Emotional volatility and mood swings

Many stressful situations can have a negative influence on our well-being and our performance. The reasons for such situations can frequently be found within the family or at the workplace. You feel tired and tense and have no energy. Signs of stress can also be exhaustion, lack of drive as well as listlessness and loss of appetite. The psyche becomes more and more sensitive and vulnerable and you can do even less to combat the stress.

In addition to physical symptoms, we can also develop psychological symptoms when physical and psychological stress increases. You may feel inner restlessness, sadness or emptiness, anxiety or lack of concentration. We can no longer enjoy life and lose interest in activities that normally give us pleasure; we develop mood swings and insomnia. We may also lose interest in sexual activities or feel worthless and plagued by feelings of guilt.

Long-term exposure to stress frequently manifests itself in mood swings. If left untreated, mood swings can gradually turn into mild or moderate depression. There are three levels of depression: mild, moderate and severe, and individuals may exhibit various different symptoms.

In the worst case, ignoring physical, emotional and psychological symptoms such as stress, overburdening and mood swings can lead to burnout. Burnout is not a clear medical diagnosis. Burnout refers to work-related exhaustion, where both psychological and physical signs and symptoms may be present. It is recommended to consult a pharmacist at an early stage.

A variety of medicinal plants can help with mood swings and depressive episodes. The main one is St. John's wort. Other natural plant extracts can also have a calming and stabilising effect.

St. John’s wort

St. John's wort has long been considered a "tonic for the soul". It was used to combat "melancholia" in the Middle Ages. Its mood-enhancing effects were proved in medical studies carried out by the conventional medical profession in the 1970s. Known by various other names including amber touch-and-heal, St. John's wort has a calming and balancing effect in cases of: low mood, mood instability, restlessness, anxiety, stress and mood swings.

St. John's wort safety and side effects: pay attention to the hyperforin content

Studies prove the effectiveness of St. John's wort for depressive episodes, mood swings and depression. However, it has also long been known that St. John's wort preparations can interact with other medications, including stomach protection remedies, oral contraceptives, immunosuppressants and certain heart medications. Studies show that hyperforin is the constituent chiefly responsible for these interactions. It causes certain active substances to be metabolised faster in the body.

Ginseng

Ginseng extracts from the ginseng root are general tonics which can be used for fatigue, listlessness and loss of energy and concentration.

Other medicinal plants

Lemon balm, passionflower, hops and valerian are plants which have a calming and soothing effect. They are recommended for complaints such as nervous tension, stress, anxiety and exam nerves. Valerian and hops are also proven medicinal plants for sleep-onset and sleep-maintenance insomnia.

Chemical antidepressants are used in depression but also in anxiety disorders, panic disorders, phobias and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Chemical antidepressants include tricyclic antidepressants, tetracyclic antidepressants and SSRIs, as well as SSNRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants have a calming and mood-brightening effect and also boost Motivation. Tetracyclic antidepressants have a mood-brightening and soothing effect. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are known as SSRIs. Their antidepressant effect is due to inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin produced by the Body. SSNRIs are selective serotonin – norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. Their antidepressant effect is due to their regulating the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine produced by the body.

To perform efficiently, our body needs numerous vitamins and minerals. In hectic times, a balanced diet and the intake of vitamins are especially important. A wide range of vitamins and mineral supplements is available at pharmacies. It is important to get good advice from an expert.

If you do not experience any substantial improvement in your mental stress symptoms after four weeks, it is recommended to consult your doctor.

Relaxation techniques for mind and Soul: The magic term in our hectic world is “slowing down”, an approach that can help you regain your balance with or without medication in a short period of time.

• Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR): This technique involves progressively tensing muscles for a few seconds in a certain order and then relaxing them.
• Autogenic training: You attain a state of relaxation and peace by muscle relaxation and telling your mind “my periphery is at peace”. It is a form of self-hypnosis, where you repeat words or suggestions (autosuggestion) to achieve a state of peace and serenity.
• Yoga: Relaxation is achieved by carefully practising certain postures and breathing exercises.
• Qigong and tai chi: Here deliberate movements are carried out together with meditation. Both techniques are primarily used for the slow, meditative practice of harmoniously flowing movements.