HEALTH

Have you been feeling super emotional lately? Maybe you're totally happy one minute and then crying hysterically the next, or you go from cool and collected to freaking out in a matter of minutes. Good news—you're not going crazy. Check out these possible causes for your out-of-control emotions, then read on to find out what you can do to fix 'em.

Stress, stress, stress
At this point in your life, you’re dealing with constant change and pressure from others. Getting good grades, being involved with as many things as humanly possible after school and wanting to be accepted by your friends and fam are just a few of the concerns you (and countless others) could be struggling with. It's a lot.

How to take control: Catch your breath, count to five and do something that helps you clear your head for a few minutes (try going on a run around the neighborhood or having a dance party in your room!). Exercising produces beta-endorphins (AKA: the hormone that controls stress and improves mood), so a little movement can have instant effects. Still not feeling better? Talk to your parents about everything you're trying to manage. Trust us—they can help.

Fluctuating hormones
Another culprit for mood swings? Those three little letters—PMS. As we get older, we start to produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which can cause ya to crave Ben & Jerry's and a good cry.

How to take control: Luckily, eating a balanced diet, avoiding processed foods and staying hydrated can help ease your PMS woes. But for super serious PMS, talk to your doc. He or she can help you figure out what's causing your mood issues and how to fix it.

It may be more than just a mood
Feeling moody or short-tempered for a prolonged period of time can be signs of something more serious, like depression or anxiety. When your emotions get in the way of having fun, hanging out with friends or focusing on school, it may be time to talk to someone about it.  

How to take control: Don't freak. There are tons of people that deal with depression and anxiety, and getting help is super important. Talk to a school counselor, parent or therapist about what you can do to manage your feelings—we promise, it will get better!

Do you feel like you get moody and emotional? What do you do to help keep calm? Share in the comments below.  

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