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20 years old, senior in college, feel like I often have extreme mood swings, what should I do?

bad temper mood swings relationship issues dormitory experience pandemic impact
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20 years old, senior in college, feel like I often have extreme mood swings, what should I do? By Anonymous | Published on December 18, 2024

I've always thought I have a bad temper. Since junior high, I've noticed my mood swings are quite significant, and my grades were also unstable. However, as a day student in middle school, I often encountered changes in scenes, which somewhat mitigated the impact of my mood swings. In college, my mood swings became even more intense. When my relationship with my roommate was good, we could be as close as brothers; but when it was bad, we would freeze each other out, yet I felt isolated. Lately, I've felt isolated again, and I even don't know the reason. I often feel oppressed in the dormitory and want to escape. During my freshman and sophomore years, without the pandemic, I could go home during holidays to soothe my emotions. Now, with the pandemic, I can't even escape, and I'm exhausted. But actually, if I go home from school and my mood improves, I get excited; however, if it doesn't, and I have conflicts with my family, I want to harm myself. I'm really suffering now, constantly experiencing mood swings, and I'm too tired.

Jordan Taylor Smith Jordan Taylor Smith A total of 692 people have been helped

Dear question owner,

It's not uncommon for adolescents to experience significant mood swings and sensitivity. However, as you transition to college, you may find that your emotions become more stable over time.

It might be helpful to consider whether the fluctuations in your emotions are occurring according to a specific pattern, or if they are influenced by external factors.

If your emotions remain as they are, it might be helpful to go to the hospital to rule out certain problems related to mood disorders.

The fluctuations of emotions can have a significant impact on our well-being. They can not only cause discomfort but also affect our self-perception and interpersonal relationships. When we hold negative perceptions, it can naturally lead to a decline in our emotional state. Conversely, when we are in a low emotional state, our judgment and understanding of a matter may not be as neutral as when we are usually rational. It may also be more negative.

From what you said about being able to wear the same pair of pants even when you are arguing with your roommate, I get the impression that you have the potential to form a close relationship. However, it seems that there is always a sense of mistrust or loneliness in the intimacy, which makes you seem unaware of what is happening and isolated. If you are open to seeking psychological counseling, we can discuss whether the feeling of isolation may have preceded the feeling of being isolated.

I believe that the feeling of isolation is still the main thing, which causes us to do things in relationships that really push them away.

Fluctuating emotions, an unstable sense of self-worth, and insecurity in relationships can have a significant impact on a person's mental energy. You mentioned that when you're feeling sad, you sometimes experience a desire to hurt yourself. I'm a bit concerned about this, but I'm not in a position to conduct a comprehensive risk assessment based on the information you've shared.

If you trust them, you might consider finding a professional to help you establish a way to soothe yourself when your emotions fluctuate or even reach a low.

It's worth noting that many people experience fluctuations in mood and emotional state. If these feelings aren't indicative of an underlying emotional disorder, they may be a natural aspect of one's personality. Every coin has two sides: one that can be challenging, and another that is creative and flexible. It's important not to let these feelings overwhelm us. We can face challenges with courage and resilience. First, it's essential to seek a professional diagnosis. Then, we can explore our inner selves through counseling and take steps towards better self-management.

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Kai Knight Kai Knight A total of 2890 people have been helped

Hello!

It seems like you keep telling yourself that you have a bad temper and your emotions fluctuate a lot. But if the situation changes, even if your emotions fluctuate a lot, you won't feel too bad. I'd like to know if there's anything you're afraid of or want to escape from.

We can probably trace it back to our childhood. What kind of child were you? Did you have any experiences later on?

Experiences that have really stuck with you and that you feel might affect your character.

I get the feeling you're lacking in security. If you could go home, you could sleep in your own bed, under your own quilt, and escape the oppression of the dormitory. Our emotions come from within ourselves and are also affected by our environment.

It's because you feel isolated and think others reject you. Such a situation can make us panic and feel powerless.

The people in the dormitory may come from all over the country, have different personalities, and not get along with each other. It's not surprising that conflicts arise at such a young and reckless age. What's more, the questioner is about to graduate and will rarely see them again in the future.

Ultimately, it's about your own personal development and future.

