Teenagers - mood swings, depression, teenage crisis. Sudden mood swings in children

It is natural for people to feel upset and overwhelmed by problems and difficulties, as well as to rejoice when experiencing positive emotions. But sometimes mood swings happen regardless of the situation, disrupt the usual course of life, create tension in relationships with family members, colleagues, friends. If this happens often and for no reason, it is possible that the person is suffering from some type of emotional disorder or physical illness.

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Why does the mood change?

Some people experience mood swings several times a day. positive attitude may suddenly give way to irritation, anger, anger or depression and apathy. Such behavior negatively affects the person himself and the people who are nearby. The lack of understanding of others causes a feeling of guilt in the prisoner of emotions, and he himself does not understand why his feelings are like a rollercoaster.

Often people themselves are guilty of conduct disorders. Suspiciousness, anxiety, suspicion, inability to build relationships, resolve conflict situations deprive a person of psychological stability. The following factors influence the emotional mood:

1. The state of constant alarm. Instead of living in the present, a person returns to the past, remembering and analyzing failures, mistakes, mistakes. He sees the future as full of negative events, worries about himself and his loved ones, is constantly in suspense, expecting bad news.
2. Excessive demands on oneself and others. People with this attitude are never satisfied with life, realizing that they are unable to live up to the ideal they aspire to. It causes negative attitude to himself, neurosis, unstable mood.
3. Emotional immaturity. People who do not know how to adequately get out of conflict situations, suffer from frequent mood swings under the influence of troubles at work, family troubles, instability, changes in life.
4. Lack of love in the family. Children who grew up in families where they lacked attention and care, during adult life are often disturbed emotional sphere accompanied by mood swings.
5. Being in any kind of addiction (alcohol, drug, gaming, sexual, computer, etc.).

A sharp change in mood does not necessarily indicate problems in the emotional sphere, often this is physiological cause.

Physical and psychological causes

If the alternation of euphoria and depression is accompanied by weight loss or gain, sleep and appetite disturbance, shortness of breath, failure menstrual cycle in women, nausea, dizziness, tremor of the limbs, a doctor's consultation is necessary. Often cause emotional instability is a disease.

Mood Influencing Organs:

1. Thyroid gland. Increased hormone production thyroid gland leads to irritability, irascibility, nervousness. A decrease in the concentration of the hormone slows down the metabolism in the body, making a person lethargic, weak, depressed.
2. Cardiovascular system. Tachycardia and elevation blood pressure promote the production of adrenaline, as a result of which a person feels bouts of fear and anxiety.
3. Diseases of the liver and gallbladder. Short-term outbursts of anger in this case provokes the release of norepinephrine caused by a spasm of the biliary tract.
4. Diabetes. The mood of a diabetic can fluctuate along with the level of sugar in the blood, changing from fun and joy to isolation, irritation, anxiety, fear.

To identify internal pathology, an examination by a therapist, cardiologist, endocrinologist is necessary. Without treatment for a disease that provokes frequent mood swings, the advice of a psychologist, taking sedatives and antidepressants will not bring the expected result.

In addition to the general factors that cause emotional disruptions, there are specific ones for women, men and children, due to the peculiarities of the psyche, physiology, age-related changes organism.

In men

Men are expected to have willpower, masculinity, stamina, the ability to endure difficulties with an unbending back, but a significant part of the strong half of humanity does not meet these expectations. They are prone to fear, anxiety, nervous tension, stress. Fatigue, worries related to material care for the family, misunderstanding of the wife, problems at work can cause a man to experience mood swings, despondency, and depression.

Other causes of emotional breakdowns - bad habits and a midlife crisis. Addiction to alcohol, drugs, gambling, viewing pornography have a negative impact on the male psyche. In such people, mood swings can be dangerous, as they reach aggression towards family members.

Among women

In the weaker sex, frequent bouts of anger, tearfulness, hysteria occur against the background of hormonal changes during menstruation, during the period of bearing and feeding a child, with menopause. For many, PMS causes similar manifestations ( premenstrual syndrome), others suffer from emotional disorders after menstruation.

