Do you ever find yourself getting really irritable for almost no reason? Or suddenly feeling really down without knowing why? Going from sadness to anger to joy in a matter of minutes can make teens feel as though they're losing their grip. But why is the feeling of being on an emotional roller coaster so common among teens?

Dealing with constant change and pressure is part of the answer. Maybe it's starting a new school and not being able to see old friends as much. Getting good grades or wanting to be better in sports or other activities can be a concern. It might feel as though there just isn't enough time to do everything.

Being a teen means struggling with identity and self-image. Being accepted by friends feels extremely important - and a teen may feel, for the first time, a sense of distance from parents and family. They want to be on their own and make their own decisions, but it can be overwhelming - and even a bit lonely - at times. As fun and exciting as this time is, it also can be a time of confusion and conflict. It can take a while for a teen - and his or her family - to feel comfortable with the transition between childhood and adulthood.

Another important cause for mood swings is biology. When puberty begins, the body starts producing sex hormones. These hormones - estrogen and progesterone in girls and testosterone in guys - cause physical changes in the body. But they also cause emotional changes - the ups and downs that sometimes feel out of control.

Understanding that almost everyone goes through these kinds of mood swings might make them easier to handle.

Beating the Blues

Here are some suggestions that might make moodiness a bit easier to handle:

*Recognize you're not alone. Though not every teen experiences mood changes to the same degree, they are common.

*Catch your breath. Or count to ten. Or do something that let's you settle down for a few moments, especially if you're feeling angry or irritable. Try to look at the situation from the point of view of a wise observer.

*Talk to people you trust. Friends can help each other by realizing that they're not alone in their feelings. Talking to parents is important, too. Parents can offer the wisdom of their experiences and will appreciate it if a teen tries to explain how he or she feels instead of just slamming a door. Teachers and counselors are often good resources, and a teen's doctor can help sort through questions about development.

*Keeping feelings inside can make them seem much worse.

*Exercise. Regular exercise produces more beta-endorphin, a hormone that controls stress and improves mood. Go for a run, play some tennis, ride your bike, or punch a punching bag.

*Get enough sleep. Though it can be hard to find enough time, getting adequate rest is very important. Being tired can lead to more sadness and irritability.

*Create. For some teens that might mean getting involved in some sort of project, like starting a journal or diary, building something out of wood, or starting an art or music piece. Writing can help you organize and express your thoughts and feelings, and will make things more manageable.

*Don't worry about grammar, spelling, or punctuation; the important thing is just to get your thoughts on paper. Do the same thing with paint, sculpture, music, or other art forms. Put your feelings into your artwork.

*Cry. There's nothing wrong with crying; in fact, it often makes a person feel better. However, if you find that you are sad most of the time, or if you just can't seem to shake the blues, you might be depressed and need help from a doctor. If you're feeling stressed or angry a lot of the time, getting help could be very useful for you. If you can't cope with your daily routine, tell an adult.

Reviewed by: Neil Izenberg, MD
Date reviewed: June 2002
Originally reviewed by: Jonathan Schneider, DO