normal mood swings?

[simka]

I'm 16 and I get terrible mood swings, one minute i'm fine the next i'm really depressed, want to cry/self harm. Is it normal to experience these feelings with such fast changes and intensity? It's just really getting to me.

[musicmad123]

I'm sorry if this sounds condesending, it's not supposed to. When we're teenagers, the hormones are going crazy and I personally do think it's normal to have a lot of mood swings like that. But it doesn't mean that it's easy to deal with, try and talk it out when you're suddently feeling down, just have a good moan, or do something to make yourself feel better. x

[not_so_insig]

I'm sorry if this sounds condesending, it's not supposed to. When we're teenagers, the hormones are going crazy and I personally do think it's normal to have a lot of mood swings like that. But it doesn't mean that it's easy to deal with, try and talk it out when you're suddently feeling down, just have a good moan, or do something to make yourself feel better. x

I agree - the trouble with hormones it can make you all over the place.

If your SIing gets significantly worse (either in terms of frequency or in terms of deep/getting infected) then I would seek medical advice or go to the school counsellor. Whichever is appropriate.

If you are an adult, and you still get mood swings, then I would seek medical advice, as mood swings could be a symptom of a physical problem as well as being a symptom of a mental problem.

[Nine]

It really depends on the intensity of the swings and how much they are interfering with your life. Because a lot of teenagers do experience mood swings, but obviously they maintain a high level of function. There may be drama and fights with parents and stuff, but they can get by with the exclusion of a few bad days.

But if your mood swings are making it so you can't do things you should be able to do at your age it's a problem. If your mood swings make you unable to make plans with friends because you get upset so fast, or make it so other people don't want to be around you, or in fits of rage you burn bridges with all your social connections that is a problem. If you get angry quickly and break things, or become overly aggressive that's a problem. If you are frequently in awkward situations because you are crying in public, or if your self harm is serious or escalating that's a problem. If they are severely impairing your life then yeah, it's a problem that you should seek help for.

Most of the people I've met in programs and hospitals and stuff are dealing with mood swings. It's not that other teenagers don't go through that too, it's just that it's a lot worse for them. That list of things that are a problem? Yeah that's pretty much how I am. And trust me its an issue

[roiben]

It does very much depend on the severity and how well you cope with it. It is also down to the triggers - are your changes in mood reactions to specific events; something someone has said or done. Is it irrespective of events?

It may be worth keeping a journal of your moods over a good couple of weeks and then looking at the patterns. Are there specific trigger points, things you find hard or frustrating for example - which can then be dealt with more calmly.

It may be worth speaking to your GP for referral to anger or anxiety management for example. These are short courses which help look at tools to help deal with anger, or anxiety and may help you in regulating your moods.

Ultimately, if you feel this is a concern for you - go and speak to your GP. They may be able to help. It might be that counselling via a Connexions service would be a good idea also, to provide you with a safe place to vent.

Be gentle with yourself.

Roiben x