Bad habits, dissatisfaction with appearance, unsatisfied desires, lack of personal life, constant stress, tensions in the family and at work leave an imprint on the psycho-emotional side of a woman's personality, making her nervous, prone to unstable mood, prone to depression.

In children and adolescents

In young children, mood swings are observed during periods age crises. In a similar way, the child tries to capture the attention of adults, reacts to an unfavorable situation in the family, conflicts of parents. The costs of education also affect the behavior of the baby. Excessive control, guardianship, unjustified prohibitions, excessive demands provoke an emotional response in the child in the form of outbreaks of aggression, uncontrollability, stubbornness.

During puberty, the psyche of children becomes especially vulnerable and susceptible to influence. external factors. Against the background of a hormonal surge, any event can cause a storm of emotions in a teenager, positive or negative.

At young guy a mood change is caused by a reduced level of the sex hormone testosterone, which is responsible for the timely puberty. For a girl, the impetus for the appearance of behavioral disorders can be dissatisfaction with appearance, loss of attention of the opposite sex, difficulties in communicating with peers, the beginning monthly cycle and the associated surge of hormones.

Serious concerns are teen depression, which has received the status of an epidemic in recent decades. If you notice symptoms of extreme depression, gloom, unwillingness to do your usual work, do what you love, take care of yourself in your son or daughter, you need to contact a psychologist. It is dangerous to ignore the signs of depression in a teenager, since a child’s long stay in such a state threatens his life: it is depression that is responsible for most teenage suicides.

Mental disorders

The most common cause of mood swings are neuropsychiatric disorders, observed in people of both sexes, different ages and social groups. The imbalance of the psyche can be temporary, depending on internal or external stimuli, but sometimes it reaches critical levels in the form of severe depression, neurosis.

Frequent and rapid change of emotional reactions occurs in such conditions:

hysteria - a disorder with a violation of motor, autonomic, behavioral reactions, the desire of an individual to draw attention to himself with tears, screaming, unnatural laughter, inappropriate behavior;
cyclothymia, a feature of which is a rapid transition from euphoria to extreme depression and sadness;
bipolar disorder or manic-depressive psychosis;
dysthymia - a mild stage of depression;
borderline state - a personality disorder, which is characterized by inability to live in society, inability to communicate with others;
panic attacks - attacks of inexplicable fear, panic, anxiety, accompanied by symptoms of vegetovascular dystonia;
depression.

The mechanism that triggers the temporary deviation mental health, become stressful situations, circumstances requiring nervous tension(exams, important meeting), for people with weather dependence - weather changes, moving to another climatic zone.

Prevention and treatment

Prevention of behavioral deviations is proper upbringing from infancy, attention to the emotional needs of the child, attitude towards him as a person, respect for his views, preferences. No less important is the sequence, coordinated actions of the parents (what the father forbade, the mother does not allow either), otherwise the child will early years will learn resourcefulness and opportunism, which will negatively affect his mental development.

The age of puberty requires parents special attention and effort. At this time, the child must be treated as an adult, respecting his right to choose friends, extracurricular activities, music, clothes, entertainment. At the same time, it is necessary to stipulate prohibitions and restrictions, clearly explaining why they are necessary. So parents can develop with a teenager trusting relationship and together survive a difficult age without injuring the immature psyche of an adult child.

Simple but effective tool prevention and treatment of mood swings in adults and children are diet, sleep, work and rest, moderate physical exercise, stay on fresh air. The technique of auto-training, meditation, yoga will help to normalize the psycho-emotional background, restore mental balance after experienced stress, conflict, troubles. Food rich in vitamins and microelements has a beneficial effect on nervous system, general state organism.

In cases of persistent problems with emotional mood resort to the help of sedatives, nootropics, antidepressants, tranquilizers. These medical preparations belong to the group of potent, some are addictive, so it is unacceptable to use them on their own.

Have you ever noticed sharp drops the mood of the baby: then he laughs out loud, and after a minute he purses his lips in an offended way? What is it, the “costs” of character or behavior peculiar to his age? Do you need to worry and seek help from specialists, or can you just ignore such whims?

