Shalini*, a 20-year-old Engineering student at the peak of her career had everything a youngster could possibly desire – supportive parents, good friends, smooth classes and a happy-go-lucky life. Good at studies, she scored well in college and was keen to face the interviews, but was still worried. At times, Shalini’s spirits soared high in jubilance and she felt like celebrating life. But whenever she thought about cracking the exams, she was depressed and tortured by memories of all the failures she had suffered in her life. Suddenly the supportive parents and the friends ceased to exist. Studies seemed a burden and college was intolerable. During one such phase she ended up tearful and had a breakdown. Many of us find ourselves in her shoes, waging a war with ourselves. On counselling, it was discovered that Shalini was suffering from the internal stress that ambition creates. Her aim to go for a lucrative career weighed heavily on her mind. Stress resulting from work pressure, target achievement, too many chores, family disturbances, strained relationships, financial crisis and lack of sufficient are some of the causes of mood swings. Shalini improved upon counselling and whenever she felt her mood making a turn, she would take a deep breath and distract herself. She would go out for a walk in the campus or a bike ride along the countryside. Her favourite pastime came to her aid, listening to her collection of favourite numbers stored on her smart phone. Mood swings can be prevented by eating healthy meals, avoiding junk food, excess stimulants like tea, coffee, and soft drinks; taking physical exercises daily and sleeping adequately. Developing an optimistic perspective directly influences the health of both mind and body as positive thoughts keep away gloominess. Mood swings are quite natural and we must not allow them to spoil our day.
*Name has been changed to protect privacy.
Paramita Mishra holds a PhD in Environmental Biology, and has been associated with teaching Communicative English and Personality Development for nine years. She can be contacted at mishra.paramita@gmail.com