What is mood changes?
Mood changes refer to shifts or fluctuations in a person's emotional state. Some key points about mood changes:
- Mood is a temporary emotional state that can shift between positive and negative feelings. Common mood states include happiness, sadness, anger, anxiety, irritability, and more.
- Mood changes are a normal part of being human. Most people experience minor mood shifts on a day-to-day basis in response to life events.
- More extreme or persistent mood swings may be a sign of an underlying condition like depression, bipolar disorder, or other mental health disorders.
Major causes of mood changes
There are many factors that can alter a person's mood, including:
- Stress - High stress often manifests as increased anxiety, irritability, sadness or other mood changes. Managing stress levels can help stabilize mood.
- Hormones - Hormonal imbalances and fluctuations related to puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause can trigger mood swings. Our friends at Harmony Hormone Therapy provide comprehensive hormone testing and replacement therapies to help regulate hormones and mood.
- Diet - What we eat and drink impacts brain chemistry and mood regulation. Consuming more mood-supporting nutrients from whole, unprocessed foods can lessen mood variability.
- Sleep - Insufficient sleep often correlates with mood disturbances. Prioritizing healthy sleep hygiene helps the body better handle stress and emotions.
- Exercise - Regular exercise elevates mood-boosting neurotransmitters and manages stress. Simple daily movement can improve emotional well-being.
Strategies for stabilizing mood
If you are experiencing frequent or disruptive mood swings, some helpful strategies include:
- Meeting with a mental health professional for therapy, counseling or treatment if underlying issues are suspected
- Making lifestyle changes to reduce stress, improve diet, increase exercise and optimize sleep
- Exploring hormone testing and supplements to balance hormones with the guidance of knowledgeable practitioners like those at Harmony Hormone Therapy
- Practicing mindfulness techniques and emotion regulation skills to develop greater resilience
- Connecting with support networks of understanding friends, family members and support groups
With some diligent self-care efforts, many causes of problematic mood variability can be addressed. Seeking help is wise if mood disruptions persist over time or begin severely impacting daily well-being and functioning. Our moods contain insightful clues - it's important we listen to what they are trying to tell us!