When mood swings are minor, they can be dealt with easily and you can get on with life. But when they're severe, they can cause you to have aggressive behavior and affect all of those close to you. They're often caused by chemical imbalances or being overly stressed. There are several ways they can be treated.
Therapy
A behavioral therapist or psychologist can help you make better decisions by teaching you ways to calm your mind and think more clearly. Fear, doubt, anger, depression and self-defeating talk can all cause depression. These are areas that a therapist can work on with you. You can find a a therapist in your area by going to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America website (see Resources link for ADAA).
Knowledge
Books, magazines, articles and research tools are available to instruct you how to deal with mood swings. Gathering information from all of these sources and studying them is called "literary therapy." This can give you knowledge and understanding about your condition so you're better equipped to recognize and stop it when it occurs (see Resources for literary information).
Support
Being surrounded with negative influences can worsen mood swings. Avoid these people and situations, and create a good support team that is honest, positive and caring. These people can be there for you to talk to when you're healing yourself. You can also look to them for quick support if you're about to have a mood swing. This is called "talk therapy."
Exercise
Exercise brings with it many benefits to the body. It can help keep weight under control, increase muscle mass, strengthen the bones and improve range of motion. But one of the biggest benefits is improving your mood. According to Jennifer Davis, a health psychology counselor at the Duke University Fitness Center in Durham, N.C.: "Exercise can improve mood and can lift symptoms of depression and anxiety." This is due to the release of mood-supporting neurotransmitters while exercising called endorphins. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week. Do something that you enjoy and keep the intensity moderate. Examples are walking, running, swimming, tennis, volleyball and biking.
Yoga
Yoga is a type of mind/body exercise that can help increase flexibility and improve posture. It's also known for its effects on stress relief. Attend yoga classes and other forms of relaxation activities such as Tai Chi, meditative breathing and massages to keep yourself more calm.
Self Talk
When you're about to have a bad mood swing, stop, take a breath and think about your current situation. Identify why you are about to have a mood swing and talk yourself through it by replacing negative thoughts with positive ones. According to the Mayo Clinic, positive thinking can lower rates of depression, levels of distress and improve coping skills when faced with times of stress and hardships.
