Mental Health Experts Raise Alarms as Mood Swings Surge Among Young Adults

Health professionals and psychologists are observing a sharp rise in reported cases of mood swings, especially among teenagers and young adults, sparking fresh concerns over the long-term mental well-being of this age group.

Mood swings rapid and extreme fluctuations in emotional states, are becoming increasingly common, with mental health clinics reporting a 30% increase in young people seeking help for emotional instability over the last 12 months, according to data compiled by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).

A Growing Trend Among the Youth

Dr. Ayesha Malik, a clinical psychologist based in Karachi, notes that mood swings are no longer a rare symptom but a widespread experience.

“I’ve seen patients as young as 13 dealing with extreme mood changes multiple times a day. Many don’t understand what’s happening, and their parents dismiss it as drama or rebellion,” she said.

Mood swings can involve sudden shifts from happiness to sadness, calmness to anger, or energy to fatigue. While they are common during adolescence due to hormonal changes, experts say the intensity and frequency of these shifts are now higher than in previous decades.

More Than Just Hormones

Though mood swings are often linked to puberty, professionals emphasize that modern lifestyle factors are exacerbating the issue.

“We’re seeing an overlap of psychological, biological, and environmental triggers,” said Dr. Malik. “Hormones play a part, yes, but so does excessive screen time, poor sleep, lack of physical activity, and the constant stress from academic and social pressures.”

Social media is also under scrutiny. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat expose users to a nonstop stream of curated images and unrealistic expectations, which can lead to emotional highs and lows.

“There’s a feedback loop of comparison, validation, and rejection. It’s emotionally exhausting, especially for a developing brain,” said Dr. Waleed Rahman, a neuropsychiatrist at Lahore General Hospital.

When Mood Swings Become a Disorder

While occasional mood changes are normal, extreme or persistent mood swings may point to underlying conditions such as:

Bipolar Disorder
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
Depression or Anxiety
ADHD
Hormonal imbalances such as thyroid dysfunction or PCOS

Mental health experts warn against self-diagnosing. “Not every mood swing is bipolar disorder,” Dr. Rahman said. “But if emotional instability starts affecting relationships, work, school, or sleep, it’s time to seek professional help.”

A Silent Crisis in Schools and Colleges

Educational institutions are also reporting increased behavioral issues linked to mood disorders.

According to a survey by the Pakistan Youth Mental Health Network, 47% of students in urban colleges said they had trouble controlling their emotions, while 34% admitted to isolating themselves when feeling overwhelmed.

Despite this, school counselors remain scarce or undertrained. “We need trained professionals in every institution,” said Hira Shah, a mental health advocate and founder of the NGO MindMatters. “Emotional health must be treated as seriously as physical health.”

Coping and Treatment

Mood swings can often be managed with lifestyle changes, therapy, and — in some cases — medication. Experts recommend the following for emotional balance:

Regular exercise to release endorphins
Consistent sleep schedules
Limiting caffeine and sugar
Mindfulness and meditation
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or talk therapy

In more severe cases, psychiatric medication may be prescribed under supervision.

What Parents and Peers Can Do

Family and friends play a crucial role in early detection and support.

“Listen without judgment. Don’t label them ‘moody’ or ‘lazy’. It could be much deeper than that,” said Dr. Malik.

Parents are encouraged to maintain open communication and monitor any changes in sleeping patterns, appetite, academic performance, or social withdrawal.

A Call for Mental Health Awareness

As mood instability grows more visible in society, psychologists, educators, and activists are calling for urgent awareness campaigns to reduce stigma and educate the public on early signs.

“Mood swings aren’t just a teenage phase,” said Hira Shah. “They can be symptoms of real conditions that require real care. The sooner we normalize mental health discussions, the more lives we can improve.”