I was watching a TV show the other day about unhealthy habits.  Instead of the therapist talking about DNA and blaming genetics (which for this TV show is pretty common), the therapist identified someone with bad habits as a mood changer. I was elated. You see, DNA does play a part in who we are and the habits we face. DNA can be a predictor for us in ways that indicate if our personalities will be particularly driven or anxious or depressed. What people don’t talk about often is the mindset of a mood changer. It is a stage of awareness that comes with true Gestalt therapy. Being able to identify yourself or someone else (probably who is toxic) in your life as a mood changer is a positive thing because it is a jumping off point to changing habits and changing the craving to change moods and stir things up!

Definition of a true mood changer: A person who changes mood to create excitement or succeed the same high / thrill that comes with any other type of bad habit. A true mood change isn’t fueled by substance abuse, although using does make situations even more complex. Some people have been diagnosed with disassociative identify disorder when they really are classic mood changers.

Example; Betty is upset with her husband. Instead of addressing the issue with him, Betty finds a thrill in shopping. Once she returns home from the shopping trip and her high mood changes with the recognition of reality and the husband’s actions, she may find that her new clothes don’t fit her and this causes her to be depressed or angry. Is she truly changing moods based on the trip to the mall or is she changing moods to avoid certain conversations or responsibilities? Understanding the environment is key in cases of mood changers.

If you feel that you may be a mood changer, please contact me. I can help. I’m also providing a few bullet points below on how to change your mood in a positive way until you are able to meet with either myself, or someone well-matched for you- who can help you understand why switching moods is helping you to escape reality in the same way a habitual reliance on substances does for some.

• Read a biography of someone you admire
  Cook something different, a new kind of cuisine
  Learn about a new subject: the Civil War, a foreign language
  Start saving, and plan for a trip
  Get an orchid plant, or buy some flowers
  Sort through old photos
  Hang out at the library
  Organize an outing to a museum and dinner
  Join a reading group
  Listen to a recorded book
  Make fudge
  Make soup, and bring some to a neighbor you don’t know well
  Get up early or sleep late—vary your routine
  Go swimming
  Music—play it loud, without any distractions
  Rearrange the furniture
  Learn a joke a day and tell it to five people
  At your impromptu party, play pass the tangerine, or twister
  Change your hairstyle
  Take walks