The main causes of sudden mood swings in a child include the following:

Lack of attention. It is felt especially sharply when the baby is not alone in the family. Naturally, even the most caring parents cannot always devote enough time to their children. For example, with the advent of a newborn in the house, all attention is somehow concentrated on him. What feelings are experienced in this case older child? Resentment, anger, jealousy ... He can convey his state to others in different ways: from isolation in himself and unwillingness to take part in public life to displays of aggression and constant tantrums. In any case, this little man everyone will try possible ways draw attention to yourself;
Violation of personal space which is often accompanied by a manifestation of aggression and anger, especially at the age of 3 years. For example, the baby expresses his unwillingness to accept another participant in the game with the help of tears and screams. The same reaction can follow during the "sharing" of toys, attempts to change the script of actions thought out by the tiny one, and so on;
Resentment. More often given state crumbs express with the help of tears, screams, tantrums. The main reasons for resentment are the categorical prohibitions of adults, unwillingness to obey generally accepted rules and neglect of his interests.

How to deal with mood swings in a child?

Eliminate annoying and aggressive factors from the baby's personal space. Try to make sure that the baby devotes as little of his free time as possible to watching action films, horrors and other films and TV shows that traumatize the psyche. It is better to devote this time to reading old good fairy tales, calm games with peers in the yard or a confidential conversation heart to heart. Limit his access to computer games and controversial TV shows.
Remember that the child always tries to copy the behavior of his parents. Therefore, minimize (at least with children) high-pitched conversations, quarrels and scandals. It is the unfavorable situation in the family that is one of the main reasons for the unstable behavior of the child. Try to be an example for your heir in all areas of life.
Praise and encourage your child. It is permissible for each of us to make mistakes, and even more so for a crumb. Do not rush to scold him for the slightest mistake and failure. If you see that several attempts to complete the task were in vain, do not wait until the baby gives vent to emotions. Talk to him, tell him exactly how you would act in this situation and, if possible, try to help.

As a rule, sharp mood swings disappear with age. If you are observing depression crumbs for quite a long period of time, it may be reasonable to seek help from a doctor.

Mood problems happen at any age.
It is easy for us to understand the mood of adults. Its reasons are mostly obvious. Problems at work, personal troubles, poor health - we ourselves have encountered all this more than once and we can easily, as they say, get into a position, say “yes, I can imagine how you feel”. In addition, the person himself expresses complaints, asks to discuss the reasons or just talk.
Children do not have the skills of reflection, they cannot realize their own feelings and their causes.
They can only whimper, whimper, cry, throw toys, spit out food, cling to their mother, ask for hands. And then - the same thing again ... That is why they Bad mood elicits no sympathy.

We tend to call it "just whims" and cut it down with any suitable and accessible method. Indeed, what kind of mood disorders can there be when all life consists of feedings, games and walks? Is there any reason for depression or irritation in a one-year-old (two-, three-year-old) baby? Eat. And, by the way, they are almost the same as in adults.

Aged up to a year a child's bad mood is the most difficult to detect. After all, it is expressed in only one way - crying. That is, in the same way as hunger, pain, fatigue, inconvenience associated with wet diapers or prickly clothes are expressed. But no. In fact, crying in case of a bad mood will be different from crying in other species.
It is quieter, lower in tone, monotonous and mournful. If, despite the fact that the child is absolutely healthy, you hear such crying, do not hesitate: the baby is not in a good mood. Who dared to spoil the mood of such a crumb?
Most likely, it was you - although, of course, you didn’t do it on purpose or even consciously. Young children are very sensitive to the mood of their mother, they adopt absolutely all her sorrows and joys.
There is an opinion that even the composition breast milk changes depending on the mood, and therefore the baby literally feeds on your emotions.

It is worth recognizing: a happy, satisfied with everything that happens and with themselves, mothers and children are calm, balanced and cheerful.
If the mother is too tired to rejoice, and constantly experiences tension, anxiety, then one cannot expect much fun from the child. Such children often cry for no apparent reason, calming down only in their arms. This spoils the mood of the mother even more, she conveys negative emotions to the baby even more - in general, it turns out vicious circle.

