Why moods change
During puberty, your brain is growing and rewiring, and hormone levels are changing. This can make feelings stronger and quicker to change.
School pressure, exams, friendship changes and less sleep can add to it.
You might feel happy in the morning and cross or teary by evening. This is very common.
Things that help
Sleep well, eat regular meals and move your body every day. These sound simple, but they make a big difference to mood.
Find a calming activity you enjoy: music, drawing, cricket, dance, writing in a journal or talking to a pet.
When you feel a wave of anger, take a pause. Slow breathing or a short walk before you reply can stop an argument.
Talking it out
Tell someone you trust how you feel. A parent, grandparent, older cousin, teacher or school counsellor may remember feeling the same at your age.
If home is busy, try talking during a walk, on the way to tuition or while helping in the kitchen. Side by side can feel easier than face to face.
When it is more than mood swings
Feeling sad, worried or irritable most days for two weeks or more, losing interest in things you used to enjoy, or not wanting to eat or get out of bed are signs to get help.
If you ever think about hurting yourself, or feel life is not worth living, tell a trusted adult right away. You deserve support, and things can get better.