Why do you feel so bad? Have you ever asked yourself, “Why am I in such a bad mood all the time?” in the meantime…
Why do you feel so bad?
Have you ever asked yourself, “Why am I in such a bad mood all the time?”
It’s normal for occasional mood swings to be caused by the challenges of everyday life, but sometimes there are more serious underlying causes.
Douglas A. Misquitta, Ph.D., psychiatrist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, said: “If changes are subtle or gradual over time, we may miss the underlying contributors.”
The perception of a bad mood varies slightly from person to person.
Dr. Latasha Selivey Perkins, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, said:
Dr. Jennifer Cordle, an osteopathic family physician near Philadelphia and an associate professor of osteopathic medicine at Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, often says patients say things like “I don’t feel myself” or “I’m irritable.” I hear “Irritated.”
That’s when Caudle does some detective work. If she can rule out a serious mental health condition like clinical depression and make sure the patient is not putting herself or others at risk of harm, she can start looking elsewhere for causes. increase.
There are many medical conditions that cause or contribute to mood swings.
Here are some examples.
thyroid disease
Let’s give the thyroid some credit. After all, this butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck plays a key role in producing hormones that help regulate body temperature, weight, skin and hair health, energy levels, and mood. I’m here.
“When it’s off, it’s off,” says Dr. Charles Sophie, a psychiatrist in Beverly Hills, California.
For example, hyperthyroidism, also called hyperthyroidism, can make you nervous and nervous. Hypothyroidism, also called hypothyroidism, can make you feel unmotivated and depressed, both of which can lead to low mood.
Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disease that causes hypothyroidism. Other thyroid problems include thyroid cancer and goiter. This is an enlarged thyroid gland.
A simple blood test can help identify if a thyroid problem is causing your distress.
sleep
To better understand the causes of this, ask new parents how lack of sleep affects their mood.
“They don’t realize the toll (lack of sleep) is on them,” says Sophie.
Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea interfere with rest. Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing slows or stops during sleep. you may not be fully awake, think A good night’s sleep can result in a plummeting mood during the day. Your doctor may take your medical history, do a physical exam, or recommend a sleep study to diagnose sleep apnea, which is common and treatable.
Not getting enough sleep can also cause a bad mood, says Misquitta. For most adults he needs at least seven hours of quality sleep per night, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
If you’re not getting enough sleep and why, it’s worth talking to your health care provider about boosting your mood through better rest.
bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder causes mood swings on both ends of the spectrum. During periods of depression, a person may feel depressed and sad. Conversely, unusually high or high moods are commonly associated with manic episodes, says Misquitta. For example, a person may experience a manic climax for several days or a week, followed by an episode of depression that usually lasts for a similar duration.
“Bipolar disorder has a lot of ups and downs, but with depression, it stays much lower,” says Perkins.
Bipolar disorder has medications and other types of ongoing treatment. Bipolar disorder requires a diagnosis for professional treatment, so talk to your healthcare provider if you think you may be experiencing symptoms.
stroke
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted. A sagging face, sagging arms, and slurred speech are all common symptoms of stroke.
But the aftereffects of a stroke, like other conditions that occur in the brain, can affect something lesser known: mood.
For example, if the stroke is in the right frontal lobe of the brain, you may feel “inappropriately high,” while a stroke in the left hemisphere may make you feel sad or anxious.
“There is a lot of evidence that emotions and moods are controlled by a part of the brain called the limbic system,” he says.
If you have had a stroke and feel unusually depressed, talk to your doctor about treatment.
Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive central nervous system disorder. Common symptoms of the disease are physical, such as hand tremors, sluggishness, limb stiffness, and balance problems. But neurodegenerative diseases involve a reduction in mood-regulating brain chemicals, so it’s not surprising that Parkinson’s also lowers mood, he says.
In fact, according to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, at least 50% of people with Parkinson’s disease develop depression. There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but treatments such as medication, behavioral therapy, and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms such as low mood.
premenstrual dysphoric disorder
I have premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
PMDD is a severe form of PMS in which women feel very sad and irritable, bloated and painful during the week or so before their period. This can interfere with daily life, according to the National Institutes of Health.
