Mood swings refer to sudden, unexpected shifts in emotion that can go from feeling perfectly fine one moment to feeling extremely sad, irritated, or anxious the next. We all experience some mild mood swings from time to time, but for some people, these shifts in emotion are more extreme and happen more frequently. Some key things to know about mood swings:
- What causes mood swings? There are many potential causes, including hormone changes, sleep disturbances, stress, medical conditions, and major life events. Things like puberty, pregnancy, and perimenopause often go hand-in-hand with mood swings due to hormonal fluctuations.
- Are mood swings normal? Mild or occasional mood swings can be normal. However, frequent, intense, and unpredictable mood swings may be signs of an underlying mental health condition like bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety.
- How long do mood swings last? This varies greatly. Mood swings can last for hours, days, or weeks depending on the individual and causes behind them. Getting plenty of sleep, eating a balanced diet, exercising, and finding healthy ways to cope with stress can help minimize intensity and duration.
- When should I see a doctor? See your doctor if mood swings are: frequent and intense, interfering with work/relationships/daily life, involves suicidal thoughts, or includes other concerning symptoms like panic attacks. They can evaluate, diagnose, and treat