Sick of my swings
Question
I've been suffering from mood swings for the last five years. One minute I'm fine and the next I swing completely the other way. My relationship with my girlfriend is now suffering as a result as the swings will last anything from 20 minutes to three days. My girlfriend's at her wits end and so am I. I just don't know where to turn. Please help.
Answer
It sounds like the last five years have been very difficult for you in terms of the mood swings you are experiencing and the impact this is having on other areas of your life. Feeling like your mood is going from one extreme to another so rapidly and frequently must be both frightening and frustrating.
Although you say your mood swings have affected your love life, you do not mention if there is anything else going on in your life that could be triggering the way you are feeling.
Such extreme changes in mood as you describe could be the result of anything from a medical condition (i.e. a condition affecting blood sugar levels) to stress. But it's also common for mood swings to be caused by changing hormones, and so they could be seen as a 'normal' part of adolescence. While this isn't necessarily comforting to know, try to remember you are not alone, and there are some things you could try to help you feel better.
It's important to look after yourself. Lifestyle factors such as sticking to a healthy diet, taking moderate exercise, getting enough sleep, avoiding drugs and alcohol, and reducing stress in your life will all have a massive effect on the way you are feeling.
Have you been to your doctor (GP) to talk about the mood swings you have been experiencing? As these symptoms have been going on for so long you might want to consider getting a professional assessment. Your doctor will be able to explore the options of appropriate support with you.
Please be reassured you do not have to go through this alone. Sometimes opening up to someone you're close to can help too. It's understandable that some people prefer to keep their problems from friends and family for fear of upsetting them, but when people know the situation they can often offer the support needed to help you through.
If you'd like to speak to someone independently, SANELINE is a national mental health helpline on 0845 767 8000 offering confidential support and information to anyone experiencing mental health problems. They will be able to give you the time and space to talk about how you are feeling, and the mood swings you have been experiencing, without judging you or telling you what to do.
Good answer? Bad info? Want to tell us what you think? We'd really like to hear what you've got to say about this answer so please click here to take the survey. Your feedback is confidential and as anonymous as you like.
