Types of Mood Swings

A depressive mood is characterized by hopeless feelings.

Overcome by anger and then suddenly brought to tears -- mood swings might lead to periods of euphoria followed by moments of complete hopelessness. Moods like mania, depression, anxiety and rage that come and go quickly can make a person very unstable emotionally. The type of mood swings you are experiencing are directly related to the source of the problem, whether it is a chemical imbalance or hormone-induced.

Mania

This is a type of mood swing characterized by racing thoughts, rapid movements, restlessness and impulsiveness. It may cause you to have a quick succession of ideas and thoughts. You may feel physical and emotional highs and be unable to sit still. Individuals with mania talk fast and make elaborate plans.

Hypomania

The hypomania mood often precedes mania. It is a less intense form of mania in which you may feel pleased with your life or situation, confident and "in sync" with the world around you. Often sensuality and pleasurable feelings are heightened. Hypomania can quickly turn into mania without warning.

Depressive Mood

Sadness, hopelessness, feelings of being unworthy and persistent doom are aspects of the depressive mood. Individuals might have low energy, sleep a lot, feel fatigued and eat less when a depressive mood strikes. The longer the mood lasts, the more devastating it is for the individual.

Anxious Mood

An anxious mood is characterized by worry, overwhelmed feelings, negative thoughts and obsession with something bad happening. An individual in an anxious mood may have a lot of physical symptoms like sweating, rapid breathing or hyperventilating, and tension in his body, especially the throat. This person often feels completely out of control during the period of anxiety.

Rage

Intense anger or rage is a mood type that is scary to experience. Feeling out of control or unable to stop thoughts about hurting yourself or others is typical of this mood. You may feel intense emotions, heat and electricity surging through you. Individuals in an angry mood are irritable at best and physically violent at worst.

References

• Web MD: Hypomania and Mania Symptoms in Bipolar Disorder
• Amen Clinics: Anxiety, Depression & Mood Disorders
• Baby Center: Mood Swings During Pregnancy

Resources

• Epigee: Menopause Symptoms: Mood Swings
• BA Free: Mood Swings