Mood swings and fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia can have an unfortunate impact on your emotional wellbeing, often causing you to suffer from mood swings.



BSc in Health Studies, Dip.Nut
@EarleLogan2
Ask Earle

An introduction to mood swings and fibromyalgia

Emotional and mood problems are common among fibromyalgia sufferers, and mood swings are a prevalent and troublesome symptom. A mood swing is when we feel relaxed and cheerful one minute, then down, angry, frustrated or upset the next. Often the changes in mood are unexplainable, which is why it makes it a difficult symptom for you and those around you to cope with.

Why does fibromyalgia cause mood swings?

It is thought that chemical imbalances in the brain which are often responsible for mood swings are also responsible for fibromyalgia, explaining why the two may be linked.

However, it is also thought that the pain which fibromyalgia patients experience contributes to their mood swings. Being in constant pain can drain energy as well as leave you feeling stressed and anxious. Add to this an extra deadline or even something as simple as misplacing the car keys, it can tip you over the edge.

Additionally, not getting enough good quality sleep at night can make you more susceptible to mood swings. Sleep problems are common for fibromyalgia sufferers, perhaps contributing to mood problems.

What home remedies are there for mood swings?

Diet plays an important role in managing your mood. As your blood sugar level affects your mood, it is important to try to keep this on an even keel by watching your diet. Eating refined sugar and caffeine may elevate your mood temporarily, but will cause a big drop in your blood sugar level and mood soon after. Similarly, though alcohol may make you feel better short-term, it acts as a depressant in the long run, and may result in further mood problems.

There is also a correlation between mood and magnesium, as well as magnesium and fatigue and muscle cramps. Therefore, ensuring you are including enough magnesium in your diet, or taking a magnesium supplement may be worthwhile.

Managing stress is also important. We all face a certain amount of stress in our lives, but some people are able to cope with it more effectively than others. Finding your own effective stress managing techniques, such as exercise or talking therapies, may have a positive influence over your mood.

Are there herbal remedies to help me?

Herbal remedies are often most effective when taken alongside home remedies, as this helps to influence your body naturally. Hypericum, also known as St. John’s Wort, is one of the most widely used and researched herbs for low mood and mood swings. It is thought to work by influencing the neurotransmitters in the brain.

If you are already taking prescription medicines from your doctor, it is worth discussing with your doctor or pharmacist if it is advisable to take St. John’s Wort as it may influence the way they work.

What about conventional medicines?

A doctor is likely to suggest some form of talking therapy, or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, which influences the way that you perceive and react to a situation. Many people find these types of therapies extremely effective. However, if you are still experiencing mood swings, your doctor will check that you are not suffering from a more severe mood disorder, such as depression.

The last resort is usually prescribed drugs such as anti-depressants. There are several types of these drugs, and your doctor will discuss with you which type is likely to be most effective with the least side-effects.

A.Vogel Atrosan Devil’s Claw Tablets

30 tablets

£ 12.99

find your local stockist

Relieves muscle & joint pain, backache and lumbago. Also available in 60 tablet size.
More info

What's being asked

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is really a syndrome, meaning it has a lot of symptoms rather than one synonymous with ...
Read more >

What are the symptoms of Fibromyalgia? Can my doctor do a test?

There is no blood test available, so doctors rely on locating pain points on the body. Fibromyalgia ...
Read more >

What is the worst Fibromyalgia can become?

While we try to encourage people to engage in activity, as it can reduce muscular pain, I'd say the ...
Read more >

Just how healthy are your muscles and joints?

Answer our questions and find out if your flexibility is compromised.

Find out how flexible you are

Here's what I recommend

As the A. Vogel Muscles and Joints advisor, I recommend Atrogel® for the effective relief from aches and pains.

Learn more

Did you know?

Women are more prone to fibromyalia than men! It is estimated that 90% of those with the condition are female.

Why fibromyalgia loves women

Healthy & nutritious dinner ideas

Get new recipes in your inbox every week. Sign up now

Can’t Sleep? Take our sleep test for personalised results in under a minute!