“It’s very common for women to have mood swings and mood swings related to their menstrual cycle,” says Caudle, but it’s important to see a doctor if it’s serious.
Birth control pills, antidepressants, pain relievers, and lifestyle changes (such as more exercise and getting enough sleep) can help reduce both PMS and PMDD.
allergy
You’ll know if you have allergies, but Sophy often finds that patients are allergic to something around them, such as pollen or dander, or a diet like gluten.
If you’re having trouble sleeping due to postnasal drip or congestion, Sophie says, environmental triggers or allergies can have a big impact on your mood. Some studies have found it to be associated with depressive symptoms that subside with
Allergies that are not properly managed can strain the immune system and can lead to lethargy, frequent illnesses, and other mood disorders.
Asking your doctor about running a blood test can help identify these allergies.
vitamin deficiency
One of Caudle’s patients who underwent gastric bypass surgery found that more than her pant size went down, she felt depressed. culprit? Gastric bypass surgery can change the way your stomach processes food and absorbs nutrients, so you may be deficient in some vitamins.
A blood test can determine if your depression is vitamin related. Deficiencies of iron, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 are common causes. For example, iron deficiency can lead to anemia, making you feel low energy, lack of motivation and fatigue, says Perkins.
Beyond nutritional supplements, experts stress that eating a balanced diet low in processed foods and sugar can help stabilize your mood.
When to Talk to a Health Care Provider About a Bad Mood
If your bad mood lasts longer than a month and you don’t know why, it’s time to see your doctor or other type of health care provider, Perkins advises.
Other signs when seeing a health care provider for chronic bad moods and mood swings include:
— when you’re in a particularly bad mood.
— Your normal bad mood coping mechanisms aren’t working.
— Your bad mood is affecting your daily life and the activities you enjoy.
— People around you are noticing that your mood has changed.
It’s best to start with your primary care provider or family doctor who can run specific tests and refer you to a specialist if needed.
“Every health problem deserves help, whether it’s a systemic cause or a psychological cause,” says Perkins.
If you have suicidal thoughts, suicidal thoughts, or want to hurt others or yourself, call 911 or visit an emergency room. You can also contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. It is designed to provide 24/7 free and confidential support to people facing suicidal crises and emotional distress.
A test that helps identify the cause of a bad mood
If you are in a bad mood, talk to your health care provider about testing to identify the cause of your bad mood. These tests include:
— A physical examination to check for any abnormalities.
— Blood tests to check your blood sugar, thyroid hormone levels, and complete blood count to check for signs of anemia or infection. Blood tests can also help determine iron and vitamin levels.
— A urine drug test to determine if substance use is offensive.
— Reviewing medication lists to help identify drug interactions that can make you feel worse.
How to avoid bad moods
Whether your bad mood is due to your life circumstances, stress, or physical or mental health issues, there are some things you can do to manage your mood.
– Get enough sleep.
— Eat a balanced and healthy diet.
— Engage in physical activity regularly, but check with your healthcare provider first to see if you have any limits.
— Drink plenty of water throughout the day, too much alcohol consumption can lead to dehydration, which can make you moody and affect your health.
— Consider individual or group therapy as a way to develop coping skills to cope with difficulties.
— Talk to your health care provider if you think psychiatric medications, such as antidepressants, might help.
Final Words on Identifying and Improving Mood Swings
Common factors and causes of bad moods and mood swings include:
— Thyroid disorder.
– sleep.
– Bipolar disorder.
– Stroke.
– Parkinson’s disease.
– Premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
– allergy.
— vitamin deficiency.
You don’t have to put up with chronic mood swings or persistent bad moods. Seek help from your healthcare provider to find out if you have an underlying health problem that needs treatment.
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What causes mood swings? originally appeared usnews.com
Update 01/18/23: This article was originally published and has been updated with new information.
