What Causes Teenage Mood Swings?

Teen life is a rollercoaster of hormones, relationships, identity and social media, causing rapid mood changes. Mood swings are common in teenage years, but when the frequency increases, it means more than just teen drama. We will discuss the causes of mood swings and when they can indicate the onset of mood disorders. 

Teenage Mood Swings

Mood swings usually occur due to changes in the body and life. Some of the common causes:

• Physical changes: Puberty causes hormonal changes, the limbic system is the emotional center of the brain that becomes more reactive, whereas the prefrontal cortex, which is the decision-making and self-control sector, is still developing. 
• Stress and expectation: Self-image issues, Peer pressure, family expectations, and academic pressure pile up to cause mood swings. 
• Environment and routine: Poor sleeping pattern, increased screen time, living in a tense environment, and magnifying emotional swings. 

Occasional mood swings are normal, but if you feel like your emotions are always all over the place or are now causing issues in your life, then it might be the right time to assess them closely.

Mood Disorders in Teens

Often, mood swings are labelled as “just moodiness” when it’s more than that, a “mood disorder”. Things to consider are;

• A teen might be experiencing depression, which is characterized by constant sadness, loss of interest, and lowered energy levels. 
• Bipolar disorder is another mood disorder that involves episodes of very low moods or elevated moods, such as irritability that comes and goes again and again. 
• Anxiety disorders are characterised by a person feeling overwhelming worry or fear.  

Teenagers and Mood Swings: What to Expect?

Mood swings shift from the phase of normal to challenging due to the surroundings in which they live.

• Constant comparison, cyberbullying and peer pressure make them feel like they are never good enough
• Family conflicts and a lack of communication make the teen more vulnerable 
• Poor lifestyle habits such as poor diet, lack of exercise, etc. 
• Fear of not fitting in and having issues with self-identity and self-esteem 

Conclusion

Mood swings are a part of teen years, but they should not define you. If things start getting heavier and you are unable to handle them, help is always there. Teenage mood swings are an outcome of physical changes and environmental influences such as routine and stress. Mood disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety can also disrupt a teenager’s life at some point. Bullying, family conflicts, peer pressure and poor lifestyle are some of the reasons mood swings can occur. However, help is always near. You can consult a licensed therapist or get support.

Mood Swings in Teenagers: How Saalvio Supports You

When mood swings start to feel overwhelming, remember you are not alone in this, and you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself. You can find emotional support from your friends or family, use self-guided tools including mood tracking, thrive AI, breathing exercises, journaling and mindfulness at Saalvio or consult a licensed specialist to guide you through the journey. 

You can follow these simple steps to manage mood swings;

• Notice your highs, lows, and triggers using a simple mood journal or a mood-tracker at Saalvio.
• Read our guide to what causes depression in teens to know more about teenage mood swings.
• Set a proper routine for yourself, including a sleep routine with a minimum of 8 hours of sleep, a nutritious diet, some physical activity, and a few moments for just yourself. 
• Talk to someone you trust, don’t isolate yourself 
• Use self-help tools
• Seek teen therapy if mood disorders have started to impact your social interactions and relationships.