How to Deal with Your Partner’s Mood Swings

First published: 11 February 2023 @ 6:00 pm

If someone you love constantly changes moods and behaviour unpredictably, you may be feeling like you’re walking on eggshells.

This can be incredibly frustrating, and it can affect your relationship in a number of ways.

However, with a little bit of understanding and some helpful tips, you can start to cope with your partner’s mood swings.

What are Mood Swings?

Mood swinging occurs when someone’s mood changes rapidly and unpredictably.

This can include feeling happy one minute and then angry the next, or feeling depressed one minute and then euphoric the next.

Everyone has mood swinging moments from time to time, but when it happens regularly and disrupts a relationship’s peace and balance, it can be a problem.

How to Deal with Your Partner’s Mood Swings
Photo by Ketut Subiyanto on Pexels

What are the Causes of Mood Swings?

It is a normal response to experience occasional swings of mood.

However, when shifts of mood happen frequently and interfere with the quality of your life, there may be a more serious underlying issue.

There are a number of things that can cause mood swings, including:

Personality disorders

People with certain personality disorder traits, such as bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder, can cause incredibly intense mood swings.

It can last for several hours to days, and it can be incredibly difficult to manage.

Stress

Irritable moods are often a result of stress. When your partner is constantly worried or anxious, their body releases stress hormones.

These hormones can affect their mood, and it can be especially difficult to control when they’re constant.

Substance Abuse

Alcohol and other drugs can cause significant changes in mood and behavior.

When someone is using these substances, they may become agitated or irritable quickly. This can make it difficult to maintain any kind of balance in their lives.

Physical Health Conditions

Certain physical health conditions, like thyroid problems, can cause mood swings as well.

The hormone levels in someone with these conditions can change quickly, which can cause significant changes in their mood.

How Do I Deal with My Partner’s Mood Swings?

Tough times are bound to happen in life, and that includes during a relationship.

However, when mood swings become a regular part of your relationship, you need to do something to address the issue.

Here are some tips to help you cope with your partner’s mood swings:

1. Talk About It

A healthy relationship requires communication, and mood swings are a perfect opportunity to discuss any issues that are causing tension.

If you’re not comfortable talking about the problem openly, you can try discussing the issue indirectly.

For example, you could say something like, “I know you’re feeling angry right now, but can we talk about what’s causing that?”

You can also try to be proactive and bring up the topic before the mood swing occurs. This will help you to anticipate what might trigger a change in mood, and you can then try to prepare for it.

2. Remain Calm and Respectful

Constant mood swings can be incredibly frustrating, and they can lead to anger issues. When you’re feeling frustrated, it’s easy to lash out at your partner.

Resist the temptation to react in a way that will further upset them. Instead, try to remain calm and respectful. This will help to build a more positive relationship based on mutual respect.

3. Offer to Help

We all need help from time to time, and your partner is no exception. If you notice that they’re struggling to cope with mood swings, offer to help out.

This could involve helping them to take a break, providing support during difficult times, or simply being there for them.

Being the positive person in the relationship can be incredibly helpful when things are tough, and your daily life may be easier as a result.

4. Don’t Take It Personally

It can be hard to deal with mood swings, and it can be difficult to understand why your partner is behaving in a way that’s so out of control.

However, don’t take it personally. Mood swings are a natural response to life events, and they don’t reflect on you as a person.

Try to remember that your partner is just trying to cope with the situation the best way that they know how.

5. Set Boundaries

If mood swings are causing significant tension in your relationship, it may be worth setting boundaries.

This could include limiting your partner’s time with you, setting clear expectations for their behavior, or limiting their access to certain resources.

When you set boundaries, you’re taking control of the situation and ensuring that your relationship remains stable.

6. Practice Self-Care

Living with a moody partner can be challenging, and it can take a toll on your health. Make sure to practice self-care every day.

This could involve taking a break from the relationship, doing something that you enjoy, or getting some exercise.

Taking care of yourself will help to maintain your sanity and balance in the midst of your partner’s mood swings.

Have a positive attitude, and you’ll be able to cope with your partner’s mood swings much more easily.

7. Seek Professional Help

Persistent mood swings on your partner’s part can be a sign that there may be a more serious issue at hand.

If you don’t think you can handle the situation on your own, it may be worth seeking professional help.

A therapist or counsellor can help you to understand the root of your partner’s mood swings, and they can provide guidance on how to cope.

Difficult life events can be a challenge for any relationship, so professional help can be a valuable resource.

Final Thoughts

Shifts in mood and bad behavior in relationships can be incredibly frustrating.

However, with a little bit of understanding and some helpful tips, you can start to cope with your partner’s mood swings.

A successful relationship doesn’t come without occasional challenges, and mood swings are just one of those challenges.

If you find this article helpful, please share it with your friends and family. Visit Mature Parent so you can learn more to improve the quality of your relationships!

FAQs

How do you comfort someone with mood swings?

The best way to comfort someone with mood swings is to listen to them and understand what’s going on. Try not to react or overreact, and be patient. If your partner needs some space, let them go without guilt or pressure. Remember, everyone experiences mood swings differently, so there is no one perfect way to deal with them.

How to not let your partner’s mood affect you?

If you find yourself getting caught up in your partner’s mood swings, it’s important to remember that you are not responsible for their feelings. You can try to take a step back and understand what’s going on, but ultimately it’s up to them to manage their own emotions. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, talk to a friend or family member about how you’re feeling. They may be able to provide some helpful advice.

Are sudden mood swings normal?

No, sudden mood swings are not normal. They can be a sign that something is wrong, and you should talk to your partner about what’s going on. Always remember that you are not responsible for their feelings, and you can support them by listening and understanding.

What can I do if my partner is not responding to my attempts to comfort them?

If your partner is not responding to your attempts to comfort them, it may be because they are not in the mood to talk. If this is the case, you can try to engage them in another activity or when they are in a better mood, offer them a hug or listen.

Is it okay to confront my partner about their mood swings?

Yes, it’s okay to confront your partner about their mood swings. However, be careful not to do it in a way that will upset them further. Try to approach the conversation calmly and with empathy, and let them know that you are there for them.