Mood Changes
Mood changes refer to shifts or fluctuations in a person's emotional state. Our moods can vary greatly day-to-day or even hour-by-hour. These changes are a normal part of human experience. However, some individuals experience more extreme, frequent, or enduring mood shifts that cause distress and interfere with their ability to function.
What Causes Mood Changes?
There are many potential triggers for mood changes:
- Mood disorders like depression or bipolar disorder can cause severe mood swings
- Hormone changes, especially estrogen and testosterone changes related to menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause
- Medications—some prescription drugs, herbal remedies, and even over-the-counter meds
- Insufficient sleep—lack of shuteye disrupts circadian rhythms and chemistry that regulate mood
- Poor diet—blood sugar crashes, dehydration, nutrition deficiencies, toxins
- Stressors—physical stress, environmental factors, job-related stress, relationship issues
- Substance abuse—coming down from stimulants, alcohol withdrawal
- Seasonal changes—especially less light in winter months
In short, many factors can disrupt the delicate balance of neurotransmitters and hormones that stabilize mood. Lifestyle habits and management of triggers are key.
How to Manage Difficult Mood Changes
Learning coping strategies can help mitigate difficult mood swings. Try these solutions:
- Get more regular exercise: Even light exercise releases endorphins and helps regulate neurotransmitters
- Practice stress management: Yoga, meditation, and deep breathing activate the PNS response
- Improve sleep hygiene: Keep a regular bedtime, limit blue light exposure, avoid caffeine
- Eat mood-friendly foods: Complex carbs, protein, fruits, vegetables stabilize blood sugar
- Social support: Spend time with positive people who uplift you
- Professional help: Counseling and/or medication for diagnosable conditions
What helps you manage mood changes? Share your insight and advice below.