5 Reasons to Chart Mood Changes

Angry to happy to sad to apathetic — fluctuations in mood can provide vital information about what may be going on behind the scenes with your mind and body. At East West Therapy Hawaii in Honolulu, Dr. William Conti, PhD, has extensive training and experience in guiding clients in creating and maintaining a positive, healthy mood. However, any imbalance can negatively affect your whole being leading to psychological and physiological manifestations.

Honolulu Therapist

It you experience changes in mood that become intrusive in your day to day, it may be beneficial to chart them to notice trends and patterns.  If you’re wondering if this may be helpful in your life, here are 5 good reasons to chart your mood changes:

1. You and your therapist can look at the details of the mood cycles. A mood chart provides you and your therapist with invaluable information about your mood changes, such as what preceded the change, how you responded to the shift in mood and what happened as a result of your reaction.
2. The frequency with which the cycles occur is crucial to assessing the cause of the mood changes. Everyone has changes in mood; therefore, mood changes alone are not a cause for concern. The frequency with which the shifts occur are an important piece to the puzzle. For example, chemical and hormonal imbalances will often cause rapidly changing moods over a brief period of time.  
3. You can plan for less stimulation around times when you are emotionally reactive. A long day at work or a hormonal change may lead to mood changes. With a mood chart, you can work towards decreasing your stress level during the times of the day, week, month or year that are emotionally taxing for you.   
4. Identifying triggers becomes easier. Triggers are that which frequently precipitates a shift in mood. Irrelevant of what is causing the mood changes, identification of triggers allows you to avoid them or adjust your response, which can lead to a more positive outcome.
5. A mood chart is a useful therapeutic tool that can lead to a breakthrough in therapy. Unresolved issues can be brought to light in therapy as both you and your therapist can use the mood chart to recognize patterns that may be traced to a trauma, conflict or deeply-held feelings about one’s self.

Contact a Honolulu Therapist

Unpredictable mood changes can leave you fatigued, depressed, and dealing with strained relationships. If you are feeling like you have no control over your moods or simply wish to learn more about the benefits of psychotherapy and mind-body therapy, contact a Honolulu therapist to help you on figure out the best options for your unique self. Schedule an initial consultation with a Honolulu therapist today by calling (213) 880-8262. Your key to balance can be found at East West Therapy Hawaii!