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