Mood disorders are more than just rapid changes in mood. They are much more than mood swings. Mood disorders range from mood swings to depression to feelings of “being down” and unwilling to do anything. It is a broad topic that has been well discussed on many medical sites. You can find more information on the pages linked below.
This is very different from “just feeling down” for a couple of days. It is generally characterized by a persistently depressed mood or loss of interest in normal activities and daily routines. Depression could develop due to personal experiences leading to feelings of neglect. There are many other things that may lead to a person going into depression.
When certain signs are caught early, it could be a big difference in the life of an individual. Some of the symptoms associated with depression are:
- Sadness
- Weight Loss or Gain
- Less sleep or oversleeping
- Loss of energy
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
- Lack of concentration
- Social Isolation
- Apathy *
* Apathy – Not feeling excited to do something
Biochemical: A change in the chemical composition of the brain could result in depression. Low levels of serotonin could affect the brain, leading to a constant moody feeling.**
Environmental: Isolation, abuse, death and other life-changing events could be triggers for depression.
Genetics: Genes are not necessarily indicators of depression, but with environmental interaction it could lead to depression.
** Serotonin – hormone that stabilizes our mood, feelings of well-being, and happiness
Therapy is usually a good way to treat depression and many other psychological disorders. Another way to treat depression is to use medication. Physicians might prescribe SSRIs to help treat depression.***
*** SSRIs – Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. These are drugs that help increase the levels of serotonin within the brain
Bipolar disorder is an illness that brings extreme high and low moods that could also result in changes in sleep, energy, thinking and behavior. It is also called manic depression. People with bipolar disorder have moments when they are very excited, have high energy and feel like they can run through a wall. They also have moments when they are very sad, feel hopeless, and sluggish. Being bipolar could lead to poor performance at school or at work and damaged relationships.
Symptoms may coincide with those of depression, but some of these could be pointers to being bipolar.
- Mood swings
- Hyperactivity or restlessness
- Lack of concentration
- Delusion, failure to accept reality
- Fatigue
- Uncontrolled speaking
Causes are not usually clear, but there are factors that could contribute to an individual developing bipolar disorder over time.
- Biological factors: An abnormal brain structure could help pinpoint the causes of bipolar disorder.
- Genetics: Bipolar disorder is more common with people who have first-degree relatives with the condition. *
* First-degree Relative – Parent, Child or Sibling
Treatment is similar to how many other mood disorders are treated. Some of those treatments used with bipolar individuals are:
- Medication such as anticonvulsants and SSRIs.
- Therapy: Support group, physical therapy, talk therapy.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is characterized by having a depressed mood at the same time every year. It is common in climates where there is less sunlight at certain times of the year. There is a general pattern where the symptoms set in during the fall months and roll into the winter months thereby reducing energy levels and making the individual feel moody.
Symptoms of SAD are generally in the range of those listed below. However, with different types of SAD (Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer) symptoms may vary.
- Feeling depressed most of the day, almost everyday
- Low energy levels
- Having difficulty concentrating
- Feeling sluggish or agitated
With the correlation of low light and SAD, one of the major treatments used is light therapy (phototherapy). Other treatment methods include:
- Medication – Antidepressants especially in the case of severe symptoms
- Psychotherapy
- Mind-body connection like meditation, yoga and tai chi.
Self harm is an act of hurting oneself as a way of dealing with very difficult feelings, pain or situations that they may feel is beyond their control. Some examples of self harm include but are not limited to hitting or biting oneself, pulling your hair.
While self harm might to considered a way of providing relief from certain pain, it could lead to more severe harm, possibly fatal to the individual.
Counseling is a better way to seek relief as trained health professionals can help treat individuals by helping them recover from what could be the trigger for self harm. If you or someone you know needs help, text HOME to 741741 to reach the crisis text line. They offer free 24/7 support via text messages.
Test Your Knowledge
Sources:
“Bipolar Disorder.” Bipolar Disorder | MentalHealth.gov, 22 Aug. 2017, www.mentalhealth.gov/what-to-look-for/mood-disorders/bipolar-disorder.
“Depression.” Depression | MentalHealth.gov, 22 Aug. 2017, www.mentalhealth.gov/what-to-look-for/mood-disorders/depression.
“Mood Disorders.” Mood Disorders | MentalHealth.gov, 22 Oct. 2020, www.mentalhealth.gov/what-to-look-for/mood-disorders.
“Seasonal Affective Disorder.” Seasonal Affective Disorder | MentalHealth.gov, 22 Aug. 2017, www.mentalhealth.gov/what-to-look-for/mood-disorders/sad.
“Self-Harm.” Self-Harm | MentalHealth.gov, 22 Aug. 2017, www.mentalhealth.gov/what-to-look-for/mood-disorders/self-harm.
*This site content is provided for informational purposes only and does not intend to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have medical questions and/or concerns, please contact a medical professional.