Harnessing the Golden Years
of Mood Swings

Aging means there will be change. The process can be sneaky and subtle, bringing with it many changes and challenges that can cause stress at a time that is meant to be enjoyed comfortably. As you grow older, the children move out, significant people pass away, your physical health declines, and your dependence on others increases. This can be enough for your moods to plummet for a period of time. As you juggle the changes, your emotions may run from high and low. You can be irritable, anxious, or teary for a while, then go from blissful to unprovoked rage – welcome to the golden years of mood swings!

As the American population increasingly ages, the proportion of those aged 65 and above will comprise 20 percent of US residents for the next 25 years. Being aware of the expected changes concomitant with age is important, including mood swings. Mood disorders are prevalent in seniors and the rate is increasing as more people age. Although aging may be accompanied by losses, illnesses, loneliness, and isolation, it does not mean that the debilitating symptoms of mood swings should be readily accepted as part of aging. Behind the lingering symptoms is a mood disorder that is highly treatable.

Qualifying Midlife Mood Swings

Mood swings are rapid or extreme changes in mood that can occur regardless of time and place. They can range from the most minimal emotion to the wild vacillation of manic depression. It is natural to have occasional mood swings and have periods of feeling on top of the world, then later feeling beaten down. Mood swings can become more pronounced and noticeable in later years as age brings about a cascade of physical and emotional changes. Therapy can help improve aging and emotional wellness to minimize the vulnerability of older adults to certain triggers of mood swings.

The duration of mood swings varies from extremely rapid, or those that last for only a few hours, to extremely lengthy, or those that extend for several days. Mood swings can last for many days or weeks, with alternating episodes between feelings of depression and euphoria.

Mood Swings in Middle Aged Men and Women

Studies reveal that an estimated 20 percent of men aged 60 above and 30 percent of males aged 70 above are struggling with moodiness. As men age, testosterone levels decline gradually, resulting in their being more susceptible to changes in mood. This life change is referred to as andropause, which is the equivalent of female menopause. Although it differs greatly from what women experience during menopause, the extremely low testosterone levels explain why senior males seem cranky.

Unlike the symptoms associated with bipolar disorder and major depression, the symptoms of andropause that can cause mood swings in men are temporary. This includes insomnia and other sleep problems, loss of memory, low self-confidence, decreased motivation, difficulty concentrating, and reduced energy.

Mood swings in middle aged women are commonly attributed to an imbalance in hormones caused by aging. A study shows that mood swings have a varying prevalence from 11 to 21 percent during the perimenopausal stage, and from 8 to 38 percent after the menopause phase. The emotional ups and downs are frequently experienced as responses to stimuli in certain events, circumstances or environment. The female mood may change between extremes in a short period of time, such as from being ecstatic and happy to anxious or angry, and then on to another emotion.

While menopause is considered as the most common reason for female mood swings, other causes may also include bipolar disorder, diet, and hypothyroidism. Some women are more prone to mood swings than the others due to some emotional, behavioral and health factors that put them at a higher risk. This includes past or current emotional health problem, stress, substance abuse, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, and more.

Regardless of gender, mood swings can occur with age. Midlife mood swings in men and women manifest common signs and symptoms, including:

  • Anxiety or irritability
  • Shortness of breath
  • Confusion and forgetfulness
  • Poor judgement
  • Anti-socialness
  • Sadness
  • Reckless or inappropriate behavior (hostility, argumentative, unloving, defensive, sarcastic, etc)
  • Changes in appetite
  • Fatigue
  • Hypersensitivity
  • Missed menstrual cycles
  • Nausea and/or vomiting

Midlife is a wonderful time when there are a lot of changes going on in life. Much of it may be good, like a second career, grandchildren, or remarriage, but admittedly, there are some things that can be painful or difficult. In fact, even the welcome changes can become overwhelmingly stressful and cause your moods to swing erratically. If these feelings begin to interfere with the quality of life you envision for your retirement, you may benefit from therapy.

 

The Huge Difference Therapy Can Accomplish to Tame Mood Swings

Mood disturbances, such as bipolar and depression, can have a debilitating effect on various life aspects, including relationships, work, school, etc. The condition usually occurs as a symptom of a bigger underlying disorder and it takes a professional to help in therapy to identify and explore the causes.

In therapy, it is possible to uncover whether mood swings are the result of an emotional health condition or a symptom of other health concerns. Whatever the outcome, therapy can often assist in identifying the cause of the mood fluctuations as well as in pinpointing the triggers that cause the emotional highs and lows. Therapy can equip people with tools and strategies to lessen the stressors and tame the moods as they start behaving out of erratically.

It is also with the help of therapy that one may be able to better focus on the moment at hand with a general objective of constructively modifying moods to maintain an overall healthy emotional balance. Taming extreme mood swings may seem a daunting task, but therapy can make a huge difference.

Putting Your Mood Swings on Leash

Mood swings are not anybody’s fault, nor can they be healed by anyone struggling with the condition on their own. Without help, this kind of issue can worsen, resulting in it being impossible for a senior to have a satisfying life. Denying the condition, especially if others have noticed it and brought it to your attention, will not improve things. Seeking help and going to therapy can.

Mood swings have a devastating effect not only for the affected older adults, but also for those who care for them. If you or a senior family member is experiencing the symptoms, things can become better by seeking professional help. It is important to find the right therapist who can start you on your path to the golden years with even moods so you can enjoy a happy and comfortable retirement. If you notice that your mood swings are bothering the people close to you, then you need to do something for an issue that has a solution.

Start today with the help available through Carolina Counseling Services – Fuquay-Varina, NC. There are independently contracted counselors/therapists with appropriate treatment options for accurately diagnosing the problem and working with you to help with your mood swings. Mood swings are not what you have to accept and live with after retirement and beyond. Call Carolina Counseling Services – Fuquay-Varina, NC now to meet the right fit therapist who can help you live a more peaceful life.

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