Low blood sugar

Prolonged fasting or severe hunger can lead to low blood sugar, depriving the brain of sufficient energy. This prompts the body to release hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, intensifying feelings of stress, restlessness, and irritability. Low blood sugar is common in individuals with diabetes. If symptoms such as trembling, irritability, or dizziness appear, it is advisable to quickly consume sugar through sugary drinks, orange juice, or candy.

Stress

Work pressures or disagreements in relationships can induce stress. If prolonged, this condition often leads to various health issues, causing individuals to feel sadness and anger. Persistent stress also contributes to insomnia, which in turn negatively impacts mood.

Certain medications

Mood changes or depression can be side effects of certain medications, including blood pressure drugs and antidepressants. If you experience mood instability after starting a new medication, you should discuss these changes with your doctor to assess the connection between your mood and the medication.

Certain medications can alter mood. Photo: Anh Chi

Bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder is a psychological condition characterized by unpredictable mood swings. Individuals with bipolar disorder may experience various phases: a manic phase, marked by high energy, excitement, and confidence; a depressive phase, involving intense sadness, extreme despair, and fatigue; and a mixed phase, where symptoms of both states occur simultaneously. In some instances, a person's mood can shift rapidly between these states, making emotional and behavioral control challenging.

Sleep deprivation

During sleep, the brain and body recover. Insufficient or poor-quality sleep hinders alertness, leading to stress, fatigue, and a tendency toward irritability. Chronic sleep deprivation can also elevate the risk of depression.

Hormones

Fluctuations in hormone production, whether higher or lower than normal, impact mood. When "happy hormones" in the brain, such as dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin, are secreted at normal levels, an individual's mood is generally positive. However, reduced secretion of these mood-regulating hormones can lead to unpredictable emotional shifts.

Premenstrual syndrome

Many women experience premenstrual syndrome in the days leading up to their menstrual period. This can cause symptoms such as cramps, headaches, and mood changes, as certain hormone levels decrease at that time of the month. Once menstruation begins, hormone levels start to rise, helping these symptoms subside. Additionally, the body's reduced hormone production during menopause can lead to hot flashes, sleep difficulties, and mood fluctuations.

Dementia

Dementia causes brain damage, progressively affecting memory and personality. Individuals with dementia may experience sudden mood shifts, alternating between calmness, anger, or irritability. They might feel frustrated due to forgetting things or losing the ability to express their thoughts. Some people with dementia are also at risk of social withdrawal and depression.

Anh Chi (Source: WebMD)