Mood swings can feel like an emotional rollercoaster, not just for you, but for everyone around you.
One minute you’re on top of the world, the next you’re in the depths of despair. If you’re someone who experiences these unpredictable shifts in mood, you know it’s not always easy to explain. But hey, you’re not alone! Here are some things that only people with mood swings truly understand because sometimes, a little shared experience can make all the difference.
1. You have an extensive playlist for every mood.
Your music library is basically a mood ring, with carefully curated playlists for every emotional state imaginable. You’ve got upbeat bops for when you’re feeling happy, melancholic tunes for when you’re feeling down, and everything in between. You know that music can be a powerful tool for processing emotions and finding solace in shared experiences.
2. Your loved ones have learned to read your emotional cues.
Your friends and family have become experts at deciphering your moods. They can tell by the way you walk into a room, the tone of your voice, or even the way you’re texting whether you’re feeling up or down. They’ve learned to approach you with caution when you’re in a “mood” and to offer support and space when you need it. They’re your emotional weather forecasters, always prepared for the next storm or ray of sunshine.
3. You’ve mastered the art of apologising (and then apologising for apologising).
Mood swings can sometimes lead to impulsive or hurtful words or actions. You’ve learned to apologise profusely for your emotional outbursts, even if you weren’t entirely in control of them. But sometimes, you apologise so much that you end up apologising for apologising, creating a never-ending cycle of remorse and self-flagellation.
4. You feel like you have multiple personalities.
One minute you’re the life of the party, cracking jokes and exuding confidence. The next minute you’re a recluse, hiding under the covers and wallowing in self-pity. It can feel like you have multiple personalities, each with its own distinct set of emotions and behaviours. You might even have nicknames for your different moods, like “Grumpy Gus” or “Sunshine Sally.”
5. You’re used to the phrase “Are you okay?”
You’ve heard it all: “Are you okay?” “What’s wrong?” “Is everything alright?” While it’s usually asked out of concern, it can get a little tiresome after a while. Sometimes, you’re not even sure how you’re feeling, let alone able to articulate it to someone else. But hey, at least your loved ones are paying attention, right?
6. You’ve considered getting a mood ring (or already have one).
The idea of having a piece of jewellery that changes colour based on your mood is oddly appealing. It would be a handy way to communicate your emotional state without having to say a word. Plus, it would be a fun conversation starter and a way to bond with other mood swing survivors. Who knows, maybe you’ll start a trend!
7. You have a love-hate relationship with your emotions.
Your emotions are like a wild animal, unpredictable and sometimes uncontrollable. They can bring you immense joy, creativity, and passion, but they can also lead to pain, frustration, and self-doubt. It’s a constant balancing act, trying to harness the power of your emotions without letting them consume you. But hey, it’s never boring, right?
8. You’ve become an expert at self-soothing techniques.
You’ve developed a whole arsenal of self-soothing techniques to help you cope with your mood swings. Whether it’s taking a bubble bath, listening to calming music, practising deep breathing exercises, or indulging in comfort food, you know what works for you. You’ve learned to be kind to yourself, to honour your emotions, and to find ways to bring yourself back to centre.
9. You’re constantly apologising for your mood swings.
You feel like you need to apologise for your emotions, even though they’re a natural part of who you are. You worry about burdening people with your fluctuating moods, and you feel guilty for the times you’ve snapped at someone or cancelled plans due to a sudden shift in your emotional state. You’re learning to accept that your mood swings are a part of you, but you’re still navigating how to communicate them to other people in a healthy and constructive way.
10. You’re a master of disguise.
You’ve become adept at hiding your true emotions behind a mask of normalcy. You plaster on a smile, make small talk, and pretend everything is fine, even when you’re feeling anything but. It’s a survival mechanism, a way to protect yourself from judgment and maintain social connections. But deep down, you long for the freedom to express your true feelings without fear of repercussions.
11. You’re always prepared for the worst-case scenario.
Your mood swings have taught you to expect the unexpected. You’re always prepared for the worst-case scenario, anticipating that your mood could shift at any moment. You might carry tissues, a comfort item, or a playlist of calming music in case of an emotional emergency. While this preparedness can be helpful, it can also be exhausting to constantly be on guard.
12. You’re a pro at navigating social situations with grace (most of the time).
You’ve learned to navigate social situations with tact and diplomacy, even when you’re feeling emotionally volatile. You know how to excuse yourself from conversations when you need a moment alone, how to deflect unwanted questions about your mood, and how to maintain a pleasant facade even when you’re struggling internally. It’s a skill that takes practice, but you’ve honed it over time.
13. You’re a walking contradiction.
You can be both incredibly sensitive and surprisingly resilient. You can be both introverted and extroverted, depending on your mood. You can be both fiercely independent and deeply in need of connection. Your mood swings have created a complex and multifaceted personality that defies easy categorisation. You’re a walking contradiction, and you embrace it.
14. You have a unique sense of humour.
Source: Unsplash Your mood swings have given you a unique perspective on life, and this often translates into a quirky and unexpected sense of humour. You can find humour in the absurdity of your own emotions, and you’re not afraid to laugh at yourself. Your humour is often self-deprecating, witty, and a little bit dark, but it’s always authentically you.
15. You’re constantly searching for answers.
Source: Unsplash You’re on a quest for understanding, trying to find answers to the mysteries of your own mind. You read books, articles, and blogs about mood swings, hoping to find insights or solutions. You talk to therapists, doctors, and friends, looking for support and validation. You’re determined to unravel the complexities of your emotions and find a way to live a balanced and fulfilling life.
16. You’re a survivor.
Source: Unsplash Mood swings are not for the faint of heart. They can be exhausting, frustrating, and sometimes downright debilitating. But you’ve learned to cope, to adapt, and to find strength in your vulnerability. You’ve weathered the storms and emerged stronger on the other side. You’re a survivor, and you’re proud of it.
17. You’re not defined by your mood swings.
Source: Unsplash While your mood swings are a part of you, they don’t define you. You’re more than just your emotions. You’re a complex, multifaceted individual with hopes, dreams, and aspirations. You have talents, passions, and unique gifts to offer the world. Don’t let your mood swings overshadow your brilliance. Embrace all aspects of yourself, the good, the bad, and the unpredictable.
18. You’re a work in progress.
Source: Unsplash You’re constantly learning, growing, and evolving. You’re not perfect, and you don’t have all the answers. But you’re committed to self-discovery, to understanding your emotions, and to finding ways to manage your mood swings in a healthy and constructive way. You’re a work in progress, and that’s perfectly okay.
