Facts to Know About
Mood Disorders

Experiencing ‘highs and lows’ in life is to be expected, we are not meant to feel one particular way at all times. It is natural to feel sad sometimes just as it is natural to feel elated. Our mood will change, however, if your mood fluctuations become extreme it can become problematic.  Intense and frequent mood swings can be a symptoms of a mood disorder, though there is far more to it than that. 

What is a Mood Disorder? 

Yale Medicine describes mood disorders as “an umbrella term that refers to different psychiatric conditions that cause changes to a person’s emotional state, leading to long periods of joy, elation, mania, sadness and/or depression”. Mood Disorders encompass depressive disorders as well as bipolar spectrum disorders. 

Mood disorders are treatable, the more you know about them the sooner you can reach out for help. Early intervention is often key to recovery. 

Spotting the Symptoms of a Mood Disorder

The more you know about mood disorders, the sooner you can intervene. Symptoms can include depressive and/or manic symptoms. 

Depressive symptoms may include the following;  

  • Loss of interest in activities that were pleasurable in the past
  • Unyielding anxiety, sadness or feelings of emptiness
  • Feelings of worthlessness, helplessness or guilt
  • Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
  • Decreased energy or fatigue
  • Headaches, body aches, pains, cramps or digestive problems
  • Difficulty remembering details, making decisions or concentrating
  • Loss of appetite or overeating
  • Excessive sleeping or insomnia
  • Thoughts, plans or intentions of suicide

Symptoms of mania can be: 

  • Prolonged periods of elation
  • Restlessness
  • Irritability, agitation or excessive energy
  • Feelings of grandiosity
  • Impulsive, risky or hedonistic behavior
  • Racing thoughts and jumping from one idea to the next
  • Pressured or rapid speech
  • Increased goal-directed activities
  • Being easily distracted
  • Insomnia

If you are concerned that you or a loved one may have a mood disorder, reach out to a licensed professional. Mood disorders are treatable, a combination of therapy and medication management can be extremely effective. 

Treating Mood Disorders

Symptoms of mood disorder can be overwhelming and isolating. You may not know what to do or where to turn. Counseling and psychiatric medication management can help. 

You don’t have to wait for your symptoms to become unmanageable before reaching out for help. Early intervention can lead to better outcomes and quicker remission of symptoms. Recovery is possible with the right care. 

Carolina Counseling Services in Fayetteville, NC contracts with skilled, licensed therapists and psychiatric professionals. Call CCS today to get started. You don’t have to choose between therapy and medication management, you can get started with both!

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