Emotions are a normal part of human life. Chances are, you’ve experienced extreme happiness, profound sadness and intense irritability — possibly all within the same week. While there’s nothing wrong with having an expressive range of emotions, frequent emotional changes can indicate a mood disorder.
It’s estimated that in the United States, over 1 in 5 adults has a mental disorder that affects mood. One disorder that’s often overlooked is mood lability. Also known as emotional lability, this condition involves a rapid, intense fluctuation in emotional state. When left unaddressed, mood lability can negatively impact day-to-day life, interfering with relationships and overall well-being.
In this article, we’ll define the lability of mood and explore how to address its symptoms.
What Is Mood Lability, and What Causes It?
Those with mood lability typically experience extremely strong emotions to the point of feeling like they can’t control their behavior. They may also experience quick, exaggerated mood changes. For example, someone with a labile mood can go from feeling profoundly happy to profoundly sad in the span of minutes.
Like most mood disorders, emotional lability can be caused by genetics, environmental factors or events. These include:
- Past trauma. Traumatic experiences may trigger mood lability, increasing the likelihood of intense emotions and mood swings. It’s important to note that trauma can manifest years after the event.
- Stressful current events. Major stressors such as job loss, relationship problems or financial issues can cause rapid mood shifts.
- Hormonal fluctuations. Hormonal imbalances, such as those connected to menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopause, can contribute to lability of mood.
- Chronic illness or pain. While mood disorders are commonly associated with mental well-being, they’re also connected to physical health. Chronic pain conditions are linked to depression, anxiety and mood fluctuations.
- Mental health disorders. Mood swings are a common side effect of many mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
- Sleep disturbances. Did you know that sleep plays an important role in emotional health? Those with sleep disorders, such as insomnia or sleep apnea, are more likely to experience mood instability.
- Substance use. Certain substances, such as alcohol, drugs and medications, may impact mood regulation. Withdrawing from substances can also increase emotional volatility.
Regardless of the cause, people with emotional lability often experience frustrating mental symptoms.
What Are the Symptoms of Mood Lability?
The most common sign of mood lability is extreme fluctuations in emotional state. Affected individuals may also experience the following symptoms:
- Overreactions. Lability of mood may cause an extreme or a disproportionate response to situations.
- Unexpected emotions. Someone with a labile mood might experience emotions that seemingly arise out of nowhere. For example, they may be irritable for no discernible reason, or they might be unexpectedly euphoric.
- Impulsivity. People with mood lability may act on their emotions impulsively without considering potential consequences.
- Poor emotional regulation. Mood lability causes unexpected emotions and makes it difficult to regulate and handle these feelings.
- Sleep problems. Dealing with frequent, intense mood changes may disrupt sleep.
These symptoms can vary in intensity and frequency from person to person. However, the end result is usually the same: emotional difficulties that impact day-to-day life.
How Does Mood Lability Impact Daily Life?
Over time, mood lability can take a significant toll on daily life. Many people experience the following issues:
- Decreased productivity. Frequent mood swings disrupt focus and motivation, making it difficult to concentrate on work, school and daily obligations.
- Emotional fatigue. Constantly managing different emotions can be mentally exhausting, leading to emotional burnout or stress.
- Social withdrawal. It’s common to feel frustrated or embarrassed with yourself about mood changes. These feelings may cause people to avoid social situations.
- Poor decision-making. Those who act impulsively on their emotions may make poor decisions that negatively impact financial well-being, relationships or personal health.
- Communication problems. Rapid mood changes aren’t just difficult for the affected individual; they also impact loved ones. For example, family members and friends may be unsure how to respond to shifting emotions.
- Health problems. The stress of managing emotions can cause individuals to neglect personal health practices, such as diet and exercise.
Over time, lability of mood can cause people to withdraw from their relationships and neglect their goals, which ultimately decreases their quality of life. To prevent emotional instability from taking over your life, it’s important to implement coping strategies.
Coping Strategies for Emotional Lability
If you’re dealing with difficult mood swings, these coping strategies can help:
- Maintain a consistent routine. One way to counteract unstable emotions is by creating a consistent, stable routine. This includes planning out activities, meals and bedtimes.
- Practice stress management. Practices such as deep breathing and meditation can help manage stress and unstable moods.
- Make healthy lifestyle choices. Maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep are all linked to emotional stability. It’s also helpful to avoid unhealthy substances, such as caffeine and alcohol.
- Build support networks. While a labile mood can encourage social isolation, it’s important not to withdraw from others. Maintaining strong connections prevents loneliness and can provide the support you need to deal with emotional instability. If you want to connect with individuals experiencing the same issues, consider joining a group therapy session.
- Take medication. Certain medications can help regulate mood swings. For example, if your labile mood is linked to bipolar disorder, your doctor may prescribe medications that regulate mood. Speak to your healthcare provider to learn more about which medications may benefit you.
While these coping strategies can help manage the day-to-day effects of mood lability, they’re not always enough to overcome the condition. For long-term wellness, consider seeking professional support. For example, psychotherapy can help you identify the source of your mood swings, analyze your behavior and improve emotional regulation skills. Similarly, consulting your doctor can help you diagnose mental health conditions and find the right treatment.
Achieving an Emotionally Healthy Lifestyle
Dealing with emotional instability is challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you or a loved one is struggling with intense, fluctuating emotions, contact us at FHE Health. We offer high-quality, personalized support, including residential and outpatient mental health care. By getting in contact, you can connect with mental health professionals and achieve a healthier, happier lifestyle.
