What are mood swings?

Mood swings are quick changes in how you feel emotionally. These mood changes can happen suddenly and sometimes without a clear reason. You may go from feeling irritable, frustrated, sad, or angry to feeling fine shortly after.

While these changes in mood can be unsettling, they usually don't cause long-term problems.

If you notice that you feel low all the time or lose interest in things you usually enjoy, it could be a sign of depression. If this happens, it's important to seek help from your doctor or a mental health professional.

What symptoms are related to mood swings?

Mood swings can involve feeling irritable, frustrated, sad or happier more than usual. You might notice your mood changing between feeling low, normal and up-beat or happy without a clear reason. Sometimes, you may find yourself snapping at others or being a bit impulsive.

This sort of moodiness is common and usually not a problem.

If you start feeling very low, teary, unmotivated, or lose interest in things you usually enjoy for a long time, or you're making reckless decisions in a way that's out of character for you, it could be a sign that you need to talk to your GP.

ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.

What causes mood swings?

Mood swings can be caused by physical changes, lifestyle, or mental health issues.

Common physical causes of mood swings include:

• tiredness — not getting enough sleep or sleeping too much
• hormones — hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, menopause or puberty
• medical issues — such as underactive thyroid or the flu
• medicines — some medicines have side effects that can affect your mood

Common lifestyle-related causes of mood swings include:

• stress — for example stress from work, school or personal life
• physical activity — lack of exercise can make you moody, while regular physical activity helps manage your mood
• substance use — using drugs or alcohol to cope with negative feelings can make mood swings worse
• caffeine — too much caffeine can increase feelings of anxiety and moodiness
• diet — skipping meals or overeating can lead to feelings of tiredness or guilt, triggering mood swings

When you're not feeling well physically or mentally, it's common to feel more irritable or down.

Having mood swings for weeks at a time can also be a sign of mental illness, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. See your doctor if you are worried about mental illness.

It's normal to have mood swings sometimes, especially during stressful periods or when things aren't going smoothly. You may also experience mood swings due to lack of sleep or hormonal changes.

Mood swings are especially common during major life stage changes such as:

• puberty
• menopause
• pregnancy
• having a baby
• aging

These life stages are filled with emotional ups and downs. These are times when your body goes through changes, including shifts in hormones and brain development. This can affect your mood.

How is the cause of mood swings diagnosed?

If your mood is low a lot of the time and doesn't improve, your doctor may ask you to keep a journal of your mood. They may ask you to write down when your mood is low and what triggers may be involved. This can help identify patterns that could point to a specific cause. They may also refer you for tests to help understand the cause of your symptoms.

When should I see my doctor?

You should see your doctor if your mood swings are severe or affect your ability to function at work or in your relationships. Also see your doctor if you:

• notice that your medicines are impacting your mood
• are feeling low, unmotivated, and lack interest for several weeks without improvement
• have outbursts of anger and irritability that seem out of proportion to the situation
• feel unusually high, powerful or need less sleep than usual, or take risks that you normally wouldn't, and people who know you say that your behaviour is strange
• have mood swings, use alcohol or drugs, and would like advice or professional help

Your doctor may ask you about your symptoms and medical history. They may also ask questions about your lifestyle. If needed, your doctor can refer you to a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist.

When to seek urgent care

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, seek urgent care immediately.

Go to the nearest emergency department, call triple zero (000), or contact a mental health crisis helpline. Learn more about how to get help during a mental health crisis.

ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.

How are mood swings treated?

Treatment for mood swings depends on what's causing them. Managing low mood often involves identifying and addressing your triggers.

Self-care at home

Taking care of your mental health can help manage mood swings. Here are some self-care tips:

• Sleep well — aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep.
• Eat a balanced diet — regular, nutritious meals can keep your energy levels steady.
• Exercise regularly — activities such as walking, yoga, or swimming can help you release stress.
• Reach out to friends or family —catch up with others so you're not alone.
• Find mood boosters — make a list of things that boost your mood. Try meditation, watching something funny, take up a hobby, join a group or volunteer in your community.
• Avoid substances — don't use alcohol and drugs.

Medicines for mood swings

If your mood swings are because of a mental health condition, your doctor may prescribe medicines, such as antidepressants.

Other treatment options

Other options may be recommended, such as:

• therapy — psychological support, phone applications or counselling may help you understand and manage your emotions.
• support — talk to someone you trust about how you are feeling. This may be a friend, family member, doctor or social worker.
• lifestyle changes — making changes to your work, relationships or daily routine can reduce stress.

Your doctor can help you decide which treatment options are best for you.

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

What are the complications of mood swings?

If ignored, mood swings can lead to complications, including:

• relationship problems — frequent mood changes can make it hard to maintain healthy relationships with family, friends and colleagues.
• mental health conditions — ongoing mood swings can increase your risk of developing depression or other mental health concerns.
• substance abuse — some people may turn to alcohol or drugs to cope with mood swings, which can lead to substance abuse and worsen mood.

Seeking help early can prevent these complications and help you manage your mood.

Can mood swings be prevented?

There are steps you can take to reduce the frequency and intensity of mood swings. These include:

• staying active
• doing activities you enjoy
• spending time with family and friends
• eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep
• learning to cope with challenges
• reducing or stopping alcohol and drug use
• joining a group or volunteering in your community

Having good mental health helps you to handle life's ups and downs. It helps you succeed at work or school, stay connected, enjoy activities, and recover when faced with difficulties.

Resources and support

• Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 if you are thinking about suicide or are worried about someone else.
• For advice and to connect to local mental health services, call Head to Health on 1800 595 212. Check the operating times.
• Beyond Blue and headspace have links and information on managing your mood.
• ReachOut Australia can help if you're under 25 years old and need a safe place to chat anonymously or get support.
• If you are planning, starting or raising a family, contact PANDA for a confidential chat about how you're feeling on 1300 726 306.

Looking for information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people?

• 13YARN offers a confidential, culturally safe space to yarn about your worries or concerns.
• Yarn Safe by headspace supports people aged 12 to 25 years going through a hard time.
• Dardi Munwurro provides crisis support for Aboriginal men. Call the crisis line on 1800 435 799.

Looking for information for sexually and gender-diverse families?

• Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) has LGBTIQ+ support and referrals for people living with mental illness in a safe, welcoming space.