Mood swings can affect anyone, but some groups of people have been known to experience mood swings based on biological conditions, such as adolescence or pregnancy. According to Teens Health, the body begins to produce sex hormones during puberty, and they appear to cause changes in emotional states in some people. According to the American Pregnancy Association, factors that affect women who are pregnant can cause mood swings. These factors include fatigue, physical stresses and changes in hormone levels. Regardless of the cause, there are steps that can be taken to overcome mood swings.
Step 1
Recognize the fact that you are not alone. Whether it's pregnancy, puberty or some other condition that is a factor in the mood swings, understanding that you're not the only one experiencing this condition may help you to cope with mood swings.
Step 2
Get plenty of sleep if you're undergoing stressful, physically demanding conditions such as pregnancy. Not being well-rested can increase your chances of becoming irritable.
Step 3
Get regular exercise. The exercise can take any form, including a job, a bicycle ride, a game of tennis, a walk or a hike. A healthy body can help to improve self-image. Also, exercise makes the body produce beta-endorphin, which is a hormone that helps people to handle stress.
Step 4
Eat a healthy diet. This helps to ensure the body has all of the nutrients it needs to perform properly.
Step 5
Talk to people. These can be people who you trust such as friends or co-workers, counselors, parents or peers. If you're married or in a committed relationship, talk to your partner. These people may be able to share their coping experiences and help you to handle your mood swings.
Step 6
Start a creative project. This project could include sculpting, creative writing, painting, music or some other mode of expression. Art can be a form of release.
Step 7
Take a meditation class. Learning how to meditate and to achieve a state of calmness, which is necessary during meditation, may help to smooth out mood swings.
Step 8
See a physician if the mood swings lasts longer than two weeks or if they interrupt normal activities. The mood swings could be a symptom of a medical condition such as bipolar disorder.
Tips and Warnings
- Patience can help people get through the time that's necessary to get through a period of mood swings.
- Some conditions that produce mood swings in teenagers can also cause them to want to hurt themselves, including committing suicide.
