What Are Mood Swings?
Your feelings can change fast when you’re a teen. You might feel happy, then sad or cross in a short time. These quick mood changes are normal when you’re growing up.
Some days all you want to do is stay in bed. Small things might make you snap at your friends. If this sounds like you, don’t worry. Most young people feel this way too as they grow up.
Why Do Mood Swings Happen?
Your body changes a lot in your teen years. Here’s what affects your moods:
Body Changes
Your brain makes a helpful chemical called serotonin. It helps you feel good. When you’re young, you have less of it. This can make you feel more down or cross than usual.
Your body also makes chemicals that start your periods. Before each period, your moods might go up and down. This happens to three in four people. Doctors call it PMS. It gets better once your period starts.
Daily Life
Being a teen means dealing with:
- School work
- Making friends
- Getting sleep
- Future plans
- Social media
- Free time
Finding Yourself
Teen years are when you learn who you are. This can affect how you feel as you:
- Try new looks
- Meet new people
- Find what you like
- Learn about dating
- Work out where you fit in
Ways To Feel Better
You can’t stop mood swings, but you can learn to cope with them:
Sleep Well
- Go to bed at the same time
- Try to sleep 8-9 hours
- Keep phones out of your room
Eat Well
- Have three meals a day
- Eat lots of fruit and veg
- Drink plenty of water
Do Things You Like
When you feel down, try to:
- Play music
- Draw or paint
- Take quiet time
- See friends
- Write your feelings
- Go for a walk
- Play sports
- Take deep breaths
Connect with Others
Think of your emotions like waves in a pool – they ripple out and affect people around you. When you’re struggling, reach out. A quick chat with your best friend might lift your mood faster than scrolling through social media for an hour. Try joining a club or team that interests you. Whether you’re into chess, drama, or skateboarding, sharing time with people who like what you like can boost your spirits.
For example, Mia found that joining her school’s art club helped her handle stress better. “I used to bottle everything up,” she says. “Now I paint what I feel, and I’ve made friends who get it.” You might be surprised to find that other teens face similar challenges – and they might have great tips to share!
Remember to mix up your social time between online and face-to-face chats. While texting is fine, seeing someone smile or hearing them laugh can do wonders for your mood.
Watch Your Moods
Write down how you feel each day. Look for:
- What makes you happy
- What makes you sad
- How your moods change
- Links to your period
When To Get Help
Most mood swings are fine, but talk to someone if:
- You feel very sad for two weeks
- You can’t do daily tasks
- You can’t sleep well
- Your eating changes a lot
- You feel hopeless
- Life feels too hard
It’s OK to ask for help. A doctor or school nurse can:
- Listen to you
- Share good tips
- Find ways to help
- Talk about what might work
Main Points
Mood swings are part of being a teen. They happen because:
- Your body is changing
- Life gets more busy
- You’re learning who you are
You can handle them better by:
- Getting good sleep
- Eating well
- Doing fun things
- Talking about your feelings
Remember: Lots of teens feel like you do. It’s always OK to ask for help.
Photo by Anthony Cunningham for Zoom Health UK
Zoom Health is a leading UK supplier of Home Health Tests and Earplugs
