If you live with someone who suffers from mood swings, you know it can be difficult to be in the same room. But, you can take steps to make those times a little easier to handle.
- Ask what is wrong
Do this before you try anything else. If your loved one says nothing, don’t get mad. Leave him alone. Give him some time to work out the feelings. And if he tells you what is on his mind, maybe he is willing to accept help.
- Step away and think about what happened
Remember it’s not the person, but the disease that is causing the mood. And don’t take it personally, it may not have anything to do with you.
- Try to insert humor
When you can use humor and get a good response, you may be able to help lessen the tension.
- Think about what caused the mood swing
What environmental stress is happening? Asking what can help calm the person down will go a long way to keeping her in an even-keeled mood.
- Research what you are dealing with in bipolar disease
If you know your loved one is suffering from bipolar disorder, a disease that often includes mood swings, learn about it. The more you know, the easier it is to deal with and help the person keep the swings to a minimum.
- Let your loved one know you are there to help
Whether he needs someone to talk with or support to get treatment, tell the person you care and you will do whatever it takes to help.
- Understand it is a stressful time
You’re not the only one feeling stress, the person experience the mood swing is feeling it too. Calm down, ask how you can help and avoid being pushy.
- Keep talking
It isn’t easy to calmly talk with a person snapping at you, but talking is important. Keep at it, a calm conversation can help ease the mood swing stress.
Do you or a loved one suffer from mood swings? How do you calm down in this situation? Let us know on Facebook.
