Mood changes - Vitality Restored Clinic

Mood Changes

Mood changes refer to shifts or fluctuations in a person's emotional state. Moods are usually described as short-term emotional states and can often change in response to life events or even seemingly minor daily incidents.

Some common causes of mood swings include:

• Hormonal changes - Hormonal fluctuations related to menstrual cycles, pregnancy, menopause, etc. can trigger mood changes.
• Stress - High stress levels can alter brain chemistry and lead to mood instability. Both acute and chronic stress can impact mood.
• Lack of sleep - Insufficient sleep often manifests as irritability, anxiety, and other mood disturbances.
• Substance abuse - Substance use and withdrawal often cause dramatic mood shifts.
• Medical conditions - Thyroid disorders, diabetes, stroke, etc. can influence mood regulation.
• Medication side effects - Many common medications list mood changes or instability as potential side effects.
• Grief/loss - Bereavement, end of relationships, job loss, and disappointment often trigger depressive moods.

Healthy strategies to stabilize mood include:

• Getting adequate sleep, nutrition, and exercise
• Reducing stress through relaxation techniques
• Avoiding substance abuse
• Pursuing enjoyable hobbies and social connections
• Seeking treatment for underlying medical/mental health issues

Learning to anticipate and manage triggers that destabilize your mood can promote improved emotional regulation. Tracking symptoms in a mood journal can provide insight into personal patterns.

While occasional moodiness is normal, an inability to manage extreme or unpredictable mood swings can indicate an underlying clinical condition like bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety requiring professional treatment.

If you find your moods are severely impacting work performance, relationships, or quality of life, consult a licensed mental health provider for an assessment. Counseling and/or medication may help restore mood stability.

Ongoing mood fluctuations are not something you need to tolerate. Seeking help to understand the causes and find healthier coping strategies can help you feel in control again. Managing mood changes promptly reduces the risk of escalating into a more disruptive or serious issue down the line.

So, in summary - mood changes are shifts in emotional states caused by a variety of triggers. Learning to anticipate and address the root causes of mood instability through healthy lifestyle tactics or medical treatment can enable improved regulation and stability.