Extreme changes in mood can be one of the first signs of mental health issues. Mood changes are normal. We might feel down or dejected at the beginning of the day, only to find ourselves feeling cheerful later that same day. We might also have longer periods of a specific mood. For example, we may feel sad for weeks at a time following the end of a relationship or the loss of a loved one.
Extreme changes in mood may be an early warning sign of mental illness. If your mood and resultant behavior become unpredictable over a long period of time, you may want to consider asking for help. Mental illnesses like bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder and certain personality disorders are associated with extreme mood swings.