Tearfulness, a sense of loss, the inability to enjoy what used to bring pleasure - such symptoms are observed in 80% of women after childbirth (their likelihood increases with age and the number of births) and, of course, also leave an imprint on communication with the baby and even on his future character. Children who experienced a mood disorder in their mother in infancy, and in adulthood are anxious, prone to pessimism, endure life's difficulties more difficult. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the mood as early as possible - both for yourself and the child.

First, add positivity to your life with him. It is not so difficult if you remember that life is made up of little things. After all, even while walking, you can go to those places where you like, communicate with those mothers who are cheerful and charge you with optimism.

Incidentally, this is not new method. In many cultures, mothers sang lullabies to young children, composed in a day (in cultures that have preserved the traditional system, this is still the case), about everything that happened, about what was bothering them. It was believed that children thus feel part of the family and grow more calm.

From one year to three
The child is growing, and his knowledge of the world, his needs, his social circle is constantly increasing. On the one hand, his capabilities are quite large - he knows how to walk, talk and feels completely independent, on the other hand, he is still under constant control and often cannot fulfill his desires. In general, the most main reason for a bad mood - misunderstanding. Another reason is the loss of something important. Moreover, what is important for a child is not at all the same as for an adult.

two year old can quite calmly endure the divorce of his parents, leaving his father's family, but at the same time it will be hard to experience the loss of his favorite toy. The death of a grandmother will not be perceived as dramatic as, for example, daily care moms to work. This feature of the psyche allows children to protect themselves from very difficult experiences, to forget the traumas of early childhood.
Some simple and acceptable explanation of the situation enables the child to correct his idea of the world. If a person who cares and loves remains nearby, then everything is in order. But about the little things (what is a trifle for us), the child can cry for a long time and inconsolably. So long that he wears himself out and then falls asleep.

Bringing children to such a state is not worth it, but it also makes no sense to be scared and protect. Crying is their way of reacting to emotions, throwing out all the negativity. As a rule, after such a storm of tears, the awakened child feels much better and good mood ready to play (however, by this point, parents are already exhausted). In addition, it is at this age that the child learns different ways interactions with adults and peers.
If he understands that his crying has an intimidating effect on people, he will use this weapon already consciously.
The bad mood of a child of this age is expressed not only by crying. He can lie on the bed, not responding to offers to play, he can stare blankly out the window, and if a bad mood is combined with aggression, he can kick and scatter toys. In any case, we need help. He himself can not cope with his mood yet.

Show maximum participation, patience and warmth, even if he, as they say, is to blame. At the same time, this should not mean at all that you are obliged to make concessions - for example, to refuse to go on a visit, since the child is so bad without you. After all, right now he is getting used to the fact that in life not everything and will not always be the way he wants. And to the fact that this is not at all a reason to fall into despondency.
So give him a lesson. Without changing your plans and not discussing at all more reason his negative state, hug and just sit next to him. And often play noisy games with your children, squeeze them and shake them. And stroking on the back is generally one of the best practices stress prevention.

Three to six
At the age of two and a half to three years, the child develops self-awareness. He talks about himself "I", becomes more shy, bashful (realizes that other people can look at him, discuss, and so on). In addition, his need for communication with peers is becoming more and more pronounced, and in this area there are also reasons for worries. In general, than older child, the more likely that the cause of a bad mood is outside the family (although relationships with parents still remain the most significant). At the same time, secrecy may appear in behavior: the child is no longer inclined to tell parents absolutely everything. Sometimes he just doesn't know if it's okay to tell what happened.

So, for example, if a child is attacked by an adult - a friend or a stranger, he may not talk about it. After all, an adult is an authority, if he screams, then “I deserve it.” So to find out what is the cause of depression, bad mood is not so easy. Teach your child frankness, that he can tell absolutely everything to his loved ones. Always support the child in case of trouble, even if the situation is controversial.
Yes, you can discuss it, sort out who is right and who is wrong, but later, later. When a child is depressed, depressed, he needs, first of all, support. By the way, this rule applies not only to children. We all need that kind of prejudice, to be loved no matter what. This is the basis of happiness in the family.