I'd also suggest reading "Mr. Toad Goes to See a Psychologist."

I'd also suggest reading "The Courage to Be Disliked."

I hope you can find happiness every day without worrying about being isolated from others.

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Abigail Grace Long Abigail Grace Long A total of 9790 people have been helped

Good day,

My name is Zeng Chen, and I am a mindfulness coach. After carefully reviewing the post, I have a clear understanding of the complex emotions you have expressed.

Furthermore, I noted that the poster had courageously disclosed his distress and proactively sought assistance on the platform. This will undoubtedly assist the poster in gaining a deeper understanding of himself, enabling him to adapt and regulate his emotions more effectively.

I will now proceed to share my observations and thoughts on the matter, which I hope will assist you in viewing the situation from a more diverse perspective.

1. Gain insight into your own thoughts and emotions through journaling.

In the aforementioned post, the author indicated that he was experiencing fluctuations in mood and feelings of exhaustion. Based on this observation, I can appreciate the challenges associated with these emotions.

It appears that our energy is being drained by our emotions. What steps can we take to address this issue?

From a psychological perspective, emotions serve as a conduit for understanding and self-awareness. Frequently, emotions mask underlying needs, contributing to interpersonal discord when those needs are unmet.

We may be able to collaborate to gain insight into and comprehend our emotions.

To gain a deeper understanding and recognition of these emotions, we can utilize a systematic approach. This involves recording the circumstances, causes, and triggers of each emotion, along with the associated feelings and subsequent emotions.

It may also be beneficial to consider the reasons behind such a strong emotional reaction.

This kind of recording can be an effective tool for relieving emotions. The process of writing allows us to express and listen to our emotions, which can help to alleviate them. Additionally, this approach can facilitate self-awareness. Frequently, emotions arise unconsciously, and this method can help us understand their underlying causes.

Writing can enhance our capacity for self-awareness, enabling us to identify the circumstances that typically elicit specific emotions and the underlying motivations behind them. This process can facilitate a deeper understanding of ourselves and our emotional responses.

2. Learn some tips to relieve emotions.

In the aforementioned post, the host indicated that she is currently experiencing feelings of sadness, depression, and fatigue. I am curious as to what methods she employs to improve her mood.

I will now proceed to share some tips for relieving emotions. However, I must stress that any tips will be more effective with more practice.

The breathing technique I'm sharing here is straightforward and can be used in any situation. In fact, if we observe ourselves, we will often find that when we are emotional, the rhythm of our breathing changes.

Should we become aware of an emotional state, we can focus on our breathing and slow down the rhythm.

Inhale slowly, drawing the air into the abdomen. Hold the breath for five seconds, then exhale slowly through the mouth, twice as slowly as you inhaled.

This exercise will often result in the alleviation of emotional distress within a five-minute timeframe. While the emotions may not fully dissipate, the individual will be better equipped to maintain a sense of emotional control.

3. Explore alternative communication methods.

The original poster stated that when my roommate and I are on good terms, we can wear the same pants. However, when we are in conflict, we become distant. This feeling of isolation is highly unpleasant.

I appreciate your perspective.

Let us examine this together and determine why we tend to communicate in a confrontational manner when there is a conflict. Are there alternative approaches we could consider?

It would be beneficial to explore alternative communication methods. In any interpersonal relationship, effective communication is of paramount importance.

Effective communication methods will reduce a lot of conflicts and provide greater flexibility when dealing with disagreements.

We can explore alternative communication methods, such as the approach outlined in "Nonviolent Communication." This communication template has proven effective in numerous cases.

If you are interested, you can view the relevant material in the e-books section of the platform.

I hope these resources will prove helpful and inspiring. If you have any questions, you can also click on Find a Coach to communicate with a coach one-on-one. The coaches will be available to assist you in addressing your own challenges and difficulties.

