Mood Swings and Aging

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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. As you grow older, the children move out, significant people pass away, your physical health declines, and your dependence on others may increase. This can be enough to bring on sadness for anyone. 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. While moods will of course change and fluctuate, rapid changes can be cause for concern. 

Mood disorders are prevalent in seniors and the rates are only increasing as more people seek treatment. Although aging may be accompanied by losses, illnesses, loneliness, and isolation, it does not mean that mood swings should be readily accepted as part of aging. Rapid mood swings that impact your functioning are often symptoms of a mood disorder.

What are Mood Swings?

Mood swings are rapid or extreme changes in mood that can occur regardless of time and place. 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 susceptibility 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.

Indicators of Concerning Mood Swings

Mood swings can occur at any age. Midlife mood swings manifest common signs and symptoms, including:

  • Anxiety or irritability
  • Shortness of breath
  • Confusion and forgetfulness
  • Poor judgment
  • Isolating
  • 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.

 

Therapy to Address Mood Swings

Mood disturbances, such as bipolar and depression, can have a debilitating effect on various life aspects, including relationships, work, school, etc. These swings usually occur as a symptom of a bigger underlying disorder, working with a trained therapist can help you to address your symptoms and move forward.

In therapy, it is possible to uncover whether mood swings are the result of an emotional health condition or a symptom of another health concern. Whatever the outcome, counseling can often assist in identifying the cause of the mood fluctuations as well as in pinpointing the triggers that cause these changes. Therapy can equip you with tools and strategies to better manage your mood changes.

Without intervention mood swings generally tend to get worse. They can have devastating effects on everyone involved. Finding the therapist that is right for you can be key in recovery. 

Look no further than Carolina Counseling Services – Fuquay-Varina, NC. Our caring Scheduling Team will help to connect you with a contracted, licensed therapist who knows how to treat mood swings. You deserve to enjoy this next phase of your life. Call today to schedule your first appointment.

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