How to Handle Your Ups and Downs

Mood swings are a normal and even expected part of most people's lives. While some people have more drastic ups and downs that are categorized by extreme sadness and happiness, others have less dramatic mood swings. Regardless of the level of emotion and mood swings you experience, there are ways to handle your ups and downs so you don't fall victim to your moods and let them ruin your outlook on life.

Instructions

• 1

  Talk with a friend, family member or a psychiatrist. Talking with someone you trust can help you handle your ups and downs and alleviate stress.

• 2

  Balance your responsibilities. Having too much on your plate can make you feel anxious, overwhelmed and stressed, which can lead to an emotional break and can even cause anger. Make a to-do list to help you stay organized and make time for enjoyable things.

• 3

  Develop a series of steps you can take when you feel yourself getting sad or angry. These can include removing yourself from the situation (if possible), deep breathing and calling a friend. Practice these steps when you are happy and calm so that they become routine.

• 4

  See a doctor. Sometimes the normal ups and downs of life can actually be something more serious, such as depression or bipolar disorder, which is characterized by rapid mood swings from depression and manic states caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. A doctor can prescribe medication and treatments to help resolve your imbalance and get you back to living a balanced, happy life.

• 5

  Make time to do activities that you enjoy with people you care about and that care about you. Try new things or do something fun that you haven't done in a long time. This can create or trigger happy memories and better moods.

• 6

  Keep a journal. Write down what makes you feel happy and what triggered a down turn in your mood. Writing a journal can help you pinpoint what triggers your emotions as well as act as a release.