Mood Instability

If your emotions feel like a rollercoaster — we help you find steadiness.

What Is Mood Instability?

Mood instability refers to rapid, unpredictable shifts in emotional state — from anger to sadness, anxiety to numbness — that feel out of proportion to what’s happening around you. It’s not the same as having a bad day. For some, mood changes can happen multiple times a day and interfere with work, relationships, or daily functioning.

Mood instability can be a symptom of several conditions — not a diagnosis itself. It’s often linked to:

  • Bipolar spectrum disorders
  • ADHD
  • Trauma or PTSD
  • Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
  • PMDD or hormonal shifts
  • Neurodivergent conditions (e.g., autism, sensory processing challenges)

If your emotions feel unpredictable, overwhelming, or hard to control — you’re not alone, and we can help.

Signs of Mood Instability

  • Intense emotional reactions that change quickly
  • Trouble recovering from stress or conflict
  • Feeling fine one moment, angry or hopeless the next
  • Emotional outbursts or shutdowns
  • Cycles of idealizing and devaluing others
  • Self-criticism, impulsive behavior, or difficulty trusting others’ intentions

How Mood Instability Shows Up by Age

Children & Teens

  • Tantrums, mood swings, school refusal
  • Feeling “too sensitive” or “overreactive”
  • Intense fear of rejection, peer sensitivity

Adults

  • Unstable relationships or job history
  • Difficulty managing stress at work or home
  • Misdiagnoses (e.g., bipolar, depression, anxiety) due to rapid emotional shifts

Women & Hormonal Changes

  • Cyclical mood swings (e.g., PMDD)
  • Perimenopause-related irritability, weepiness, emotional sensitivity

Our Treatment Approach

Because mood instability can come from many sources, we start with a thorough diagnostic evaluation. Then, we customize care to fit:

  • Clarifying diagnosis (e.g., bipolar vs trauma vs ADHD-related mood swings)
  • Stabilizing mood with medication when appropriate (mood stabilizers, SSRIs, hormonal support)
  • Skills-based therapy (e.g., DBT, emotion regulation, mindfulness)
  • Support for identity, trauma history, and nervous system sensitivity
  • Coordination with other providers if hormonal or medical factors are contributing

Emotional regulation is a skill — not something you’re supposed to “just know.” We’ll help you build it with care.

FAQs – Mood Instability

  • Is this bipolar disorder?
    Not necessarily. Bipolar involves distinct episodes that last days or weeks. Mood instability often shifts more rapidly and may point to other causes.
  • Can ADHD cause mood swings?
    Yes. Emotional dysregulation is common in ADHD, especially when unrecognized or untreated.
  • Can therapy really help with this?
    Absolutely. DBT and other approaches help people understand, name, and regulate emotions effectively.
  • What if I’ve been told I’m “too much” or “too sensitive”?
    That’s a common story — and a painful one. We help you understand your emotional landscape with dignity and support.

✅ Let’s Find What’s Underneath the Swings

📞 Call Us: (478) 745-9206
📍 3100 Ridge Ave, Macon, GA
🗓 Appointments within 1–2 weeks

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