as bipolar disorder. Persistent low moods that remain for a few weeks, along with altered appetite, sleep patterns, or concentration, were correlated with depression.
Anxiety can also induce emotional ups and downs, frequently accompanied by concern, restlessness, or physical changes such as a racing heart rate.
Other mental health illnesses, for instance, borderline personality disorder or some types of ADHD, can also be accompanied by clear emotional changes. Hormonal changes (such as pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid conditions) and medicine (certain medications or substance use) can also have an impact. Rather than a natural part of the day-to-day cycle, what is important is that these patterns are more extreme than usual variations in a day’s mood.
Learn more: Understanding Mood Disorders in Simple Terms: A Beginner’s Guide.
Key Signs That Warrant Professional Attention
Here are some warning signs to look out for that indicate it’s time to seek help:
- Mood swings that last for days or weeks and are more severe or different from usual for the situation.
- Mood swings, heightened temper, or a tendency to overjoy and get into trouble (overspending, impulsive decisions).
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much, combined with ups and downs of emotion.
- Being estranged from family, friends, or activities that you used to care about.
- Troubling feelings of hopelessness, self-harm, or a low sense of worth of life (seek immediate help if such feelings are present).
- Fluctuating, or up-and-down, temperament that impacts job/school performance, parenting, and/or relationships.
If these types of experiences sound familiar, then you don’t need to deal with them alone; it’s a reality that effective assistance is available. Early ‘help’ can bring improved results and a swift return to normal.
Practical Tips for Managing Mood Swings
During the waiting period for a professional evaluation and while waiting for, or during, treatment, several self-help techniques can calm your emotions:
- Follow Your Moods: Make a journal to record mood, sleep, food, stress, activity, etc. Patterns may become more apparent over time and may be beneficial to share with a provider.
- Prioritize the Basics: Going to bed at a regular time, eating the right balance of nutritious foods, exercising at a steady pace, and staying hydrated go a long way to regulating emotions.
- Develop Stress Management Habits: These will be strategies such as deep breathing, walking out in the fresh air, mindful practices, or discussing with a trusted friend to reduce the sense of tension before it escalates.
- Limit Alcohol and Caffeine: These two can cause heightened mood swings in many individuals.
- Create Routine and Boundaries: When there is structure to the day, and expectations are realistic, it promotes a sense of stability.
These measures are to promote general good health and should not be seen as a substitute for a professional clinical assessment for people with persistent or severe symptoms.
The Importance of Seeking Support
Asking for help isn’t a weakness. A qualified provider can assist in clarifying some variations from the normal and, where this is appropriate, make suggestions about treatment, medications, or lifestyle changes, and possibly a combination of all the above.
At Ark Medical of Las Vegas, you’ll find compassionate psychiatric and mental health care services from a knowledgeable multidisciplinary team led by Cecilio Gonzales, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC. We offer compassionate psychiatric and mental health services alongside primary care.
Our assessment, diagnosis, management, and development plans reflect your life circumstances and are unique to you. Telehealth options and flexible scheduling make care more accessible for busy Las Vegas residents.
You Deserve to Feel Like Yourself Again
It is normal for everyone to experience mood swings from time to time, but when it takes over your entire day, it’s time to seek help. It is important to know how to distinguish between normal mood changes and those that may signify a problem and help you feel more well-balanced and in control of your mental state.
Ark Medical of Las Vegas welcomes you to call us if you or a close friend has mood swings that you are concerned about. Located at 2820 W. Charleston Blvd. Suite D40, Las Vegas, NV 89102. Our team is here to listen without judgment and help you find practical paths forward. Call us today or visit our website to learn more about our mental health services.
This article is intended for educational purposes only and should not take the place of the medical or mental health advice of your professional caregiver. In a crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or get emergency care right away!
FAQs
What’s the difference between normal mood swings and a mental health condition?
Normal swings are usually mild, short-lived, and tied to clear triggers. Mental health-related swings tend to be more intense, last longer, occur more often, and interfere with daily life.
Can stress or hormones cause significant mood swings?
Yes. Life stress, sleep issues, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or menopause can trigger noticeable changes. If they become overwhelming or persistent, a professional evaluation is helpful.
