When Is Extreme Happiness a Sign of Something Deeper?

A euphoric mood is characterized by feelings of strong happiness, excitement, and well-being. It is an amplified sense of pleasure that can have a number of different causes.

Some causes of euphoric moods are natural and healthy. The thrill and sense of excitement you get on a roller coaster at an amusement park, or the sense of joy and fulfillment you experience after you reach an important goal are both examples of natural euphoric moods.

Natural euphoric moods can sometimes be produced by things such as aerobic exercise, sex, and love. Long-distance runners, for example, describe experiencing what is known as a "runner’s high," which is characterized by pleasant feelings of euphoria.

But euphoric moods are not always a positive thing. Sometimes feelings of euphoria can be a symptom of a mental health condition. In other instances, people take psychoactive drugs to experience the rush of a euphoric mood.

Signs of a Euphoric Mood

When you are experiencing a euphoric mood, it can feel extremely joyful and pleasurable. When you are in a euphoric state, you may feel safe, supported, and carefree. You may experience a strong sense of well-being and a feeling that you are deeply connected to others and the rest of the world.

These feelings are a normal part of life, and help to motivate people towards healthy behaviors and human flourishing. However, sometimes these feelings are hijacked by substances or experienced along with other symptoms of mental illness.

Sometimes euphoric moods associated with psychiatric conditions or drug use can also be accompanied by other symptoms including:

• Anxiety
• Confusion
• Disorientation
• Hallucinations
• Mood swings
• Paranoia
• Restlessness

Types of Euphoric Moods

Some specific types of euphoric moods include:

• Disorder-induced euphoric moods: There are a number of mental health conditions that can cause euphoric moods including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and some brain disorders.
• Substance-induced euphoric moods: Drugs that have euphoric effects activate the brain's reward system, which reinforces their use and makes them addictive. Some substances that produce feelings of euphoria include LSD, psilocybin, cocaine, methamphetamines, ecstasy (MDMA), ketamine, some benzodiazepines, heroin, codeine, fentanyl, and marijuana.
• Medication-induced euphoric moods: Prescription medications may also produce euphoric effects. This can include prescription opioid pain relievers, nitrous oxide, alprazolam, and clonazepam. Research suggests that prednisone, a corticosteroid, may cause euphoric moods in some individuals.
• Activity-induced euphoric moods: Euphoria can also result from natural rewards and from social activities. The effect of endorphins is maximized by activities that are synchronized with other humans such as performing music for people, exercising with others, laughing with a friend, or having sex or being in love with someone.

Impact of Euphoric Moods

Euphoria is one of the most pleasant mental states, but it is this extreme pleasure that can make it problematic when it is the result of an addictive drug. Once people take a substance and experience feelings of euphoria, they want to experience this feeling again. 

Psychoactive substances produce a "surge" of endorphins and other neurotransmitters in the brain's reward circuit. Endorphins are released naturally when we experience enjoyable things, such as engaging in a creative activity.

However, drugs produce a higher level of endorphins than we normally produce on our own. These high levels of endorphins create pleasurable sensations that make us feel euphoric.

As time goes on, people need to take more and more of a drug to feel its effects at all. Not taking the drug can lead to withdrawal symptoms and feelings of dysphoria.

Treatment for Euphoric Mood

Euphoria is a pleasant emotional state and is not a mental health condition on its own, but it can sometimes be a symptom or sign of a mental health condition. 

The treatment for your underlying condition that is causing the euphoric mood depends on the nature of the condition. Your doctor or therapist may recommend psychotherapy, but some conditions may also require the use of medications to help control symptoms.

In many cases, your specific treatment plan may involve a combination of therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and social support.

How to Experience Euphoric Moods Naturally

Using substances to achieve euphoric moods is risky and can lead to addiction and overdose in some cases. Fortunately, there are things that you can do to experience euphoric moods without the use of mind-altering substances.

A natural high, on the other hand, can help boost your overall sense of well-being. These experiences are akin to what the humanistic psychologist Abraham Maslow referred to as "peak experiences."

Some things you can try to increase your chances of experiencing a "natural high" include the following listed below.

Exercise

Physical exercise triggers the release of feel-good hormones and neurotransmitters including endorphins, adrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin.

Endorphins are neurotransmitters that reduce feelings of pain and increase feelings of pleasure and well-being. Research has found that engaging in moderate-intensity exercise can increase your endorphin levels.

For example, runners sometimes experience a "runner's high" caused by the combined effects of adrenaline and other neurotransmitters. Exercise is also linked to many positive mental health benefits, including decreasing depression, boosting cognition, and improving overall mood.

Humor

A good laugh isn’t just fun or entertaining—it can actually be good for your mental health. Research has shown that laughter triggers the release of endorphins, which can help put you in a happier, more euphoric state.

Meditation

People who meditate regularly experience greater relaxation and less stress. Research also suggests that the practice can boost endorphin levels in the body.

Evidence also suggests that even a brief daily meditation can have a positive effect on mood. If you want to start a daily meditation practice, set aside 10 to 15 minutes a day.

Socialize

Spending time with other people can also contribute to increased mood. Research has found that having social support is critical to emotional well-being. It boosts overall health and reduces the risk of loneliness. Spending time with friends can also just help you feel good.

Volunteering

Doing good things for others can help you feel more connected to other people. It's a great way to experience a sense of community and experience improved moods naturally.

Participating in volunteering activities improves mental health, physical health, and social well-being. It also decreases symptoms of depression and improves overall life satisfaction.

Keep in Mind

A euphoric mood can feel amazing and boost your well-being–as long this euphoria is due to a natural and healthy cause. Drug addiction often leads people to keep using substances even when they experience serious negative consequences, and their addiction is often rooted in chasing the euphoric moods that drugs produce.

Fortunately, there are things that you can do to experience a euphoric mood naturally. Such natural highs can be a great way to boost your mood and improve your overall health and well-being.