Mood swings occur more frequently than most people think, but for you to notice, youd have to spend a considerable amount of time with those affected by it. With mood swings, a person could be happy one moment and lonely the next. Mood swings, even the most dangerous ones, often have natural underlying causes but in rare cases, they could also be a side effect of drugs.
What Are Mood Swings?
Mood swings are excessive mood changes occurring rapidly or in a short period of time. Humans naturally have a wide spectrum of emotions to express their wants and needs. It is normal for us to laugh and cry in one day. Whats not normal is when you do the same thing in the space of a few minutes or something equally short. These instances are whats referred to as mood swings.
Gender and Mood Swings
Studies show that theres a 2:1 ratio between and women and men experiencing mood swings. This, however, is not altogether surprising when you consider how mood swings tend to arise from hormonal disturbances or disorders. Mood swings, for instance, are prevalent during pregnancy and menstruation, wherein hormonal changes occur in both situations.
Possible Causes of Mood Swings
Although there are various therapies and medications available to treat people with mood swings, its always best to start with determining the underlying cause behind their condition.
Stress
Stress is incredibly powerful and it must never be underestimated. When you are experiencing stress, its effects are not merely emotional and psychological but physical and mental as well. You feel tired, weaker, and more easily irritated. All these can lead to mood swings and when left untreated, they can rapidly deteriorate and have a negative impact on your health as well as your relationship with other people.
Sleep
This is yet another thing thats taken for granted by many. Poor sleeping habits will lead to stress and possibly mood swings and depression. Sleep is something our bodies need to stay healthy and become healthier. In general, a person needs seven to eight hours of sleep each day and when your body doesnt get enough sleep, it will pay the consequences not for hours or days but weeks.
Likewise, too much sleep can also become a problem. Excessive sleep can make your body weaker and your responses more laggard, all of which can lead to mood swings as well.
Diet
True enough, mood swings can also be caused by something as simple as poor diet. Eat the right food and youll not only become more physically fit but youll also feel better as well. Moderation is the key to the right diet. Eating plenty of greens and vitamin-rich foods is always good but you dont have to stay away completely from meats and sweets. You can eat them, too, but just make sure you eat the appropriate amount only.
Lifestyle
Unlike drinking wine or liquor, smoking has no redeeming factor. It is completely bad for your health. Quitting smoking, however, will not be an easy process. You will suffer from nicotine withdrawal, in which mood swings are just one of the many symptoms. The same can be said when youve suffered from drug addiction and are currently undergoing rehabilitative treatment.
Finally, mood swings can also be caused by whatever medications and treatments youre choosing. The severity of your mood swings will depend on the dosage of your medication as well as its potency. If you find possibly natural cause for your mood swings, your current medications may indeed be the culprit and in this case, its important to inform your physician immediately.