December 2, 2019

Experiencing Anxiety Mood Swings? – 6 Steps to Get Out of the Funk

Written by Rachel Eddins

Posted in Anxiety and with tags:

Man suffering from mood swings

It is normal to experience a fair amount of anxiety mood swings throughout our lives.

When, then, is the point at which we might consider the mood swings to be symptomatic of more than just daily stressors?

Mood swings related to mental illness are very real, and it can be hard to recognize them and move past them. Fortunately, there are ways to become aware of our own behaviors and take the first steps towards moving out of that funk.

Consider six of them.

Step 1: Pay Close Attention to Aggravators

We all have pet peeves and we certainly all have things that might annoy us in everyday life. But what happens when the annoyance outweighs anything else?

When we start to allow ourselves to be in tune with our emotions, there can be a lot to unpack. For starters, it may become apparent that we are getting frustrated more often than intended. Furthermore, we may find a certain level of anxiety that comes with that feeling of being on edge all the time.

Though it can be difficult to come to terms with, it is important to recognize this anxiety and the mood swings that are occurring because of it. And once we pin down the aggravator, in our lives, we can more easily find solutions to not be so irritated.

Step 2: Make More Conscious Choices

Once we realize our aggravator, we can more easily make choices that won’t trigger them as much.

For example, if we know a certain person at work is particularly draining, we can try to avoid or limit conversation with this person. Not only does this relieve anxiety, but it allows the feeling of control to resonate.

It may not be possible to eliminate all annoyances in life, but allowing ourselves to put our own well-being first and foremost will help alleviate a great deal of stress.

Step 3: Take Up a New Hobby

A great way to heighten a mood is by doing something fun, relaxing, or enjoyable. A physical hobby such as dancing, swimming, or playing tennis is a great way to relieve everyday stress and anxiety. Not only that, but it’s great for our physical fitness as well.

There are plenty of hobbies that are less physically demanding as well—painting, reading, or taking a cooking class. Really, there is no limit to the hobbies we can take up and enjoy.

The best thing is, we can benefit from the lessened anxiety mood swings and heightened productivity that comes from these hobbies. In turn, this productivity can make us feel more accomplished and all-around happier with how we spend our free time.

Do you have symptoms of anxiety? Take this self test and find out if anxiety could be impacting your life.

Step 4: Reach Out to Friends

When we feel ourselves sinking into low points, it can be easy to isolate ourselves from the world. However, it is important to do the exact opposite: try to take the extra steps towards socialization.

So, why not reach out to someone close? Going out to dinner with a friend, visiting a family member, or even just a phone call to a loved one can do wonders for quelling mood swings and boosting mental health.

Step 5: Reconsider Selfishness

Selfishness is not always a bad thing, contrary to popular belief. Often, it is important to put ourselves first and be wary of our own mental well-being above all else. If we are letting our mental health slack, this can negatively affect others.

So, it is ultimately most important that we care for ourselves first.

Yes, we want to be reliable and pleasant to others, but we also deserve our own individual happiness. This can only be achieved by allowing ourselves to put our needs as a priority.

Step 6: Remember That There Is Always Help for Mood Swings

Often, we are able to take our mood swings in stride and deal with our anxiety in day-to-day life. However, there is no shame in admitting that more help may be necessary.

Whether this help comes in the form of a friend, mother, brother, pet, or therapist, we all deserve extra emotional support sometimes. Not only that, but we might also get some excellent advice as well.

Woman experiencing a mood swing.

If you are in a funk, take heart. No matter what, there are ways to become aware of your mood swings and take steps towards bettering yourself and lifting that gloomy feeling.

Weekly counseling sessions serve as a safe space to explore the elements that brought you to where you are right now. It can be quite difficult to see our behavior for what it is. Working with a professional guide is an excellent method for quieting your inner voice and taking sustainable steps to stop overthinking. At Eddins Counseling Group in Houston, TX, we have many qualified therapists that can help with stop overthinking and other anxiety-inducing thoughts. Call us at 832-559-2622 or book an appointment online.

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