By Diana Tutschek – Psychologist & Counsellor in Dubai
Causes and Treatment of Mood Swings
Mood swings are sudden and intense shifts in emotional states that can markedly interfere with our daily functioning. Although mood changes are a natural aspect of being human, swinging moods that are frequent and intense can be incredibly distressing. Thus, gaining insight into the underlying causes of mood fluctuations can help us address them and cope more effectively.
This article will explore factors potentially contributing to mood fluctuations.
Mood Swings in Mental Health or Personality Conditions
Mood fluctuations may happen due to genetic and environmental factors and neurochemical imbalances in the brain. Such fluctuations are often the attributes of mental ill-health and personality issues. Depression, bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder may substantially contribute to mood instability and emotional dysregulation.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder features intense moodiness that surrounds manic and depressive episodes. Manic episodes involve heightened energy, euphoria and boosted productivity, whereas depressive episodes are marked by feelings of sadness, hopelessness and a lack of interest in activities. The transition between these episodes can be sudden and extreme, causing intense and severe mood fluctuations.
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
BPD is a complex personality condition that features emotional dysregulation and unstable relationships. Individuals with BPD may encounter intense and rapidly switching moods that can shift within hours or days. Real or perceived abandonment, conflicts or a fear of rejection frequently trigger these mood swings.
Depression
The main symptoms of depression include persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness, low energy and a loss of interest in activities. Yet, depression can also involve moodiness. Some people with depression may experience irritability, restlessness or sudden shifts from sadness to anger.
Furthermore, mood fluctuations can be prevalent in other psychiatric conditions, including anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), schizoaffective or other personality disorders. In addition, mood swings may be present in seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Mood Swings in Other Conditions
Hormonal changes may induce mood swings. Fluctuations in hormone levels, such as changes in oestrogen and progesterone during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause, may lead to mood instability.
Stress and Anxiety
Overwhelming stressors, whether from work, relationships or other sources, cause our body to excessively release stress hormones such as cortisol. Stress leads to intricate structural changes in several brain regions. It can induce either plasticity-enhancing reactions, leading to improved cognition or toxic responses, causing impairments in brain functions. These reactions rest on the duration, saturation and form of the stressful event. Going through a lot of stress, cortisol can be overly secreted or elevated.
Excessive cortisol release disrupts the neurotransmitter balance in the brain. This imbalance may induce mood swings, ranging from sadness and fatigue to irritability and anger. Neurotransmitters are naturally emerging chemicals within our body that enable communication between neurons (nerve cells). This neuron communication allows for various functions and processes in the brain and throughout the body. Through synaptic transmission, neurotransmission shapes everyday life and essential bodily functions.
Sleep Irregularities
Insufficient and disrupted sleep affects the release of serotonin and dopamine, the brain neurotransmitters involved in mood and emotion regulation. Consequently, we may experience increased irritability and moodiness.
Medications
Mood swings may be a side effect of certain medications. Please consult a medical doctor about your particular case.
Caffeine
While caffeine is considered safe in moderation, excessive consumption may lead to mood swings and irritability. Caffeine may disturb sleep, which is linked to emotional instability.
Nutritional Imbalances
Maintaining a balanced diet is vital for a balanced mood. A lack of essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins and minerals like magnesium and zinc may affect brain functioning and lead to emotion dysregulation. Additionally, excessively consuming refined sugars and processed foods can result in energy crashes and mood swings.
Environmental Triggers
Our environment can profoundly influence our emotional state and contribute to mood swings. Excessive noise, chaotic surroundings or exposure to triggering stimuli can impact our mood. Likewise, seasonal variations like the beginning of winter or a lack of sunlight can contribute to seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and mood swings.
Personal Life Events
Significant life events, whether positive or negative, can trigger mood fluctuations. Events like job loss, relationship problems, bereavement and major life transitions can cause emotional upheaval and result in mood instabilities. Effectively coping with these events and seeking support can help manage mood swings associated with such circumstances.
Chronic Illness
The physical and emotional toll of managing a long-term health condition can contribute to mood fluctuations.
Unprocessed Traumatic Memories
Traumatic experiences are highly subjective and can have enduring and detrimental effects on mental health. Severe mood swings can result from unprocessed trauma and unintegrated traumatic memories.
Mood Swings – Therapy in Dubai
If your mood swings significantly interfere with your day-to-day functioning, seeking professional aid is crucial. Healthcare professionals, such as medical doctors, mental health counsellors or psychiatrists, are trained to help people navigate and manage mood swings effectively and regain control over their emotional well-being. If you’re unsure where to start, reach out to a general practitioner who can refer you to a mental health professional and offer recommendations.
Treatment of mood swings may comprise psychotherapy, medication, support groups and coaching for lifestyle changes.
Medications for Mood Swings
Pharmacological therapy for mood swings highly depends on the specific diagnosis and may involve a combination of different medications. The responsibility of providing an accurate diagnosis and prescribing appropriate treatment lies with healthcare professionals such as psychiatrists, endocrinologists or other medical doctors.
Non-pharmacological treatment for mood swings
Psychological treatment for mood swings includes talk therapies and self-care practices.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a psychological therapy that aims to teach individuals practical skills and techniques to manage and potentially prevent intense mood swings. CBT follows a structured and systematic approach, providing clients with specific cognitive and behavioural strategies to address extremely high or low moods.
Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) is a highly effective programme for helping people cope with intense emotions, transform negative thought patterns and reduce self-destructive behaviours. Individual therapy focuses on identifying and addressing current harmful behaviours. In group sessions, people learn valuable skills from various modules, such as mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness and emotion regulation.
Journaling is a powerful tool for managing mood swings. Writing down your emotions, thoughts and triggers can clarify things and help you recognise patterns in your mood instabilities. It can also aid in self-reflecting and self-expressing.
Mindfulness practices help cope with moodiness. By being present in the moment and non-judgmentally noticing and observing both your thoughts and emotions, you can acquire greater self-awareness. Subsequently, you will become more compassionate and accepting towards your thoughts.
Physical exercise is beneficial both for your physical and emotional well-being. Regular physical activity induces endorphin release, boosting your mood. Find an exercise routine you enjoy and make it a part of your self-care rituals.
Breathing exercises aid in regulating your mood and relieving stress. Box breathing is an evidence-based breathing technique that is particularly effective in managing emotions. Here’s how you can practice it:
Box Breathing Exercise
Mood Swings – Therapy in Dubai: Conclusion
Various factors can trigger mood fluctuations:
- mental health and personality conditions,
- hormonal changes,
- stress,
- sleep irregularities,
- medications,
- nutritional imbalances,
- environmental triggers,
- personal life events,
- chronic illness,
- traumatic events.
Yet, each person’s experience is unique.
It is necessary to seek professional help if mood fluctuations persist and intensify and markedly interfere with your daily functioning. A mental health professional, psychiatrist, psychotherapist or healthcare provider will help identify the causes and develop functional strategies for managing mood instabilities.
People can effectively manage fluctuating moods and improve their overall well-being by addressing underlying factors, seeking appropriate treatment and adopting healthy coping mechanisms.
Furthermore, self-care practices play a powerful role in managing mood swings. Regular physical activities, practising mindfulness and breathing exercises, maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet and adequate sleep can enrich emotional health.
Are you concerned about your mood fluctuations? Reach out to a psychologist in Dubai Healthcare City Diana Tutschek at +971504328841 (WhatsApp) or d.tutschek@chmc-dubai.com
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