TeenHealthFX - Answers - Sick of Extreme Mood Changes

Bipolar Disorder & Extreme Moods / Question
Published: December 18, 2003

Dear TeenHealthFX,

I've been reading over a lot of questions here, and found a few that described me so much it was strange. More recently in the past year and a half or so, I became aware (as well as my friends, family, and even teachers) of how moody I am and how rapidly my moods change. The smallest things in the world affect me, and sometimes nothing affects me at all. I'll wake up irritated and most always am never in a good mood. I always end up taking out my horrible moods on friends and family, and then the guilt I feel afterwards just adds to how bad I felt before. One minute I can be extremely happy and giddy, and the next I'm in tears, upset, sad, whatever. I tried talking to my mom about this, but she just goes on to say how its normal to be moody since I am only a teenager. What I'm trying to tell her is that yes, it is normal, but not everyone acts like this. Not everyone changes moods so rapidly and so much. I go from extreme highs to extreme lows constantly. It's so frustrating because as much as I want to act different and not let things affect me, they do. I often get a lot of headaches, and have trouble concentrating on things. My friends always tell me how quickly I change thoughts too. One minute I'm talking about school, and the next I'm mentioning something that my boyfriend said. I don't know what else to say. Basically I'm just sick of always alternating moods so much. All of my friends tell me they can see it, and it upsets me because I know a lot of others can too, and that's not good. I've had teachers come up to me and say, "Why are you so depressed?" "Why are you so angry?", and all I would be doing was just sitting there listening. My father is a manic depressive, and depression is genetic in my family. He has spoken with me about it before, and told me if I ever want, I could talk to a counselor or therapist. He says he sees a lot of him in me, and it scares him because he was the same way. I don't know if I am possibly bipolar, or if once again I'm letting things get to me.

Signed: Sick of Extreme Mood Changes

Dear Sick of Extreme Mood Changes,

It must be very difficult to feel like your emotions are so out of control, not knowing how you will be feeling from one moment to the next. To an extent, mood swings are a part of being a teenager. On the other hand, it sounds like you feel that your moods are more extreme than those of most people your age.

We are glad to hear that your father has been supportive. We think you should take him up on his suggestion to talk to a counselor. He or she might be able to help you understand the reasons for these highs and lows, and help you to even out your moods. You could also address the question of whether there is a genetic component to these mood swings, as you have suggested.

For help finding a therapist, if you live in northern New Jersey you can call the Access Center from Atlantic Behavioral Health at 888-247-1400. Outside of this area you can log onto the US Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website for referrals in your area.

Signed: TeenHealthFX