Mood disorders are a category of mental health issues characterized by extreme and persistent feelings of sadness or elation that can significantly impact daily life. The two main types are depression and bipolar disorder.
Depression involves feeling an intense and constant low mood alongside other symptoms like lack of energy, difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep and appetite, and feelings of worthlessness. There are various factors that may contribute to depression, including childhood trauma, genetics, major life changes, medical conditions, and brain chemistry imbalances.
Bipolar disorder is characterized by shifts between periods of depression and mania - an abnormally elevated mood state. The manic phase may bring heightened energy, rapid speech, impulsivity, and risky behavior. Over time, these mood episodes can seriously disrupt work performance, relationships, and overall stability. Bipolar often requires lifelong treatment to manage.
Some key facts about mood disorders:
- They affect around 20 million American adults per year
- Women are diagnosed at nearly double the rate of men
- They carry risks of substance abuse, health decline, and suicide
- With proper treatment, many patients achieve stabilization of mood
If you are struggling with feelings of depression or mania, know that you don't have to suffer alone in silence. Reach out to a mental health professional or try our telehealth services at
New Beginnings HRT Clinic(/). Our compassionate providers can provide psychiatric assessment, counseling, hormone balancing, and personalized mood disorder treatment plans to help you reclaim your mental wellbeing. We accept most major insurances and also offer affordable self-pay options. You deserve to feel like your best self - make the call today!
To summarize, mood disorders encompass conditions like major depressive disorder and bipolar that involve abnormal mood episodes that disrupt functioning. Contributing factors are complex and management requires a combination of lifestyle changes, therapy, medication, and social support. With proper, consistent treatment, many people with mood disorders can regain control, improve their symptoms, and live full lives. Don't hesitate to get an evaluation if you feel your moods are significantly and persistently impacting your daily capacity to work and engage in relationships. Help is available - reaching out is the first step!