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Bryce Bryce A total of 5327 people have been helped

Dear Question Asker,

Upon reading your account of feelings of isolation, I am compelled to express my empathy. I can relate to the experience of feeling isolated, particularly in a context where one is surrounded by a limited number of individuals. In my own situation, I find myself in an office with only four and a half other people. It is disconcerting to perceive a sense of isolation, particularly when one perceives that the actions of those in leadership positions may be contributing to this feeling. It is challenging to navigate a situation where one feels isolated, particularly when one's actions are perceived as courageous. In my case, I have expressed my thoughts with conviction, yet it seems that those in leadership positions have not demonstrated sufficient tolerance or understanding. Their actions have been perceived as petty and unproductive. One option to consider is to ignore them. However, given that we are in the same office, this is not a viable solution. The lack of support and understanding from those around me has led to feelings of suffocation and sadness. It is important to note that resigning from one's position is not a viable solution, as it would perpetuate the isolation and further exacerbate the situation.

As emotional human beings, we are driven by a fundamental need to form and maintain positive relationships with others. This is not merely a selfless desire; it is an intrinsic part of our psychological makeup. We seek these connections not only for the benefit of those around us but also for our own emotional well-being.

In describing your difficulties, you initially engaged in a process of introspection, acknowledging that you possess a proclivity for anger and a tendency for emotional volatility. This demonstrates a notable degree of rationality and reasonableness, coupled with a benevolent disposition. You demonstrate a proclivity for seeking explanations within yourself before any given situation arises, as opposed to hastily attributing blame to external factors. You are able to discern your own state of being and are motivated to pursue change. Additionally, your presence on this platform indicates a clear state of mind and a well-defined objective. It is evident that you are on the path towards self-healing.

It is not uncommon for individuals to experience mood swings when spending an extended period of time in a confined space. It is therefore understandable that you are experiencing a range of emotions. It is important to recognise that these emotions are not a cause for concern in themselves.

If an individual remains in a fixed environment with a fixed few people for an extended period of time, it is likely that they will lose the sense of appreciation and curiosity and distance that they initially had when they first met. It is not uncommon for conflicts to arise, and it is not unusual for individuals to dislike each other. It is important to recognise that a conflict with one's classmates is not a personal issue. Rather, it is a mutual problem that is caused by the actions of multiple individuals. Similarly, family conflicts and parent-child relationships are likely to exist in a similar way.

No issue should be considered as the exclusive concern of a single individual.

Let us consider the underlying causes of these emotional fluctuations. From your narrative, it is evident that your emotions are highly variable and that you experience feelings of isolation. However, you have not yet elucidated the specific event or events that precipitated this emotional state. It is possible that the event itself is not a significant source of distress for you, and that it merely serves as a trigger for these emotional responses. In that case, it is unclear why you exhibit such high levels of emotional volatility.

The following argument may be erroneous, but it is offered for purposes of reference. There are generally three reasons for emotions: (1) the pressure greatly exceeds the critical value that one can handle freely, but doing these stressful things has become a habit; (2) there may be invisible external pressure that makes one afraid to think about relaxing and taking it easy, which turns into a nameless anger; and (3) encountering difficulties and unpleasant events, and this difficulty cannot be solved by one's efforts, so one feels very helpless, but one really wants to overcome the difficulty and achieve success, especially want to succeed, especially want something to go smoothly, especially want to satisfy a certain desire or need, but there is nothing one can do, so one feels helpless and inadequate.

It is unclear which of these situations you are currently facing. If it is the first situation, you have the option of analyzing your circumstances and reducing the pressure to a certain extent. It is important to note that there is no obligation to accomplish a specific task or achieve a particular goal. If it is the second situation, it may be helpful to consider the broader perspective. Given the circumstances, it may be beneficial to adopt a more passive approach and accept the status quo. This could involve identifying the advantages of the current situation and focusing on those aspects rather than dwelling on the disadvantages. This mindset could be seen as similar to the character of Ah Q. Accepting one's limitations and not setting unrealistic expectations can be a positive step. If it is the third situation, it is essential to plan your actions, including which book to read, which subject to study, which homework to complete, and how to integrate knowledge with action. By working diligently, you can achieve a sense of accomplishment.

If the source of the emotional distress is the relationship with classmates, it may be beneficial to attempt to disengage from the emotions and preconceptions associated with that relationship. Maintaining a positive demeanor, such as smiling, can be an effective communication strategy. Engaging in constructive dialogue and fostering mutual understanding can help to mitigate the negative impact of any underlying issues.

