“Mood” is one of those common words that have an ambiguous meaning. You generally know what it means but if you're going to really break it down to get a definite definition, then you'll probably end up stammering and drilling your brain for a long time. Most people immediately equate mood to emotions and for the most part, no one would argue. However, there is a difference between the two: moods are less specific, whereas emotions generally can be identified by their unique qualities. For example, you can readily tell when a person is angry or jealous, but you can only say that a person is in a 'good' or 'bad' mood; the specifics are less of a matter. Moods are also less intense, being a general feeling of being, rather than one focused feeling. Finally, moods are less likely to be triggered by one particular stimulus or event, hence, they tend to last longer than any one emotion. Mood is mostly subjective; it is an internal state of being for a long period of time, triggered mostly by the combination of emotions you are feeling at that particular moment. When emotions become intense, moods shift accordingly. Mood is a state in between feelings and a person's disposition, effectively bridging the gap between a person's subjective feelings at that particular time, and their characteristic as a person. A mood is usually described as either 'good' or 'bad'. There is rarely a middle description for it.

Mood Swings

When mood changes rapidly, it's called a mood swing. Everyone can have mood swings from time to time, usually when an outside event triggers their personal emotions, but when mood swings become a regular pattern, then they are said to be suffering from a mood disorder. A mood disorder is given to a group of diagnoses where a disturbance of the person's mood is said to be the main underlying feature. There are generally two groups of mood disorders that are recognized: the depressive disorders, of which the most widely known is major depression, and the bipolar disorder, formerly known by people as manic depression. The division for the two groups is based on whether the person has experience with a manic (extremely elevated mood) or hypomanic (persistent irritable mood) episode. Of the two groups, mood swing is more identified with bipolar disorder. People who suffer from bipolar disorder often have extreme mood swings usually separated by periods of being in a “normal” mood. Usually, these episodes are laid out over a regular interval, but in some individuals, states of mania and depression may rapidly alternate, in what is known as rapid cycling. The deep mood swings can last for months, usually causing disturbance along the way. The term bipolar generally refers to the cycling between high and low “poles” of mood. Without treatment, people who suffer from bipolar disorder often go through devastating events in their lives such as job loss, divorce, substance abuse and, in extreme—and sadly, common—cases, suicide.

Symptoms of Bipolar Mood Swings

The most defining major symptom of bipolar disorder is the rapid change of mood. The intensity of the mood can range from mild to severe. Each symptom is different for each phase. In manic phase, the symptoms include:

• Euphoria
• Inflated self-esteem
• Extreme optimism
• Aggressive behavior
• Increased physical activity
• Decreased need for sleep
• Increased sexual drives
• Inability to think straight or concentrate

In the depressive state, the symptoms include:

• Hopelessness
• Extreme melancholy or sadness
• Problems sleeping
• Irritability
• Appetite problems
• Suicidal thoughts
• Chronic idiopathic pain

Also, episodes of mania and depression may result in detachment from reality, or psychosis. The person may start hearing or seeing things that aren't there (hallucination) or may have strong beliefs on something that is not actually true (delusions).

Getting Rid of Mood Swings

While most of these are steps you can take to get rid of bipolar disorder, they are also applicable for getting rid of a normal mood swing as well.

1. Get professional help. The causes for more normal mood swings are easily identifiable and hence, you can easily get rid of the source to get rid of the problem. However, in cases where your mood swings become too much or too frequent, talk to a therapist. Several types of therapy may be helpful, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, or group therapy.
2. Take medications. There are medications that can help you stabilize your mood. Lithium, for example, has been widely used for stabilizing moods so you don't swing from one extreme to the other. Since medications can have side effects, it's always recommended that you consult your physician before resorting to any of their use.
3. Avoid illegal drugs and alcohol. Alcohol and illegal drugs can be triggers for mood swings. If you already are in a mood swing, both can worsen the problem.
4. Have healthy outlets to let emotions out. Frequent mood swings are generally caused by pent-up emotions and tension, most usually, negative ones. Try to find a hobby that will enable you to release extra tension such as sports or the gym.
5. Manage your stress and relax. Activities such as yoga or meditation can help you control your emotions and mood and put them at an even, “normal” keel.

Extreme mood swings can be very detrimental not only to your health, but also to the relationships you have with people around. Learn to control it, or even better, get rid of it, and you can be assured that you will be healthy, both physically and socially.