Living with the Challenges of Mood Disorders Is Possible

Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill, Ludwig Van Beethoven, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Connie Francis, Brooke Shields, Patty Duke, and Jim Carrey—what do they have in common? They are well-known figures who have shown the world that it is possible to succeed and have a mood disorder. Mood disorders can have remarkably powerful and overwhelming symptoms, but they do not have to define you or dictate your life.

If you have been diagnosed with a mood disorder, you may not know what to do. Symptoms of depression and bipolar disorder can be difficult to cope with. You may not believe it now, but with the help of the right therapist and commitment to your treatment, you can find relief and remission from your symptoms of mood disorder.

Mood Disorder Information and Symptoms

According to PsychGuides, “Approximately 20.9 million American adults” have a mood disorder. Mental Health America says that one percent of the U.S. population experiences bipolar disorder, but 20 percent experience depressive episodes at least once a year.

Anyone can develop a mood disorder, but it can be considered more complicated for children and teens, considering the growing risks and statistics. The Surgeon General reported back in 1999 that five percent of individuals aged five to 17 had major depression, about three percent of teens had a dysthymic disorder, and children had a similar rate to adults for bipolar disorder frequency. The numbers have only grown.

In addition, surveys are confirming that children and adolescents often remain undiagnosed and untreated. This is because their symptoms may not be as recognizable, as they are not always similar to those of adults. Studies also show a less favorable prognosis for early-onset bipolar disorder. Despite the statistics, mood disorders are treatable and through proper intervention many find remission from symptoms.

Symptoms of mood disorder can include the following, but are not limited to:

  • Depressed mood
  • Irritability
  • Sleep disturbance such as oversleeping or insomnia
  • Appetite changes; overeating or lack of appetite
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Decreased motivation or interest in activities
  • Fatigue
  • Periods of excessive energy with little need for sleep
  • Impulsive or risk-taking behaviors
  • Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
  • Excessive guilt
  • Difficulty making decisions
  • Rapid mood changes between extreme happiness and depressed mood

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms it may be time to reach out for help, talk with your health care professional to learn more.

What Challenges Do Mood Disorder Create?

Managing the symptoms and working toward remission isn’t easy: there are many challenges for those with symptoms, their families and even therapists. It can be difficult to recognize symptoms of mood disorder and to reach out for help. Bipolar disorder can present its own unique challenges as those with bipolar disorder may only experience one manic or hypomanic episode causing a misdiagnosis of unipolar depression. It is important to tell your provider all of the symptoms that you have experienced in the past so that you can have a proper diagnosis and your treatment can be tailored to your unique needs. This challenge may be further compounded with children since they can’t always accurately verbalize what they are feeling or thinking.

For severe cases of mood disorders, impulsivity can be a real challenge, particularly during the manic phase of bipolar. Mania can impact your day-to-day functioning, making it difficult to hold down a job or maintain relationships. Rapid mood changes can lead toward feelings of helplessness and risky behaviors. It can be difficult for those close to you to see.

What the Future Holds: The Outlook

Mood disorders can be chronic with frequent severe episodes or can be mild with rare episodes. Their symptoms and complications may also vary both in intensity and frequency. Thus, the impact of these mood disorder symptoms on your physical health, relationships, job or studies, and quality of life will similarly differ, depending on the intensity of the symptoms and the frequency of episodes.

While the outlook may seem grim, research has shown that your outlook can be improved with early diagnosis and treatment. Because mood disorders are often chronic, long term maintenance therapy may be needed to reach and stay in remission. Therapy can help.

Carolina Counseling Services – Fayetteville, NC contracts with kind, knowledgeable licensed therapists who can help. If you are proactive in pursuing treatment this can greatly improve your prognosis. Call today to schedule your first appointment.

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