Mood Swings in Texas: How to Get Off the Emotional Roller Coaster

What Could Be Causing Your Mood Swings?

It’s normal to have days when you feel sad and discouraged and days when you feel very happy and full of energy, and this is generally considered healthy. On the other hand, if these mood swings are extreme, from extremely happy to extremely depressed, and are recurrent throughout your day, it’s good to be alert! It could be a sign that something more serious is happening.

Extreme mood swings can occur due to an underlying medical condition or other factors, such as:

• Stress
• A significant change in your life
• Your diet
• Your sleeping habits
• Medications
• Substance use
• Hormonal changes

If you experience frequent and severe mood swings, consult your doctor or seek professional help. It may be helpful to observe what you were doing before the mood swing occurred. This can help your doctor assess whether you were reacting to a lifestyle change or if it is the result of an underlying problem.

Your Mood Swings Need Attention

These mood swings may be symptoms of a more serious health condition. Seek professional attention if you’re feeling:

• So empowered that you confront people without considering the consequences or engage in other uncontrollable or risky behaviors
• Like you want to hurt yourself or taking your life
• Unable to visit friends, get enough sleep, go to work, or even get out of bed.

At South Plains Rural Health, we can help you understand why you feel this way and what you can do to address this issue. At our Levelland, Lamesa, and Big Spring locations in Texas, we work alongside patients and their families to improve their behavioral health through counseling services, both individual and group (family) sessions. It is important for you to know that you are not alone in this time of need.

🤲 Read more about our services: Behavioral Health

What Can You Do to Get Off this Roller Coaster?

If your ups and downs are not negatively affecting other aspects of your life, you can manage your mood swings without medical attention. You can create strategies to regulate your mood, such as:

1. Keep a Schedule

Try to create a routine for yourself, especially for eating and sleeping.

2. Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise has countless benefits for almost every aspect of your health, including your mood.

3. Get Enough Sleep

Getting a good night’s sleep is important, and a lack of sleep can affect your mood.

4. Eat a Healthy Diet

A balanced and healthy diet can improve your mood and keep you healthy.

5. Practice Relaxation

Practice relaxing techniques such as yoga or meditation.

6. Avoid Stress

Easier said than done, right? If you can’t avoid it, try to control stress and relieve it as it arises.

7. Express Yourself

Find a creative outlet to express yourself (drawing, dancing, writing a diary, etc).

8. Talk about Your Mood Swings

Find someone to talk to, like a friend, family member, or professional.

Now, if you are experiencing severe mood swings or mood changes that significantly interfere with your daily life, you have to seek a health behavior specialist. You may need therapy or medication to relieve these mood swings that alter and impact your life.

🤲 Learn more: 6 Friendly Ways to Handle Your Teen’s Mood Swings