Mood Changes
Mood changes refer to shifts or fluctuations in a person's emotional state. Moods can vary from feelings of sadness and hopelessness to happiness and joy. Mood changes can be minor and short-lived or more severe and long-lasting.
Some key things to know about mood changes:
- Common Triggers - Fluctuations in mood often occur in response to life events, physical factors like lack of sleep or nutrition, or changes in brain chemistry. Stress, difficult relationships, grief, medical problems, and hormonal changes can all spark mood shifts.
- Bipolar Disorder - People with bipolar disorder experience extreme, often unpredictable mood swings from manic highs to depressive lows. These mood swings interfere with work, relationships, and daily life.
- Depression - Depression also involves significant mood changes like overwhelming sadness, emptiness, anger or irritability, and loss of interest in normal activities. These moods persist for weeks or longer.
- Anxiety - Anxiety doesn't always change mood per se but it can contribute to feelings of panic, dread, unease and restlessness that hang over daily life.
- Duration Varies - Some mood changes lift within hours or days while conditions like depression and bipolar disorder cause mood shifts that persist for extended periods without treatment.
- Coping Strategies - Making lifestyle changes, attending counseling, taking medications, practicing stress management, and having a strong social support system can all help moderate difficult mood changes.
- When to Seek Help - If mood changes disrupt work performance, relationships, health, or ability to cope, it's important to seek professional care from a doctor or mental health provider. Sudden extreme mood shifts should also prompt medical advice.
In summary, mood changes are a normal reaction to life's ups and downs. But pervasive, intense, or chaotic mood swings may reflect more serious conditions like depression or bipolar disorder warranting assessment from a mental health professional. Catching and addressing persistent mood disturbances early on can help prevent further decline in functioning and well-being.
For more information, visit Renew Health Clinic.