HomeAnswersPsychiatrymood swingsI have erratic mood swings that keep alternating between feeling hyperactive and feeling low with suicidal thoughts. How to overcome this?

How to overcome erratic mood swings in a teenager?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At July 23, 2022
Reviewed AtNovember 30, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am a 14-year-old (turning 15 in six months) girl who is 5.1 feet tall and weigh 101 pounds. Ever since my early childhood, I have been experiencing rapid, intense mood swings that last from a couple of days to two weeks. During these days I am "high," people have noticed that I tend to talk too fast and too much. I sleep less (four to five hours), come up with too many ideas at once, and start too many projects that I do not complete. They have also noticed that I tend to think less about the consequences of my reckless decisions and pursue fun most of the time. This "high" usually lasts from a few days to a week, and my "low" period usually lasts for two weeks. I alternate between them usually, but there are also times that I feel fine before my low period starts up after a high one. The onset of both is sudden without any reason. However, during the days that I am "low," I have noticed that I cry for no apparent reason, most of the day because of guilt, feelings of worthlessness, and suicidal thoughts. I also prefer not to interact with others and keep to myself, even with my closed ones. Although it is during days like these that I tend to get a lot of sleep, I still feel fatigued nonetheless. My parents have noticed these erratic mood changes, and I was previously diagnosed with anger management issues when I was very young. However, they have not taken me to a psychiatrist and refuse to take me for the diagnosis and treatment of my behavior. They believe that I can handle it on my own and would instead not take any medication. Recently, however, the mood swings have been much more difficult for me to handle. As I type this, I believe I have been in a low mood for precisely a week now, and the suicidal thoughts and feelings of worthlessness have worsened. Kindly help me.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for contacting us. I can understand your situation. You may have a major depressive disorder with a borderline personality disorder. There is non-pharmacological management for it. I suggest you try few guidelines to deal with it. Exercise 30 to 45 minutes daily, like at least going for a walk. If possible, I suggest you join the gym or go swimming, which will boost your confidence. Practice meditation for 20 minutes daily. It will help you relax and reduce anger outbursts. Eat healthy home-cooked foods, and avoid junk foods. Drink enough water. Spend quality time with friends and family daily or do video calls if you are living away from your family. Spend time on hobbies like reading good books, writing journals, and creative hobbies like painting, drawing, and learning new skills, language, or musical instruments. Sleep for 7 to 8 hours daily. Avoid tobacco or alcohol, or any substance abuse.

Also, I suggest you get these laboratory testing done CBC (complete blood count), thyroid profile, vitamin B12, and vitamin D3. So, live your life, and be bold and confident. Do not be afraid of anyone. Stop overthinking. Also, I suggest you stand in front of the mirror and make eye contact with your eye and talk with yourself. If you still have symptoms that persist after following the advice for four to six weeks, I suggest you consult a psychiatrist for a detailed evaluation. I hope that you get your answer. Please, let me know if you want some help.

Thank you. Take care.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Vishal Anilkumar Gandhi
Dr. Vishal Anilkumar Gandhi

Psychiatry

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