Are Mood Swings A Sign of Depression - Know Here!

About 7 out of 10 people suffer from mood swings and anxiety.

There can be a number of reasons associated with these mood swings and disorders. Although, if a person suffers from depression, there are high chances of mood swings and related disorders. Do you feel you’re upset for no reason? Are you feeling more aggressive? 

Are you having issues in your relationships because of shifts in your mood? If these are some questions bothering you, try visiting the best psychiatrist in Patna, Dr. Vivek Pratap Singh. 

What causes mood swings? 

Mood swings are a common phenomenon among people from time to time. Although, if these mood swings disrupt the daily activities of life something else might be wrong or signs of underlying condition. 

Changes that take place around us throughout life can impact our moods and what is happening inside determines how one feels. For example, 

• In women, premenstrual syndrome is the most common cause of mood swings. This is due to hormonal imbalance causing increase in progesterone leading to agitation, feeling anxious, being upset, feeling sad for no reason. 

• Postmenopausal women experience hormonal imbalance due to decrease in estrogen. This decrease leads to hot flashes, and mood disturbances. 

• Thyroid conditions such as hyperthyroidism can cause agitation, aggressiveness, depressive episodes, or anxiety. These kinds of symptoms are very common with hyperthyroidism. 

• Bipolar disorder can cause severe mood swings ranging from mania to hypomania. This condition can cause an individual to feel extreme sadness and distress, and happiness or hyperactivity within a few minutes. 

• Sleep deprived people can experience irritability, and intense agitation because of tiredness. The people get exhausted, feeling sleepy, feeling like not doing anything. 

• Stress is one of the major causes for mood swings. Stressful situations at work, home or anywhere else can lead to chronic stress making one feel sad, angry or bitter. People can even lose sleep affecting their mood. Individuals distance themselves from their close friends, unable to control their emotions. 

What are the 5 mood disorders? 

There are various common mood disorders that people experience and suffer from 

• Major depression is having decreased interest in activities once enjoyed before, feeling hopelessness, for consecutive 2 weeks can be termed as depression. 

• Dysthymia is chronic low grade depression or irritable mood lasting for 2 years. 

• Bipolar disorder can have a person experiencing periods of alternating depression and elevated mood. 

• Mood disorders related to various other underlying medical conditions, injuries, and chronic illness can trigger symptoms of depression. 

• Substance induced mood disorders can have symptoms of depression because of the effects of medicine, drug abuse, alcoholism, or toxins. 

Are mood swings normal?

Mood swings are a normal and common phenomenon experienced by everyone. The common symptoms of mood swings can be

• Anxiety

• Fearfulness

• Depressive episodes

• Feeling of impending doom

• Being upset 

• Aggression 

• Agitation

These symptoms are the most common with mood swings. As mentioned above are the causes one suffers through mood swings. 

Why does my mood suddenly drop? 

Sudden dropping of mood can be due to stress or circumstances around an individual making them feel uncomfortable or anxious. Although, sometimes there can be underlying mental disorders like bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia that make people feel these sudden mood swings. Alternating between two moods and experiencing sudden bursts of activity with sadness in minutes out of nowhere can be an indication that a person is suffering from bipolar disorder. 

How do I stop my mood swings? 

Depending on the symptoms and conditions there are medications that can help reduce these mood dysfunctions. Medications like

• Antidepressant or mood stabilizing medications with psychotherapy have beneficial results. 

• Psychotherapy and counseling like cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy focuses on changing people’s perception and views on the environment and the surroundings around them. It helps people talk about their feelings and experiences and how to deal with the emotions associated with it. 

• Sometimes family is affected due to the mood swings and extreme feelings of helplessness. To overcome and how to deal with the one affected, options for family therapy are available. 

How do I lift my mood? 

There are some ways through which one can lift their mood and emotions. 

• Try writing down feelings in a diary. This way the person can be venting out their emotions. 

• Journaling with positive affirmations helps people feel hopeful about things. 

• Going for walks and exploring the city can help an individual distract from their own mental thoughts. 

If you’re experiencing mood swings and it is disrupting the daily mood, consult the best psychiatrist in Patna, Bihar.