When Anxiety Chats with Digestion: Navigating Mood Swings with Positivity

Hey, Anxiety, got any big plans for the week?

Well, you know me, Digestion, Anxiety says to Digestion I’m just hanging around, but I’ve got a feeling things are about to get interesting. Revaa’s due for her period soon, so I’m setting up my emotional roller coaster. Time for a good old mood swing! 😈

Ooh, sounds fun. What kind of mood swings are we talking about?

Oh, the usual: a mix of happy highs and grumpy lows. You know how it is with these hormones— Serotonin, Dopamine, and Cortisol. 

• Serotonin’s got that sunshine vibe, and when it dips, that’s my cue to step in. I make people cranky and uneasy, sometimes even a little sad. 
• Dopamine’s the wild card; when it’s on point, it’s all clouds and rainbows. But if it’s not, then I’m in business—up, down, up, down. 
• As for cortisol, that’s the stress boss. It usually kicks in when I’m around, making sure things stay interesting.

Sounds like you’ve got it all planned. 

What about Estrogen and Progesterone? How do they fit in?

Oh, they’re the big players in the menstrual cycle.

•  Estrogen’s like a star on the rise and then takes a nosedive. That’s where I really shine— irritability, mood swings, even a bit of sadness. 
• Progesterone’s usually chill, but it can also bring on fatigue. Sometimes it helps, sometimes it doesn’t. It’s like a coin toss.

So, how’s Revaa handling all this?

She’s doing her best. She’s got her coping strategies—exercise, good food, enough sleep. She even talks to her friends and family about it. But sometimes, when I’m in the mood (no pun intended), I make her feel like she’s on a ship in stormy seas. But she’s tough; she rides it out, and even finds moments to laugh about it.

Right, and I, Digestion, play my part too, says Anxiety to Digestion. 

• Revaa tries to keep me happy with a balanced diet— lots of veggies, whole grains, and lean protein. 
• She avoids too much caffeine and sugar, which can get you, Anxiety, all riled up. 
• She knows when I feel good, it’s easier to keep you in check. 
• She even drinks herbal teas like chamomile and peppermint to keep us all calm.

That’s smart. How else does she manage?

• She’s got a good sleep routine— 8 hours, no screens before bed. Helps keep me (and you, Anxiety) from causing too much chaos. 
• She also meditates and practices deep breathing, which is great for keeping stress levels low. You can’t be everywhere, you know!

True that. Anything else I should know?

Yeah, if it gets too rough for Revaa, she’s smart enough to talk to her doctor. She knows about Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and isn’t shy about getting help if she needs it.

She gets that these mood swings are just part of being human—part of the whole experience. She’s learning to embrace them, even finding ways to make them work for her, like using them to build empathy and resilience.

Nice. So, what’s the takeaway from all this?

That it’s all about balance. It’s okay to have mood swings; it’s okay to feel a range of emotions. The key is to ride the wave and find the strength in it. With the right support and mindset, even the wildest swings can be manageable, says Anxiety to Digestion.

I guess you’re going to be busy then. Good luck, Anxiety. Give Revaa my best 😊