How do you deal with mood swings?

[masmu6940]

Hi everyone!

I am really struggling with keeping positive and not letting my mood swings get the best of me. I've been working on journaling and meditation, but sometimes they come so quickly. I'm so tired of these ruining my relationship. What should I do?

[Hidden]

Hi!

I’m sorry that you’re having such troublesome mood swings. What’s causing them? Are you bipolar? If so, are you on any medication and seeing a therapist/Psychiatrist?

[masmu6940 in reply to Hidden]

Hey GratitudeFirst,

I am dealing with anxiety and major self-esteem issues. Most of my mood swings are my reactions to irrational thoughts. I am trying to avoid medication because I haven't exhausted my other options yet. Right now meditation and journaling are helping a lot, but I'm having a hard time calming them down in the heat of the moment.

- Megan

[softwaremom00 in reply to masmu6940]

Keep up the meditation. My mindfulness meditation teacher talks about something called a mini-meditation - you can do it in the moment. Connection..Awareness.. Regulation - CAR -

Connect - Connect with your thoughts of anger, impatience or whatever..

Awareness - Bring your mind into the present by shifting your awareness to experience in order to let go of the thoughts that are causing you stress. Bring your mind to the experience of Breathing.. (In traffic experience your hands on the steering wheel)

Regulation - Only then are you able to regulate what happens next. You first regulate your thoughts by letting them go when you shift your mind to the experience of the present. Then you are present.

C-A-R

Practice 3-5 mini-Meditations a day.. sitting in traffic at a light.. standing in line at the store.

(This is from my Mindfulness Class text book)

I hope this helps. If I am really tense sometimes I take an l-theanine supplement.. it is in green tea. I like Suntheanine from Swanson Vitamins.

lots of hugs and prayers

Softwaremom

[Agora1 in reply to softwaremom00]

Thank you so much softwaremom for sharing that information. I wouldn't be where I am today (after 5 years of Agoraphobia) if it weren't for Meditation and

Deep Breathing. It is the greatest thing when driving as well as in the store. It is

something with us all the time and at a moment's notice. Wishing you continued success. Peace & Calm to you. xx

[Hidden in reply to masmu6940]

I understand...lack of a healthy self-esteem has been a huge issue for me on my journey. It’s difficult to change it once it has been formed. I tend to revert right back into it during difficult times. I completely relate to those irrational thoughts...always negative. It’s a never ending, constant daily concern. I have come to accept this and the need for working on myself everyday. For me, it has to be a part of my life. I wish you much luck on your quest for a medication-free lifestyle! I am too chicken to give that a go! Wishing you the best!!