Always listen to your child. He should trust you with his doubts and worries at any age.

If the child still does not tell, do not interrogate. Moreover, emotions at this age are already complex, almost the same as in adults - the child really may not fully understand why he is sad. Talk on abstract topics or on the topic of mood, but without looking for reasons. “And when did you feel sad?”, “How sad are you - just sad or so that you don’t even want ice cream?”, “What needs to be done in order not to be sad?” - the child can answer such questions quite well. And, accordingly, together with you can find a way to improve mood. In addition, the so-called emotional inoculations help very well. From time to time you tell some story from your childhood (mother scolded, punished in kindergarten, quarreled with a girlfriend).
The story should be detailed in the part that talks about emotions (how you experienced) and certainly have a good ending. This will provide positive outlook for life.

Based on the article by S. Ievleva

” №12/2007 24.08.12

Children react to the slightest change in the situation in the family, in kindergarten or in the yard. But, firstly, babies cannot always explain what excites or worries them, and secondly, the child's emotional reaction does not necessarily follow immediately after the event. This is where “causeless” sadness or anger arises.

Features of the emotional development of children

Neither the Hydrometeorological Center nor the parents can predict the mood of the child. Mom and dad are at a loss: why is he sad now, if a quarter of an hour ago he was absolutely happy? No need to be nervous about this! This is more good than bad. Openly expressing feelings is better than withdrawing into yourself and hiding your feelings. The more strongly your son or daughter demonstrates emotions, the more accurate signal you get: I feel good (bad), I am satisfied (annoyed), I am happy (sad).

If you have an emotional child

An emotional child is an open book for attentive parents. And for the baby frequent change Moods are the best way to get rid of negativity. A violent manifestation of feelings is not at all a sign of imbalance. Thus, the baby transmits information to mom and dad. You are the most important people in the world for him, he needs your understanding. So learn to "read" the data transmitted by the baby!

Emotional development of children. What Not to Do for Parents

Often parents want the child's mood to be even, so they consciously or unconsciously suppress its natural manifestations. “Don’t shout!”, “No need to laugh so loudly!”, “Control yourself!” Avoid phrases that prohibit the baby from expressing emotions. He will not want to upset you once again, so he will rather suppress anger or resentment in himself than allow them to break out. As a result, you will get a closed, detached little man who, having matured, is unlikely to share his experiences with you. So why not allow him now to give vent to feelings?

Watch the child if he does not finish something, is constrained, behaves unnaturally. Such behavior may indicate distrust of you or the world in general.

"You can't behave like that!" - your favorite saying? It is not surprising that the child is afraid of punishment, criticism and the strict opinion of others! IN best case sooner or later there will be an explosion and pent-up feelings will spill out in an inadequate form. And at worst, unmanifested emotions will remain in the subconscious of the baby and can further provoke a psychosomatic illness.

Correction of the emotional world of children. What should parents do

Make it a rule not to repress your child's negative experiences. After all, if they are, then why are they needed?
Everyone knows that preventing a disease is much easier than treating it. This wonderful medical principle applies to almost all areas of life, and to the upbringing of unpredictable children as well.
Does your child have mood swings? Make sure there are more positives than negatives.
Surprise the baby and arrange a holiday in the middle of the week. Pick up the child from kindergarten or from my grandmother a couple of hours earlier than usual. And go not home, but, for example, to the park. Have a picnic with funny sandwiches and juices in colorful cups. Or buy tickets for a children's movie in advance ( Entertainment Center theater, zoo). Go visit one of your close friends.
And pre-buy nice little gifts. In general, behave outside the box - not the way you always do.
The delight of the baby will not be the limit. You already know how routine can erase from memory what makes you happy! And often this is pleasant trifles... It is possible that behind the ever-changing mood of your son or daughter lies a thirst for adventure. Children need to know that in life there is always a place for a holiday.
Periodically entertain yourself with original activities. Do something unusual: rearrange the furniture in the nursery, taking into account the wishes of its owner; paint each other with makeup. Or take a fun interview from the crumbs, fixing it on video. In a few years, you will enjoy watching this landmark documentary short.
Do you know that of all the elements, a bad mood is most afraid of water? Especially cold. Sign up for the pool! Or have a fun bath time. Various sprinklers, funny toys and peaceful water guns will make the process unforgettable.

