You were feeling up and now you are feeling down. Soon, you might be feeling up again. It seems like you are riding an emotional roller coaster these days. Are these changes normal or not? The answer is maybe. It depends on how much these changes are having an impact on you and the people around you. Many things can affect your mood during the day. But sometimes, mood swings could be a symptom of an underlying mental illness. It could be a clue that something is happening inside your body. Read on to understand more about mood swings in older adults!
Stress and Anxiety
The day-to-day troubles and hassles can definitely affect one’s mood. When you are sensitive, you might react more strongly to certain situations compared to other people. And if you experience a lack of sleep, which is common for people under stress, that doesn’t help as well. Some people may feel fearful, worried, and uneasy even when there is no obvious reason why. You might have an anxiety disorder if you have trouble managing your worries more often than not for at least 6 months, together with other symptoms.
Bipolar Disorder
People who have bipolar disorder experience highs and lows that are more intense than regular mood swings. It is normal to feel great when things are going well. But someone with bipolar disorder might experience days or weeks in the manic state, where they talk fast and sleep very little but still have lots of energy. During the depressive phase, they might have trouble getting out of bed, feel sad, unmotivated, or even suicidal. This mental illness affects about 3% of the population.
Depression
Someone who is depressed may experience mood swings too. They have their lows, then feel okay sometimes. But they don’t have the manic highs that an individual with bipolar disorder would have. If you have been feeling sad, restless, drained, or hopeless for more than two weeks, do check with your doctor to figure out what is the cause of it.
Hormonal Changes
Sex hormones are tied to your emotions as well. Changes in these hormone levels will lead to mood swings. It is not a surprise that teenagers are known for being moody. For women, PMS, perimenopause, menopause, or pregnancy can lead to unpredictable mood swings. Men’s hormones are quite stable until the age of 30 when testosterone levels start to decline gradually. About a third of older men have low levels of testosterone. This can lead to mood swings, along with sleep problems, hot flashes, and erectile dysfunction.
Experience Discovery Village At Southlake
Discovery Village At Southlake is the ideal retirement community for you. Here, you will be able to lead the lifestyle you have always wanted. Stay in a lovely apartment home and enjoy all of our excellent amenities and facilities. Participate in our fun and exciting activities to live an active, engaged life. Our warm and friendly team is always here for you. It is time for you to experience senior living with us. Feel free to contact us for more information.