I extend my best wishes to you and the world at large. It is my hope that you will soon regain your self-confidence and achieve a state of happiness.

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Lucilla Taylor Lucilla Taylor A total of 3430 people have been helped

Dear questioner, I can feel from your message that you are constantly experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions! You feel especially comfortable when you are happy, but when you are in a bad mood or have a conflict with someone, it can lead to some pretty intense emotions. Faced with such emotional experiences, you can see that you are at a loss and don't know how to deal with and regulate your emotions. So right now you will be very exhausted. But don't worry! I'm here to help.

I've got some great suggestions for you to help you with your emotional problems!

1. First, we learn how to deal with emotional problems. In the process of interpersonal communication, we will inevitably encounter problems, and when problems arise, they will also lead to the generation of different emotions in us. Then, in the face of such negative emotions, we must vent them in time.

So, how do you release it? The good news is that we have the power to choose how we react to difficult situations. When we are emotionally agitated, we have the option to take a step back and choose other things to do in order to calm down. This could be spending some time alone, calming down first, listening to music, or doing something else to let go of emotional problems.

However, if you are still stuck because of this incident and you are not able to solve the problem, so you are not in a good mood, then we should choose to solve the problem. For example, with your family, if you have any thoughts or feelings, you can express them to your parents. Expressing your feelings is also a way to release emotions, rather than letting them build up inside, which will make you feel worse and worse. But you can do it!

2. The same goes for problems with roommates! If you have conflicts or misunderstandings, or if you have friction over trivial matters in life, then we should learn to express our feelings and our principles to others. This is a great way to discuss the matter on this basis and seek the best solution! Because you are roommates, it is inevitable that there will be friction when living together. This is totally normal! We should try to be tolerant of each other. Of course, it is not necessary for one party to simply tolerate the other. If we are honest with each other, we will understand each other better and get along better together!

3. Finally, learn to handle things! You can change your mood by learning to handle things better. It's a learning process. We can see how others deal with such things and how they express themselves. In fact, I'm always learning and improving myself!

And it also applies to handling interpersonal relationships! Right now, you're just dealing with your roommates, but when you graduate and enter the workforce, you'll have to deal with more complex interpersonal relationships. So start learning and practicing now! You'll be able to improve your abilities, become more confident in dealing with problems, and reduce the occurrence of negative emotions.

I really hope these tips help you out! I love you all so much, and I'm sending you all my best wishes!

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Comments

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Hudson Miller A person who forgives is a person who is in control of their emotions.

I can relate to feeling like your emotions are all over the place. It's tough when you feel isolated and there seems to be no escape from it. The pandemic has made everything so much harder, leaving us trapped in situations we're not comfortable with. Sometimes home isn't the haven we hope for either, which just adds to the frustration and pain.

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Erick Jackson A person of extensive learning is a maestro, conducting the orchestra of knowledge with finesse.

Feeling those intense highs and lows is exhausting. I imagine it's like being on a rollercoaster you never asked to get on, especially with how relationships can shift so dramatically. It's hard to find stability when everything around you feels unpredictable. I wish I could offer a way out of this cycle; it sounds incredibly draining.

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Xenia Violet Teachers are the ladders that help students climb the walls of ignorance.

It's really challenging when mood swings impact every part of your life. College was supposed to be an exciting time, but instead, it feels like a battlefield where you're constantly fighting against your own feelings. Even finding solace at home is now complicated by conflicts. It's heartbreaking to feel this level of distress without relief.

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Athenais Anderson A well - educated and well - rounded individual is a tapestry of knowledge, with each thread representing a different discipline.

The isolation you're experiencing must be overwhelming. When the dorm feels suffocating and going home only brings more conflict, it's as if there's no safe space left. It's important to recognize that these feelings are valid and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. There might be resources available that can provide some support during these tough times.

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Brielle Stone Life is a marathon of endurance and perseverance.

Your story resonates deeply. Balancing school, relationships, and personal wellbeing is tough enough without adding a global pandemic into the mix. It's understandable to feel cornered and unsure of what to do next. Finding a moment of peace amidst all this chaos feels almost impossible. Yet, reaching out for help, even in small ways, can make a difference.

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