Mood swings can be controlled by developing equanimity. But first one needs to recognise that he or she has a problem. Ignoring it won’t help
Let us understand how because mood swings are quite common. It is normal to have days when you feel sad or days when you are overjoyed. As long as your mood changes don’t interfere with your life to an extreme degree they are generally considered okay. Fortunately, the Bhagavad-Geeta teaches us about how to have very minimal mood swings. Lord Krishna has used the term equanimity for this, and He has spoken about it quite extensively in the Geeta.
What is the mood? It is defined as a temporary state of mind or feeling, and it is greatly influenced by our natures. Mood swings are defined as an abrupt change in mood or emotional state. The difference between nature and mood can be understood by a couple of examples. The climate is the weather conditions prevailing over a long period of time. And the weather is the state at a particular place and time Our natures are like climate and mood is similar to weather. Mood change goes on all the time and varies according to time, place and circumstances. Too much change is a problem and for too long is also a problem.
What harm do undesirable mood swings do? It disrupts daily life. One is unable to enjoy favourite activities. Relationships may get affected. It may become difficult to concentrate. There may be feelings of sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, etc. One may feel exhausted, tired and fatigued. There may be trouble sleeping or one may sleep too much as a result. The same may happen with eating; one may either eat too much or too little. In extreme cases, thoughts of suicide may come or fear of death may become prominent. Yes, mood swings can be quite serious.
Let me begin with material solutions first. I will just stick to what one can do by way of self-help. If the problem persists, medical help may become necessary. To help oneself, one must recognise that he or she has a problem. Ignoring it won’t help. Walking is the best remedy for all kinds of mental problems. Try to walk at home if going out appears too daunting. Speed is not important; the time period is. Eat healthy even if the taste has to be sacrificed. Force yourself to sleep enough; at least lie down to give your body relaxation. Yoga exercises can help if one can find out which ones will suit you. Reduce workload, if possible, to control stress. And social interactions with Now I come to spiritual solutions, which are the core solutions to harmful mood swings. The gradual change in nature is required to make our moods stable. And change in nature is only possible through active help from God. How does one get help from God? We just have to follow His instructions, as given in scriptures like the Geeta. Lord Krishna instructs, “One should neither rejoice too much having achieved something dear nor get agitated having met something unpleasant.” (5.20) “Not envious towards all beings, having friendly and even kind feelings, free from the bondage of possessiveness, free from the feeling of being the doer, equipoised in distress and happiness, forgiving.” (12.13) “Having equanimity towards an enemy and a friend and in honour and dishonour; poised in cold, heat, pleasure and misery; entirely free from attachment.” (12.18) Equanimity in pain and pleasure; self-situated (not disturbed); free from greed; neutral towards pleasant and unpleasant; steady; poised in criticism and appreciation. (14.24). Gaining equanimity, which is stability in mood, is not easy, we need to do a lot. Being able to do even to a limited extent brings enormous benefits, and this solution is a permanent solution. Our natures will change and our moods will stabilize. If we can develop the kind of feeling Hanumanji or Vibhishana had developed towards Lord Ramachandra, we will have a very stable mind.
(The writer is a spiritual teacher)