Hysteria in a child. What to do?

However, there are situations that require urgent solutions. If during fun event your child suddenly burst into tears, try to figure out the reasons together.

The material world great helper if used correctly. And kids know how to do it. Simple, unpretentious things give them pleasure no less than expensive toys and clever games. Do you see the light on the baby's face when, digging in the sandbox, he finds a colored glass? For him it is a treasure.

In critical moments, it is good to have a few frivolous items on hand. It can be, for example, a device for creating soap bubbles. There is no boy or girl in the world who would be indifferent to their iridescent surface ...

Or Balloons. Who said they're just for birthdays?

Bengal lights are real fireworks, only small. It is not at all necessary to wait for the New Year, you can meet it right now. And let this year, which began on any day of autumn or winter, become the Year of carelessness and fun!

A satin ribbon, a baby crib, a miniature car or a clay whistle - all this can easily fit in a mother's bag. And at the right time, it will be an excellent consolation prize for a baby whose last tear dries up on his cheek.

Often I want to say to my daughter the well-known phrase “I know that I don’t know anything.” I am constantly surprised by my daughter, how you can change your behavior and mood so often. About the behavior is a separate conversation, which deserves an entire article. Indeed, in 9 cases out of 10, the daughter behaves with her grandmother in a completely different way than with me - an absolutely obedient and flexible child, who is called "at least apply to the wound."

What is the cause of a sharp change in mood in a child? There are not so few of them. I would like to tell you more in today's topic.

no boundaries

Unlike adults, children, so to speak, are more sincere in expressing their emotions. Agree, it will look strange if adult woman will squeal with delight at the sight of the first dandelion in spring.

The point is that what younger child, the less he has restrictions in terms of behavior. Only with age do children begin to understand the rules of behavior in society, the expediency of the public manifestation of certain emotions.

It is to this reason that we owe the so-called distraction method to work. For example, when her daughter was about 2 years old, a cat running past could easily turn her tears into laughter.

Lack of attention

Yes, it is the lack of attention and manifestation of feelings on the part of parents that can be the cause of the unstable mood of the child. It is obvious that at the sight of tears or a cry, attention is immediately drawn to the child. And if the method works, then why not use it more often?

The solution is obvious - to give attention and love in advance, so that the child does not have the need to "beg" for them. Lots of options: hugs, sweet words, joint classes, touch, etc.

The task of parents in this case is to let the baby understand that parental love- this is a kind of stronghold, something so permanent and unshakable that does not require strength tests, and will not go anywhere, regardless of place and time.

Leap in development

At the age of 2 to 4 years, children experience a so-called crisis, another leap in development. Unlike other similar periods, it is important because it is at this age that the baby first tries to separate himself from his mother.

I noticed from my daughter: at 2-3 years old, she was most interested in playing with me, and after three years, she gradually switched to contact with peers or playing alone. Also, this period is characterized by the fact that the child periodically checks the mother. For example, children are interested in what will be the reaction to aggression, anger, violation of the ban.

All this is the cause of some confusion in the head of the child, and believe me, it is now much more difficult for him to control himself than for you.

Just

This point also deserves attention. After all, not everything has to have a reason, right? Anything can happen - a lack of sleep, an overabundance of sleep, watching a sad cartoon or snow outside the window, and the soul desires heat.

For example, my daughter is very sensitive to the full moon. And if in heaven full moon, then the probability of violent mood swings is maximum. Again, I don’t know how things are with boys, but girls are girls for that, they don’t have reasons for everything, so the mood has the right to change just like that;)

conclusions

Of course, if the child's mood changes too often, you should consult with a specialist. IN similar cases help may be needed child psychologist or taking special medications.

If I see that my daughter's mood is unstable, I immediately check for the most obvious reasons for this: fatigue and hunger. In other cases, you should look for the cause deeper.

Do your children often change mood?

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