Careful with the swings!

Hello Successful individual!

Let's discuss a little about something common, yet disturbing amongst people today.

Have you ever been in a situation where you've been out all day and there's been such dramas around you, and you just want to get home in time to pour it all out to someone, but your pour-out-plan failed because the person is not in a good mood for no good reason?

Or have you found yourself in a situation where you are talking to a friend who is so lively, making the conversation enjoyable, then all of a sudden, there's this dramatic change of mood?

Mood Swings: who gets the most hurt?

Not everyone with mood swings have bipolar disorder. Not every change of mood depicts problems that should be hurriedly attended to. A recent study has shown that some mood swings are completely normal and healthy. For example, when a lady is on her menstrual period, she is prone to unpredictable change of mood.
According to EverydayHealth, Premenstrual Syndrome can cause wild, uncontrollable mood swings in some women, who may go from crying spells to angry outbursts and anxiety-attacks, then back to a stable emotional state — all in one day.

What about those that constantly experience this? What about those that get into moods they can't control? What happens when you go into so many dangerous moods all in a day and you have no tangible reason to exhibit them? How do you handle a close friend who is such a "swinger"?

Well, firstly, it is not mood swings if it is a planned action. I am no psychologist but common sense tells me that it is not commonly sensible to just decide to go into so many hurtful moods, all in one day, constantly. That is something else that may be unnamed for now.

As healthy as mood swings may be, it does not change the fact that it hurts those around us. It would be selfish to expect the other party to keep dealing with your swings, just because you feel you shouldn't always be "in the mood".
So what? am I supposed to be a puppet at your disposal? Am I supposed to dance to your tune all the time? Am I supposed to adhere strictly to your only-talk-to-me-when-I-am-in-the-mood terms? Do you see me as such a flexible friend who will always be at your beck and call when you go in and out of your mood? Remember I have moods too, they just don't swing unnecessarily.

So what? Do you think I choose to swing unnesesaarily? Do you think it is within my control? Well, please stop there!

It is totally within your control. If you are going through emotional trauma, you are bound to have unnecessary mood swings. That may be beyond your control, but what is not beyond your control is how you let those around you get affected by it.

Some people have constant mood swings, but you won't know it, because they do not let you get affected by it.

How is that possible?
-Always confide in someone.
No man is an island. You cannot go far alone. You need a confidante. You cannot solve all of life's problem on your own. You need a mentor. Talk to someone about how you feel. Get someone you can trust. Never keep it all in. In times like this, you may need to talk to that one person who knows who you really are.

-Watch your words.
You may not want to go around apologising for wrong words when you finally snap out of your swings, so, watch what you say when you're like this. I have a principle. I always tell myself "It is better for people to get mad at my silence than my words". Moods swing, but words don't. Watch it.

-Keep calm.
As much as possible, be calm. Be temperate. Let the swings stay within, as you fight it. Once it's out, it passes the wrong message because that is not "you".

-Maintain a sober attitude, not a sober outlook.
People mustn't be able to tell when you swing. It is possible to have mood swings and still not let others in on it; they don't have to pay for a crime they only committed in your head. As much as possible, try to maintain composure. It is difficult, but that's why it is called a "fight". Dealing with mood swings is fighting.

-Withdraw to safety.
Your definition of safety may be "plugging in your earphones". Mine may be "withdrawing to sleep". Others' may be "reading a novel, swimming, jogging, taking a walk, or funny enough, stuffing up yourself with food". Whatever it is, do it for the sake of those around you. Love others enough to keep them away from  your swings. Remember, swings mustn't be noticeable. It is okay to withdraw.

You are normal if you have mood swings. You are still normal if you have it constantly and excessively. The only difference is that one demands adequate attention. Don't let anyone make you feel less human, and do not hesitate to cut off anything that is mostly responsible for your swings.

It is also importany to see a doctor if there are destructive signs like suicide attempt. Yes, some swings are that dangerous!

Key points:
-Swings are normal and healthy unless they become constant.
-Swings don't affect you alone. They do more harm to those around you.
-Find someone you can always confide in. Talk to them. You are not in this alone.
-It is totally within your control.
-Withdraw to safety.

Do you have constant swings? Has this post helped you? Have you been seeking a way to handle swings or your friend with swings? Has this post taught you? Any other questions or comments? Leave a comment in the box below!


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