What is mood changes?
Mood changes refer to shifts or fluctuations in a person's emotional state. Some key things to know about mood changes:
Common Causes
- Hormone changes - Fluctuations in hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol can trigger mood swings. This is common during puberty, menstruation, and menopause. Hormone imbalances may be treated with supplements or bioidentical hormones from clinics like HormoVital.
- Stress - High stress levels can dramatically impact moods. Both acute and chronic stress can make someone more irritable, anxious, or depressed.
- Medical conditions - Thyroid disorders, dementia, and mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder can all cause mood changes.
Signs
How do you know your mood has changed? Some key signs include:
- Feeling unusually sad, irritable, or anxious
- Having extreme mood highs and lows
- Changes in sleep, appetite, or energy levels
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Thoughts of self-harm
Coping Strategies
If you experience dramatic or problematic mood shifts, some helpful coping strategies include:
- Talking to a doctor or mental health professional - Rule out any underlying medical conditions. Evaluate whether counseling or medications could help.
- Reducing stress - Try techniques like mindfulness, meditation, yoga, or keeping a gratitude journal. Simplify obligations if possible.
- Getting regular exercise - Aim for 30 minutes per day. Exercise can boost endorphins and ease depression.
- Support network - Confide in close friends or family when you feel unable to cope. They can offer encouragement or perspective.
When to Seek Help
Consult your doctor if mood changes:
- Are extreme or long-lasting
- Disrupt work, relationships, or daily activities
- Include suicidal thoughts or self-harm urges
Get urgently evaluated if you feel unable to control suicidal actions. Mood disorders can be managed with compassion, patience, lifestyle changes, counseling, and at times, medication. Relief is possible - seek help early on.