Moods easily changed: What's going on here?

Question

I'm male, 19, and I've just recently noticed something. Well, not recently, but this time I actually gave it some thought and it intruiged me.

Today I was in a "downer" mood. It was raining, didn't have much to do. I have one class at a college with complete strangers, so that wasn't exactly the happiest time. I was in that headspace, the quiet "listen to the rain" place. (I'm an artist so bare with me, I like to use metaphors and stuff.) Then, all it took was one thing to spark my "upper" feeling, in this case, it was a nice 3 min conversation with a stranger. I felt like everything was just GREAT and I felt refreshed.

So what exactly happend here? One TINY spark and my emotions shift? Is that normal? It's the same for any emotion for me. All it takes is a few words for my feelings about EVERYTHING to change. I know I suffer fromt he habit of not letting things go when things go bad, like someone random yelling a bad remark about me. Does that have anything to do with it?

Answer 1

Some people have mood swings, if yours range from pure depression to absolute bliss, you might be suffering from manic behavior or bipolar behavior. You should definitely not go to a therapist if this only happens once a month or something less often, but if it's serious and you feel like hurting yourself then you should definitely go.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Since this is not the first time you have had dramatic mood swings, there could be more to it. Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder. Moods may go from very low to europhic high, and anything in between. There is 'rapid cycling' which means the mood swings back and forth from high to low or vice versa within weeks or even moments. There are also 'mixed states', where a person may be happy and sad at the same time. It may sound confusing, and it very well is. But not to worry. If in fact you were diagnosed with this desease, there are many treatments and lots of help. You can also read other people's stories and see if it seems like they are telling 'your story'.

I believe what a few others were trying to say was, if it isn't effecting your life, work, relationships and general ability, you should be safe.

If you would like to know more about Bipolar Disorder and/or Depression, you can visit many professional sites and not just wikipedia, which people are allowed to alter.

One very well known organization is Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
http//:www.dbsalliance.org

There you will find all you need to know in deciding whether or not you may need medical treatment.
There are articles, signs and symptoms, recovery, national support group locations, a quick questionaire for those that think they may have the desease.

Other sites are: American Medical Association, National Alliance on Mental Illness, National Mental Health Association

Hope this was helpful, and in no way misleading.
Take good care.

Answer 3

You are a human being. Everyone experiences ups and downs. Sometimes little things matter. I'm sure most people here will tell you that sometimes they have had crappy days and the tiniest things will make them feel better. Sometimes people are having a good day and all it takes is one little thing to get them down in the dumps. Your moods don't seem to be fluctuating based on nothing at all, so I wouldn't worry too much. If everything was going great in your life (by your own admission), it was sunny out, and life was wonderful....and you were still feeling down, THEN that is when I would worry. Or if you felt completely out of control and your moods were getting in the way of your life or acting as an obstruction to your overall well being.
If you really feel like this is a serious issue or you might be spiralizing out of control (which it doesn't seem like you are) you should consult a psychiatrist or a medical health professional.

In response to the girl who posted before me:

I wouldn't worry (at this stage) about being bipolar. Typically unless you are experiencing cyclothymic disorder (rapid cycling), you probably aren't experience bipolar episodes because bipolar episodes typically last longer than a couple of hours each. Cyclothmic disorder has it's own diagnostic criteria which you can take a look at here:

http://www.mental-health-today.com/bp/cyclo.htm

As for bipolar:
http://www.mental-health-today.com/bp/bi1.htm

Answer 4

I think what you described is quite normal especially for someone your age. It can become a habit to go into a downer mood when there is no stimulation for any other kind of mood. A short conversation with a stranger can kick your mood out of the rut it was in and let you move on. Most people don't realize how much choice in involved in moods and emotions. One thing you should know is that there is no particular benefit to be had from bad moods. They are bad for your physical health and for your mind and creativity. As much as possible you should try to choose good moods. If you feel yourself in a depressed mood you should do something to get yourself out of it as quickly as possible. (Of course you might be enjoying it but don't over indulge.) Listen to some upbeat music, call a friend, go for a walk in the rain. Moods, like other habits become harder to change as you get older. Your depression rut will get deeper the longer you allow yourself to stay in it. It's a great thing that you discovered how easily moods can change. That gives you a lot of control over what moods you will experience in the future because you will be able to find ways to change your moods to the ones that are the most beneficial.

Answer 5

I don't think it has anything to do with you not letting things go. That's hard for many people, myself included. Some people just have more sensitive mood swings than others...
When I'm at work, sometimes I feel like I hate everybody and don't want to speak a word. Then some stupid little silly thing will happen like I'll overhear something a little kid says and I'm on the upswing.
You are who you are, and I don't think there's a "normal" or "not normal" way about moods. (Unless you're a psychopath or something drastic, lol!)
Just enjoy life and yourself. Think of yourself as the unique being that you are. :o)

Answer 6

hmm...it sounds kind of normal to me. I have ups and downs like this throughout the day. Its kind of hard to say since I don't know you and are not around you to see how severe these mood shifts are.

On one extreme maybe you have bipolar...on the other maybe you just had a bad day. It could be anything! If you are really concerned you should see your campus physician. I would probably take ease in the fact that maybe you are just a bit bummed...I mean...your 19, in college, not around familiar places or people, stressed with the work load. Maybe your emotions are just trying to catch up with your hectic life.

You are the best critic. You know when something isn't right. Like I said, if you are concerned go see a doctor. :) Cheer up!

Answer 7

The conversation shifted you out of your inner-contemplative state and forced you to use the part of your brain that deals with outside influences. Even more so than usual because a conversation with a stranger is somewhat unpredictable, forcing you to use more of the analytical side of your mind, unlike a conversation with a friend where you can often just 'autopilot'.

Answer 8

Every song changes my mood