MoodTracking

Mood tracking is the systematic recording of a person’s mood over time to identify patterns, triggers, and associations with daily activities, sleep, medication, and environmental factors. It can involve qualitative descriptions, numerical ratings, or a mix of both, and is used in clinical settings as well as for personal self-management. The practice has roots in mood diaries used in psychotherapy and research and has expanded with consumer apps and wearable devices that capture related signals such as sleep and activity.

Typical methods include daily entries or prompts, using standardized scales (for example, a simple 1–5 mood rating) alongside related data such as energy level, sleep quality, stress, activity, and recent events. Data may be logged by the user, automatically collected by apps and wearables, or shared with clinicians through secure platforms. Visualization tools, like charts and timelines, help users observe trends and seasonal or cycle-related variations.

Uses and purposes of mood tracking include improving self-awareness, recognizing patterns or triggers, monitoring responses to treatment or therapy, and informing discussions with healthcare providers. It can support behavior change, treatment planning, and early intervention when symptoms worsen. The practice is most effective when entries are consistent and honestly recorded, and when users understand it is a complement to professional care rather than a substitute for diagnosis or treatment.

Limitations and considerations include subjective reporting, potential bias, and data privacy concerns. Users should consider the reliability of entries, choose respectful privacy settings, and seek professional guidance if mood changes are persistent or impair functioning.