Are your mood swings normal or the sign of a mental health condition?

A shift in your mood is a common experience that can happen to anyone. They’re often the result of stress, hormonal changes, lack of sleep, dietary habits, or life events. While occasional mood shifts are perfectly normal, frequent or severe shifts in mood might point to an underlying mental health condition, like a mood disorder.

Mood disorders, including depression and bipolar disorder, are on the rise. Research over recent decades shows a noticeable increase in mood and anxiety disorders worldwide. This is due to a few reasons, including increased reporting of diagnoses due to reduced stigma and more awareness on mental health conditions. Also, environmental pressures have increased symptoms like financial stressors and lack of affordable mental healthcare, which can worsen symptoms and lead people to leave them unaddressed.

Mood swings are also a symptom of various mental health conditions, like bipolar disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, borderline personality disorder (BPD), and substance use withdrawal.

Although mood disorders can feel overwhelming, treatment is available. With a combination of therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and social support, many people find relief and gain confidence in managing their mental health.

What do mood swings feel like?

Mood swings can feel like riding a rollercoaster that suddenly veers off track. One moment, you’re feeling happy and carefree, and the next, a wave of sadness crashes over you without warning. These emotional shifts often come with physical symptoms like tension, restlessness, and fatigue. 

These intense and abrupt shifts can create emotional overwhelm, making a slight inconvenience feel unmanageable. You may notice your emotions are amplified. Mood swings often feel unpredictable, leaving you struggling to regain balance. They can also impact your decision-making abilities and lead to impulsivity, withdrawal, or anger outbursts. 

Signs that mood swings might point to a mood disorder  

Differentiating between normal mood swings and symptoms of a mental health condition can be challenging. Taking this 20-question mood disorder self-assessment can help you track the symptoms and intensity of your mood swings.

If managing your mood swings feels overwhelming, help is available. A licensed mental health professional can evaluate your symptoms and help you learn to manage them. 

While only a professional can make an accurate diagnosis, here is the difference between mood shifts and mood swings: 

Signs of nonclinical mood shifts include:

• Mild-to-moderate emotions that don’t interfere with daily life
• Lasts for a short period of time (hours or several days)
• Happens occasionally but aren’t persistent
• Can typically be linked to a trigger, such as a specific event or situation

Symptoms of mood swings that might indicate a mood disorder include:

• Intense symptoms that interrupt daily life
• Symptoms persisting for weeks, months, or even longer
• Long-lasting or extreme mood swings
• Struggles with managing emotions effectively
• Challenges in maintaining daily routines
• Difficulty performing at work or engaging socially
• Mood swings without an unidentifiable trigger
• Recurring emotions with minimal relief

What causes mood swings?

Mood swings are a natural response to stressful situations. But in some cases, they can indicate a mood disorder. Approximately 40% to 60% of people with mood disorders like depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) report mood instability.

If your mood swings are mild and happen in response to a specific situation, they may be caused by factors like:

• Stress and life changes: High stress from work, relationships, and school can lead to mood swings.
• Hormonal changes: Puberty, menopause, pregnancy, and menstruation can all cause mood swings.
• Diet and sleep: A poor diet and irregular sleep habits can lead to mood swings.
• Medical conditions: Thyroid disorders, diabetes, and some chronic illnesses can contribute to mood swings.
• Medications: Some drugs have side effects that can include mood swings.

If your mood swings are a symptom of a mood disorder, they might be caused by:

• Genetics: A family history of mood disorders or another mental health condition can increase your risk.
• Trauma: A personal history of trauma or stressful events, including childhood abuse.
• Substance use: A history of unhealthy substance use can be a risk factor.
• Brain structure: Brain scans of people with mood disorders often show decreased activity in the frontal lobe.

What helps with managing mood swings?

Talk therapy, medication (in some cases), and lifestyle changes can all help you to manage mood swings. If you’re working with a therapist, they’ll help you find ways to achieve emotional stability, reduce the frequency and intensity of mood swings, and learn healthy coping mechanisms to help improve your quality of life. 

In addition to professional support, the following lifestyle changes can help you cope with mood swings: 

• Journaling: Writing down your thoughts and emotions can help you to identify triggers behind your mood swings. 
• Getting outdoors: Taking a stroll in the park or quiet time in a natural setting is proven to improve mental health by decreasing stress, depression, and anxiety.
• Nutrition: Poor eating habits can cause blood sugar fluctuations and nutritional imbalances that result in mood swings. Try to eat less refined sugar, more whole grains, and eat at regular times throughout the day to improve your well-being.
• Relaxation: Learning how to unwind and manage stress is essential in maintaining your mental health. Practicing mindfulness and meditation has been shown to help manage stress and promote better sleep.
• Support: Connecting with others either in an online or in-person support group to share experiences and self-care strategies can help stabilize your mood and reduce stress. 

Find care with Rula

If your mood swings become intense, frequent, or interfere with daily life, they may be a sign of an underlying mood disorder. Talking with a therapist trained in mood swings can help you learn how to manage your emotions and find relief.

At Rula, we work with an extensive network of over 10,000+ mental health providers, many of whom specialize in treating mood disorders. With just a few clicks, you can find a therapist who accepts your insurance and can meet with you via live video as soon as tomorrow.

Find a therapist with Rula