Nicoleresati, I understand what you mean about quick mood swings. Seeing a psychiatrist may be a necessary step on the way. You speak of thoughts of doing harm to yourself or others. If these are things you are actively planning to act on, the need for a psychiatrist to do a diagnosis and suggested treatment plan is even more urgent.

It sounds like you may not be sleeping well. The importance of 7-8 hours sleep per night can make a big difference. 14 Strategies for Sleeping Better | Psych Central

For me lifestyle changes fit big in my recovery hopes, but do not replace professional care especially when dark thoughts are dominating the mind.

I have to watch what I eat because foods I eat can stabilize my moods or exaggerate them. A high protein low carb diet with snacks or meals every 3-4 hours will over time reduce my swings. I also avoid alcohol and recreational drugs because those can really increase depression.

Other lifestyle changes that help me are doing yoga, exercises, mindfulness, calm music, and being active on Psych Central.