How can mood swings affect my teen?

Mood swings can leave a teenager feel like they’re out of control, which is a very uncomfortable state for anyone to be in. Of course, if the mood swings are severely abnormal or prolonged the teen should see a professional about other possible issues. Normal teenage mood swings can make a teenager feel unbalanced, though, and are not to be taken lightly. Here are some tips for what your teen can do when dealing with a mood swing:

• Realize that they’re not alone – talking to a friend or peer who is dealing with the same issues will make them feel less abnormal and help them realize that they are not crazy
• Take a breather – stepping back and trying to look at the situation from another angle, counting to ten, or just sitting with the uncomfortable feelings for a moment will help the teen to realize that it’s not as bad as it seems
• Exercise - exercise releases endorphin into the blood stream, and these chemicals can help to regulate mood and ease frustration
• Get plenty of rest – regular sleep helps keep the mind in tip-top shape
• Get creative – painting, drawing, writing, or building something can help a teen to express their emotions in a healthy way
• Wait – the mood may pass as quickly as it struck; wait before acting out on extreme emotions