As you are learning to manage to your emotional state you may notice sometimes that unexpectedly your mood changes. These may occur as a reaction to circumstances or environment, or as a result of a physical or mental health condition, or for no apparent reason. People are sometimes confused with this sudden dip in their mood. It can happen so quickly that they may not even have time to recognise that a negative thought has passed through their mind, thus causing this mood decline. General moodiness is likely to be a part of everyone’s life, but in some circumstances, changed in mood may be severe and have an effect on health and daily function.
While we may not be able to control an automatic thought that pops up uninvited, we can absolutely control what happens next. Remember, one thought cannot keep a low mood going, it’s when you dwell on these thoughts that the low mood persists.
How to cope with mood swings?
- Make sure you get enough sleep, 6-8 hrs a night, regular bedtimes are also important
- Include some regular exercise in your daily routine. Exercise produces endorphins, the feelgood hormones. Even moderate exercise can help relieve frequent or abrupt changes in mood and helps with insomnia.
- Keep a diary and track your moods, notice patterns in mood shifts as well as potential triggers that might affect mood. This can help facilitate a greater understanding of shifts and changes in emotions.
- Maintaining a structure to your day can be helpful. Doing things at the same time every day can help regulate emotional highs and lows.
- A healthy balanced diet is considered to be a vital to feeling good.
And it can help to talk …… to let the steam off. When frequent mood changes seem to happen without a cause, the support of a counsellor may be helpful.