Mood disorders are a group of mental health disorders that fall under one umbrella that effect one’s mood. Anyone, including children and teens can be diagnosed with mood disorders. According to John Hopkins Medical University, mood disorders can be caused by severe life changes, such as a severe illness or terrible accident, but are usually caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Mood disorders may cause a severe impact on one’s ability to function successfully through day to day life activities.
Here is a list of some common Mood Disorders:
- Bipolar Disorder, which usually is characterized by periods of hypo mania, mania or depression
- Major Depressive Disorder, a depression that lasts more than two weeks
- Dysthymia, less intense depression that lasts for two years or more
- Substance Induced Mood Disorder, mood disturbances caused by certain medications or substance use
- Depression related to health conditions, such as a heart attack, cancer, or life altering illness
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) a very common form of depression that is characterized by the changing of the seasons, due to shorter days.
You may experience:
- Relationship Problems
- Ongoing feelings of depression, helplessness or anxiety
- Extreme sensitivity to being rejected or failure
- Strong feelings of hopelessness or inadequacy
- Roller coaster emotions, i.e., feeling extremely happy for a short period of time then severely depressed the next
- Pervasive thoughts of suicide, or wishing you were dead
- Unable to remember the last time you felt truly happy or content.
If you find yourself experiencing any of these symptoms or something similar, please contact our office to discuss treatment options.
