Frustrated by mood swings that seem to be happening for no reason? A mood disorder like bipolar disorder might be the cause. While it’s natural to experience a broad spectrum of different emotions, persistent extreme shifts can be a sign of something more serious. When you’re excited, you may notice that your emotions are especially intense. You may experience racing thoughts and feel more talkative than usual. When you’re sad or feeling low, you may notice symptoms like very low self-esteem and rapid, significant weight changes. If you find yourself cycling from joy and excitement to sadness and hopelessness, it’s important to seek treatment. Professional intervention can help you regulate and stabilize your moods, avoiding intense ups and downs.

Are you not sure whether you should be concerned about your mood? Sometimes it can be hard to tell when intervention is necessary. Learning about common signs of conditions like bipolar disorder can be illuminating. If you’re uncertain about your own mental health status, it may help to contact a treatment provider with any questions you have. 

Key signs that you should seek treatment for your mood swings

• Extreme highs and lows — Everyone occasionally has big emotional highs and lows. You might experience major happiness after having a child, for example, or deep sadness after losing a loved one. While extreme emotions are natural in certain situations, people do not typically experience them on a daily basis. If you find yourself frequently experiencing high highs and low lows, the cause could be a mood disorder. People with bipolar disorder typically experience manic and depressive cycles. During a manic period, you may feel overjoyed and highly motivated. This can quickly shift to a period of depression, however. These shifts are not usually moment-to-moment changes. For people with mood disorders, periods of mania and depression can last for several days or even weeks. The extended duration and extreme nature of these emotional states goes beyond typical mood shifts. Mental health treatments like psychotherapy can be essential for managing your moods and helping you find a sense of stability.
• Unusual energy levels — Do your energy levels change drastically with your mood? This could be a sign that what you are experiencing is more significant than a mood swing. People with bipolar disorder often feel energized and productive during high periods. This is followed by extreme exhaustion during low periods. While high moods may seem positive, they come with their own downsides. During a manic period, you may feel highly stimulated and confident. This can lead to impulsive and risky behaviors. To restore balanced energy levels, you may want to seek mental health treatment.
• Frequent agitation — After a typical mood shift, you may temporarily feel irritated or surprised. This feeling generally fades fairly quickly. When you have a mood disorder, however, you may experience persistent irritation or agitation. Your emotions may feel constantly raw, making it easier to trigger an outburst. If you often feel overwhelmed or agitated, it may be time to seek treatment. With psychotherapy focused on emotional regulation, you can learn how to avoid agitation and feel more in control.

Benefits of treating a mood disorder

If you have a mood disorder, you’re not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 1 in 5 US adults live with a mental illness. Mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder are some of the most common mental health conditions. Fortunately, help is available. With the right treatment, you can make progress toward recovery. Here are some of the most substantial benefits of mental health treatment:

• Relief — Mood swings can be exhausting. If you’re tired of feeling happy then sad in cycles, professional treatment can offer welcome relief. A licensed clinical therapist will work with you to identify and systematically address your symptoms. Finding relief from your symptoms can boost your quality of life and make it easier to continue improving your mental health.
• Understanding — Knowledge is vital. By getting a deeper understanding of your emotional states, you can learn to manage them more effectively. Education is a key aspect of psychotherapy. A good therapist can help you learn more about your emotions. Through therapy, you can learn to identify why you experience mood swings. Getting to the root of your symptoms is an important step toward long-term recovery.
• Wellness — Beyond addressing your primary symptoms, psychotherapy can improve your overall mental wellness. A successful course of treatment can lead to better daily functioning, boosted confidence and other significant benefits.

Identify and address your mood issues with Lightfully

Lightfully Behavioral Health provides treatment options tailored to your priorities and needs. With a holistic approach centered on the client, we are committed to helping you achieve your mental wellness goals. Working toward measurable results, we can work with you to find effective solutions to your mood disorder symptoms. Our evidence-based treatment is designed with long-term relief and wellness in mind.

Change is possible. When you’re ready to find a solution to your mood swings, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.