Understanding Mood Swings
Table of Contents
What is a Mood Disorder?
A mood swing refers to ongoing changes in how you feel, such as feeling low, flat or emotionally overwhelmed for a longer period of time. It’s more common than you might think and doesn’t mean something is wrong with you. With the right support, many people find relief, clarity and a renewed sense of self. You don’t have to go through it alone.
What Causes Mood Swings?
Mood swings can happen for many reasons, and they are a natural part of being human. Changes in sleep, stress, hormones, lifestyle or even past experiences can all play a role. Sometimes our emotions simply reflect that we are going through more than we realise.
What Are the Different Types of Anxiety?
Mood swings can show up in many ways, and everyone experiences them a little differently. Here are some of the more common types:
- Shifting from low to okay: You might notice moments where you feel a little low or flat, then gradually return to feeling more like yourself. These shifts are often linked to stress, tiredness or emotional overload.
- Feeling more easily irritated: Sometimes mood swings show up as frustration or impatience that comes and goes. You might find yourself reacting more strongly than usual, especially when you’re feeling stretched or overwhelmed.
- Ups and downs in energy or mood: There may be times when you feel unusually energised, followed by periods where you feel quieter or more withdrawn. These highs and lows can be part of your natural rhythm, especially during busy or emotionally charged seasons.
- Mood changes linked to anxiety: If you’ve been feeling anxious, you might notice your mood shifting quickly from hopeful to uneasy. This is your nervous system trying to protect you – and with support, it’s something you can gently work through.
- Hormone-related changes: Mood swings related to hormones, such as during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause – are very real and valid. These emotional shifts are part of the body’s natural changes, and they deserve care, and attention.
What Are the Symptoms Associated with Mood Swings?
Mood swings can affect more than just your emotions. They can impact your energy levels, your thoughts, and even how you connect with others. Everyone’s experience is a little different, but here are some common signs you might notice:
Emotional Symptoms:
You may feel happy or calm one moment, then low, irritable or overwhelmed the next. Things that normally wouldn’t bother you might start to feel more triggering or hard to let go.
Energy Level Symptoms:
Some people feel bursts of motivation followed by periods of tiredness or low drive. You might feel distant from loved ones, lose interest in things you usually enjoy or find it hard to focus. Sometimes mood swings come with a sense that something feels “off” even if you can’t explain why.
These symptoms can significantly impact daily life, making it challenging to engage in work, social activities, or personal relationships.
Central Mind’s Approaches To Mood Swings
At Central Minds, we understand that mood swings can feel confusing, draining, or even isolating at times. That’s why our approach is grounded in compassion, collaboration and care.
Here’s how we support you:
Personalised therapy: We take time to understand your unique experience and emotional patterns. Together, we explore what might be behind your mood shifts and gently work toward balance and emotional regulation through supportive, tailored sessions.
Practical tools for everyday life: You’ll learn simple, evidence-based strategies to help manage emotions, navigate stress and feel more in control day to day.
Mind–body awareness: We recognise that emotional wellbeing is connected to the body too. We may integrate mindfulness, grounding exercises or lifestyle reflections to support your overall sense of calm and clarity.
A safe space to be yourself: Above all, we offer a non-judgmental space where you can show up just as you are. There’s no pressure to have it all figured out, just a commitment to walking alongside you, at your pace.
How Do You Know If You’re Ready for Mood Disorder Support?
You don’t have to wait for things to feel overwhelming before reaching out. If your emotions have been feeling a little up and down, or you just haven’t quite felt like yourself lately, support is here whenever you’re ready.
You might benefit from mood swing therapy if:
Your emotions shift more than usual
If you find yourself moving from calm to irritable, low to okay, or just feeling emotionally unsettled, therapy can help you better understand those changes and what might be driving them.
You want to feel more steady
Life can feel unpredictable when your mood changes often. Support offers practical tools and gentle guidance to help you feel more balanced and in control.
You’re navigating a life transition
Changes like moving, starting a new job, or family adjustments can bring up strong emotions. Having someone to talk to can help you move through those shifts with more ease and clarity.
You’re tired of managing everything alone
You’ve likely been doing your best to hold it all together. Therapy gives you space to share what you’re carrying, without pressure or judgment.
You’re ready to take care of your emotional wellbeing
Getting support isn’t about having a problem. It’s about honouring how you feel and giving yourself the space to grow, heal and reconnect with who you are.
Meet our therapists specialising in working with mood swings in Hong Kong
Michael Beckham
Clinical Counsellor
Michael Beckham is a US-trained and licensed Psychotherapist with 19 years of experience helping clients navigate life’s challenges with compassion, expertise, and care. He assists his clients in understanding how they see themselves, how they see the world, and how they see their place in the world.
Dr. Edward C. K. Lam
Clinical Psychologist
Edward is a U.S.-trained and licensed Clinical Psychologist in the state of Massachusetts, now bringing his expertise to Hong Kong. With extensive experience across various settings, Edward has helped clients become stronger, more independent, and resilient in the face of challenges. He creates a supportive and non-judgmental environment where clients can explore their struggles and engage more fully in life.
Dr. Melissa Chan
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Chan is a UK trained Clinical Psychologist, who has worked in the field of mental health taking up clinical and research roles in the community and academic settings for ten years. She is experienced in treating people with symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders (e.g. social anxiety, bipolar tendencies etc).
Teresa Chan
Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist
Teresa is a Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist who has over 10 years of experience working in the field of clinical mental health. She has a background in Psychology at both an undergraduate and master’s level and completed her training in the UK, where she specialised in the field of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
Bhavna Bharvani
Clinical Counsellor, Relationship Counsellor
Specialises in working with individuals, couples and LGBTQIA+ folks on healing from trauma, improving relationships, building emotional resilience and overcoming self-limiting beliefs
Bhavna is a US-trained Licensed Professional Clinical Counsellor. As a couples therapist, she helps partners navigate challenges, improve communication, repair past wounds and resentments, and strengthen their emotional connection.
Dr. Aurélie Comes
Clinical Psychologist & CBT Therapist
Aurélie is an experienced Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (CBT) who trained and worked in the UK’s National Health Service. In addition to her CBT specialty, she also qualified as an Eye-Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Practitioner.
Dr Elaine Ching
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Ching is a UK trained Clinical Psychologist, offering support to adults with difficulties around anxiety, low mood, stress and burnout, self-esteem, childhood or event specific trauma, interpersonal relationships, and life adjustments (e.g. relocation, grief, chronic physical health, third culture kids). She also has experience with individuals with emotional dysregulation and high sensitivity (HSP).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Mood Disorder Treatments
Is it okay to ask for help even if I’m not sure what I’m feeling?
Yes, absolutely. You don’t need to have a diagnosis or a clear label to reach out. If your moods have been feeling difficult to manage, that’s reason enough to explore support.
What does treatment for mood disorders involve?
Treatment is personalised to you. It often includes talking with a therapist who helps you better understand your emotional patterns and find healthy ways to cope, respond and feel more balanced.
Do I need to feel really unwell to benefit from treatment?
Not at all. Many people seek support when they notice small changes in mood or emotional energy. Early support can be a powerful way to take care of yourself before things feel heavier.
How long does it take to feel better?
Everyone’s experience is different. Some people notice shifts after a few sessions, while others take more time. The pace is always guided by your needs, comfort and goals.
Is treatment only about talking?
Talking is an important part, but treatment can also include learning practical tools, building emotional awareness and finding everyday strategies that support your wellbeing.
