Mood Disorders:
What You Need To Know

Mood is a powerful driving force that plays a significant role in the way you think, feel, and act. It can influence how you reach your goals and build relationships. Everyone feels sad or irritable at various times in life; it is “normal” to experience occasional feelings of ups and downs. It can be expected to feel down as the result of an unfortunate event or loss. All these reactions are part of life.

It may not be healthy to feel down or overwhelmed every day, or to have these feelings impact your ability to function. If that is the case, you may be one of the approximately 20.9 million American adults, aged 18 and older, experiencing a mood disorder.

Unfortunately, not many people get the help they need for these disorders, due to a lack of understanding or concern over stigma. Here is what you need to know about mood disorders.

What is a Mood Disorder?

According to Mental Health America, “Mood disorders are a category of illnesses (or psychological condition) that describes a serious change in mood.” This term is broadly used to refer to all types of mood disorders. The most common types include:

  • Major Depressive Disorder—a feeling of sadness or hopelessness that lasts for at least two weeks.
  • Dysthymia—a chronic irritable and depressed mood that persists for at least two years.
  • Bipolar Disorder—a condition characterized by alternating periods of depression and mania or elevated mood.
  • Health-Related Mood Disorder—a depressive episode triggered by another medical illness, such as cancer or diabetes.
  • Substance-Induced Mood Disorder—a condition with symptoms of depression due to the effects of medication, substance abuse, alcoholism, or toxin exposure.

Possible Causes and Triggers of Mood Disorders

Many factors can contribute to mood disorders, but the exact causes can vary between individuals. Mood disorders can be biological, meaning that they are a result of brain chemicals/neurotransmitters not being at the correct levels. Some mood disorders can be in response to trauma or life events. There are often a number of factors involved.

Mood disorders can also be hereditary. For example, relatives of people with mood disorders have a higher chance of acquiring the disorders due to a genetic predisposition. Women also have a higher risk of mood disorders than men.

Furthermore, there are life events or situations that can make anyone vulnerable to feelings of depression, including financial trouble and divorce. Stressful circumstances can expose or worsen difficult feelings until they develop into a mood disorder that is more challenging to manage.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Mood Disorders

Anyone can have a mood disorder. The symptoms vary depending on the person’s age and the type of mood disorder. Children and teens tend to exhibit different symptoms from adults. It is difficult to diagnose mood disorders in the young population because they are not always expressive about their feelings.

Children and young adolescents are also at higher risk for other psychological health issues, such as anxiety and disruptive behavior. In some cases, these additional symptoms persist even if the initial episodes of mood disorders have been resolved. Seeking help is necessary, especially when your symptoms have gone beyond what is acceptable to you or what can be considered healthy.

Additional symptoms of mood disorders can include intense feelings of hopelessness or helplessness, excessive guilt, sleep problems, changes in weight, lethargy, lack of concentration, low self-esteem, a feeling of emptiness, irritability, aggressiveness, self-harming behavior, and more. If these feelings persist over time or disrupt daily functioning in multiple settings, professional intervention should be sought right away.

Finding Hope and Recovery

There are no known preventive measures to lower the incidence of mood disorders, but early intervention can effectively reduce symptoms and restore a healthy level of functioning. The fact that mood disorders are highly treatable provides hope for a healthier, happier, and more productive life.

Carolina Counseling Services – Fayetteville, NC, offers that hope. If you are suffering from any type of mood disorder, you’ll be matched with an independently contracted counselor who has experience and special training in the diagnosis and treatment of mood disorders. Whether you opt for individual or family therapy, you’re assured of a caring and confidential working relationship in a safe and nurturing environment. Call now to request an appointment.

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