Mood Swings

The presence of sudden changes in mood are not necessarily due to the presence of psychological or other problems in a person, individual temperament and character are more likely to play a role in the occurrence of mood swings in a person. The typical signs and symptoms that are evident in a person who displays mood swings are unexplained anger and sudden fits of irritability, short-term feelings of melancholia and sudden recourse to weeping. A mood disorder could be the underlying reason, and a physician must be consulted especially when the symptoms are very intense and show an alternation in feelings of complete euphoria and extreme sadness. A related complication like the mental state known as manic depression brings an alternation in the person between the manic phase, witnessed by feelings of elation and buoyancy, an uncontrollable flow of thoughts, impulsiveness and restlessness, complete withdrawal marks the person during the alternate depressive state, tremendous feelings of hopelessness and anxiety come into play, during this phrase the person is unable to think about, let alone act on anything and is wholly withdrawn.

Fluctuations in the levels of hormones within the body especially during the premenstrual period, during the course of a pregnancy and on the onset of menopause in women have been connected to the development of mood swings in women, however the role of other factors such as the presence of an underlying nutritional imbalances within the body cannot be discounted. Frequent and sudden fluctuation in the levels of blood-sugar, affect the brain and it has been suggested that this causes the appearance of mood swings in a person. Other signs and conditions in the body like the appearance of hypoglycemia due to a drop in the level of blood sugar, the lack of sleep leading to fatigue and anxiety and stress in a person can all cause irritability, and the presence of irritability alone therefore is not necessarily a sign of fluctuations in mood in a person.

The origin of mood swings due to the presence of psychological and emotional pain or trauma should also be probed further as a possible cause. However it can generally be said that there are many causes to the origin of mood swings in a person. For example, along with the presence of other physical signs and symptoms, fluctuating levels of sudden euphoria and depression can also be due to conditions like multiple sclerosis. Serious and severe mood swings can also be caused by drug and alcohol abuse. While generally linked to the presence of severe emotional and psychological distress, the real or the specific cause of manic-depressive disorder as yet unidentified.

Supplements and herbs

The mind and the body are both benefited by the intake of a healthy diet in a person; moreover the emotions have a greater chance of becoming unstable if there is a depletion of nutrient levels in the body. So called energy pills with their claims to be able to bring quick fixes to the recovery process can injure the adrenal glands and aggravate the nutritional imbalances within the body and must thus be avoided. Heavy fluctuations in the emotions and sudden highs and lows in mood can be attributed to abrupt changes in the levels of blood sugar. To control the craving for sugar and to regulate the level of blood sugars in the body, supplementation can be done with the mineral chromium.

Supplementation can be done with nervous system supporting B-vitamin that also alleviates stress related mood swings. Since feelings of irritability and edginess are increased by the depletion of levels of calcium or magnesium, these minerals must be used as supplements to restore their levels in the body.

During the period of menopause in women, mood swings and changes can be relieved by the utilization of yarrow. The use of yarrow juice combined with the juice of the dandelion, the borage or the rosemary as a long-term therapeutic supplement can often prevent the inclination towards irritability in a person. In an alternating dose with other juices of herbal providence, yarrow juice can be used thrice a day in about 1-2 tbsp. per dose.

What else you can do

Adequate amounts of sleep and sufficient time given to rest and relaxation and regularity in lifestyle can alleviate the worst aspects of the disorder. When feeling its impending onset, take a nap to preclude its occurrence or go for a brisk walk outdoors, this will prevent the worst aspects of mood disorders from affecting you.

Usual dosage

• Vitamin B complex, 50 mg thrice a day
• Calcium, 1,000 mg
• Chromium, 200 mcg
• Magnesium, 500 mg

More useful herbs

• Asafoetida