Mood Disorders vs. Mood Swings
All of us are subject to mood swings from time to time. It’s normal to experience these. However, when our moods start to interfere with our daily lives, it becomes a cause for concern and we should consider getting ourselves therapy. Counselors and therapists use the term “mood disorders” to class all sorts of depression and bipolar disorders. Individuals of any age can suffer from mood disorders. However, the symptoms tend to vary among the young and the old. Children especially fail to express their feelings adequately and make it difficult for therapists to diagnose mood disorders in them.
Mood disorders can be treated with the help of therapy/counseling, self-care, and medication.
The Most Common Forms of Mood Disorders
Therapists and counselors have been able to identify the most prominent types of mood disorders that seem to be the most prevalent in our society. These are –
· Bipolar Disorder – In this mental health condition, periods of depression usually precede/follow periods of elevated mood or mania.
· Depression – Isolating oneself from company, not exhibiting a usual level of interest in activities, and feelings of sadness and anxiety for more than two weeks are characterized by therapists as major depression.
· Substance abuse disorder – Sometimes, substance abuse can trigger off mood disorders in those who frequently indulge in harmful activities such as alcoholism, drug abuse, and so on.
· Dysthymia – Dysthymia is less like major depression in the sense that it is used to refer to more of a sustained discontent that is felt for at least 2 years continuously.
· Seasonal Affective Disorder i.e. SAD – Basically, this is depression that is experienced during the winter seasons with lesser hours of sunlight.
· Premenstrual dysphoric disorder – This is the frequent mood upheavals that a woman experiences before their menstruation cycle which disappear with the onset of their menstruation.
Possible Causes
Causes that have been attributed to mood disorders are hereditary factors such as genetic composition, traumatic life events, and an imbalance in brain chemicals.
Women are more at risk of developing mood disorders than men.
Common Symptoms
You can identify whether you or someone you know is suffering from a mood disorder by looking out for the following symptoms –
· Low self-esteem
· Feeling inadequate
· An unhealthy amount of guilt
· Suicidal thoughts
· Dip in libido
· Abnormal sleep patterns
· Changes in appetite
· Inability to concentrate or take decisions
· Low energy
· Unexplained physical complaints
· Constant irritability and hostility
Seek Help
It is not possible to treat a mood disorder entirely on your own. You need the support of your friends and family as well as professional help and intervention from a counselor. If you suspect that you or someone near and dear to you might be suffering from a mood disorder, contact us today.
For more information on the types of therapy that may help, contact us today.
Collaborative Therapeutic Services (CTS) seeks to maximize clients’ options by offering a variety of services, hours, and service providers with diverse specializations. We offer evening & weekend appointments. Have questions? Contact Us Here or Call 813-951-7346. Located in Tampa, Florida.
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