Why Am I in Such a Bad Mood?



Why Am I in Such a Bad Mood?
Do you ever find yourself getting really irritable for almost no
reason? Or suddenly feeling down without knowing why? Going from sadness
to anger to joy in a matter of minutes can make many teens feel as
though they're losing their grip. But why is the feeling of being on an
emotional roller coaster so common among teens?

Dealing with constant change and pressure is part of the answer.
Maybe you're starting a new school and not able to see old friends as
much. Getting good grades or wanting to be better in sports or other
activities can be a concern for many teens. It might feel as though
there just isn't enough time to do everything.

Being a teen means struggling with identity and self-image. Being
accepted by friends feels extremely important. Teens also may notice,
for the first time, a sense of distance from parents and family. You may
feel you want to be on your own and make your own decisions, but it can
also seem overwhelming and even a bit lonely at times. As fun and
exciting as this time is, it also can be a time of confusion and
conflict. It can take a while for teens — and their families — to feel
comfortable with the transition between childhood and adulthood.

Another important cause for mood swings is biology. When puberty
begins, the body starts producing sex hormones. These hormones —
estrogen and progesterone in girls and testosterone in guys — cause
physical changes in the body. But in some people, they also seem to
cause emotional changes — the ups and downs that sometimes feel out of
control.

Understanding that almost everyone goes through mood swings during their teen years might make them easier to handle.

When It's More Than Just a Mood



Feeling irritable or short-tempered can be signs of depression. So can feelings of boredom or hopelessness.

Many people think of depression as feeling sad, but depression can
also bring feelings of moodiness, impatience, anger, or even just not
caring. When depression gets in the way of enjoying life or dealing with
others, that's a sign you need to do something about it, like talking
to a counselor or therapist who can help you deal with it. Also, if you
ever feel like hurting yourself, that's more than just a bad mood and
you need to tell someone.Taking Control



Here are some things you can do that might make those bad moods a bit easier to handle:

• Recognize you're not alone. Although not every teen experiences mood changes to the same degree, they are common.
  
• Catch your breath. Or count to 10. Or do something
  that lets you settle down for a few moments, especially if you're
  feeling angry or irritable. Try to look at the situation from the point
  of view of a wise observer.
  
• Talk to people you trust. Friends can help each
  other by realizing that they're not alone in their feelings. Talking to
  parents is important, too. Parents can share their own experiences
  dealing with bad moods. Plus, they'll appreciate it if you try to
  explain how you feel instead of just slamming a door. Teachers and
  counselors are often good resources, and a doctor can help sort through questions about development. Keeping feelings inside can make them seem much worse.
  
• Exercise. Regular exercise produces more beta-endorphin, a hormone that controls stress and improves mood. Go for a run, play some tennis, ride your bike, or punch a punching bag.
  
• Get enough sleep.
  Though it can be hard to find enough time, getting adequate rest is
  very important. Being tired can lead to more sadness and irritability.
  
• Create. Get involved in some sort of project, like
  starting a journal or diary, building something out of wood, or starting
  an art or music piece. Writing can help you organize and express your
  thoughts and feelings and will make things more manageable. Don't worry
  about grammar, spelling, or punctuation; the important thing is just to
  get your thoughts on paper. Do the same thing with paint, sculpture,
  music, or other art forms. Put your feelings into your artwork.
  
• Cry. There's nothing wrong with crying; in fact, it
  often makes a person feel better. However, if you find that you are
  sad, irritable, bored, or hopeless much of the time, or if you just
  can't seem to shake the blues, you might be depressed and need help from
  a counselor or doctor. If you're feeling stressed or angry a lot of the
  time, getting help could be very useful for you.
  
• Wait. Just as you can get into a bad mood for what
  seems like no reason at times, that mood can also pass. If your negative
  mood sticks around too long, though — or if it's interfering with the
  way you deal with friends, parents, school, or activities — then you may
  want to talk to a school counselor, parent, or therapist about what you
  can do to feel better.