There is a well used phrase “we are on a journey” through life. That journey is sometimes a smooth progression where many days are very similar. However I think for those with mental health problems the ride can be turbulent and more like a rollercoaster. 

I would like to illustrate this concept with a description of my changing moods during a few days near the end of October. My mind was troubled by spells of low depression and anxiety. I was concerned about persistent headaches and other spells when I felt ‘disconnected’.

In this state of mind I became concerned about forthcoming events. One of these was a meeting at a local leisure centre. This was to discuss the possibility of continuing my cardiac rehab. I was apprehensive about how more sessions would fit in to my life with Mrs T and also whether any supervision would be available when completing physical exercises.

When the day arrived I tried to keep an open mind about the outcome.

I got there in plenty of time and after a long walk I was ushered into a small meeting room. After completing an application form a lady who I shall refer to as LC (Elsie?) began to talk to me about my health, heart surgery and mental health! We struck up a good rapport very quickly. With similar SOH, smiles and laughter developed between us. I relaxed and became reassured about what I could expect. My mood improved appreciably. I felt LC and I had formed a bond and I left feeling greatly uplifted. She listened to my health issues over the last 5 years and I felt she understood my concerns.

Later that day I experienced another one of my ‘disconnected’ spells. These have the potential to lower my mood. However on this occasion I rested and remained calm; in other words I managed the situation. I knew it would pass and it did! In consequence my high mood remained.

The lesson I learnt was this: It is okay for our moods to fluctuate and make us feel we are on an emotional rollercoaster. Apparently these changing moods are quite common following major surgery. 

If we are suffering from a low mood what simple steps can we take to improve it? I have found a few suggestions:

1  Focus on a small good thing. Smell a flower, watch a parent playing with their child, look at water flowing. 

2  Talk to someone, anyone. Say a few words eg. give a compliment.

3  Identify something to look forward to: Telephone a friend after work, plan a visit to the cinema to watch a film (Paddington?), arrange a meal out with friends.

4  Go Outside. We need sunlight and fresh air. A short walk around your neighbourhood will suffice.

5  Remember the good things. Try to remember just one positive memory. Focus on it.

6  Music. Even without words music can evoke happy emotions.

(Courtesy of Jennifer Gerlach an American Psychotherapist)

Do you experience changeable moods?

Teg

A Moodscope member