What is a Mood Disorder?
Mood as defined by Merriam-Webster is “a conscious state of mind or predominant emotion.” It is normal to experience an array of emotions throughout one’s life. Quickly shifting emotions, depending on the situation, can also be typical (e.g. feeling happy one moment and then stepping in gum, which shifts your mood to anger). A mood disorder is a mental health illness that pervasively affects one’s emotional state. An individual with a mood disorder will experience long periods of extreme emotions (e.g. elation, extreme sadness, or both). The symptoms of a mood disorder can interfere with an individual’s ability to function in his or her daily life.
TYPES OF MOOD DISORDERS
There are many different mental health illnesses that are categorized as mood disorders. Examples of mood disorders, as provided by the Mayo Clinic include but are not limited to the following:
Bipolar disorder
Seasonal affective disorder
Major depressive disorder
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
Cyclothymic disorder
Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder
Mood disorder related to another health condition (e.g. cancer, infections, chronic illnesses, injuries, etc.)
Dysthymia (persistent depressive disorder)
Substance-induced mood disorder
Though each specific type of mood disorder has distinct characteristics, generally speaking mood disorders cause an individual to experience a distorted emotional state that is often inconsistent with the reality of one’s circumstances.
MOOD DISORDER SYMPTOMS
The symptoms associated with mood disorders will depend on the type of mood disorder an individual has as well as the individual’s age. Johns Hopkins Medicine provides the following list of the most common symptoms of a mood disorder:
Low self-esteem
Feelings of inadequacy and/ or worthlessness
Ongoing sad, anxious, or vacant mood
Feelings of hopelessness and/ or helplessness
Excessive guilt
Relationship problems
Loss of interest in previously enjoyed pastimes
Sleep disturbances (e.g. sleeping too much or insomnia)
Decrease energy
Indecisiveness
Irritable
Hostile
Aggressive
Overly sensitive to rejection and/ or failure
Weight fluctuations
Repeated thoughts of death and/ or suicide
Unexplained, frequent physical complaints (e.g. stomach ache, exhaustion, headache, etc.)
The severity of symptoms and duration of symptoms experienced is variable, as mood disorder symptoms are distinct to each individual and their respective situations.
FOR INFORMATION AND SUPPORT
Navigating the challenges that arise from living with mental illness, struggling with substance abuse, and/ or addiction can not only be all consuming but are often impossible to effectively handle without proper support. If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one in regards to mental illness, substance abuse, and/ or addiction we recommend reaching out for help as soon as possible. Bear in mind that you do not have to be on this journey alone. There is an entire network of professionals that are readily available to help and support you and your loved one throughout every step of the recovery process.
If left untreated, substance abuse, addiction, and/ or mental illness can result in long lasting and potentially life-threatening consequences. The earlier you seek support, the sooner you and your loved ones can return to leading happy, healthy and fulfilling lives. Please do not hesitate to reach out for guidance. We are always available to answer any questions, and are certainly happy to discuss how we might best be able to help in the recovery process.