Clarity Mental Health
If you think you or a loved one may have a mood disorder and it’s starting to affect daily activities and quality of life, our team in Castle Rock and Pueblo are here to help guide you back to the life you deserve.
Mood disorders are characterized by changes in one’s emotional state that appears inconsistent with the surrounding circumstances. While mood changes can naturally go up and down due to various factors in life, a mood disorder is diagnosed when one’s mood varies greatly from a more natural response to a situation and begins to interfere with one’s daily activities, relationships, health, and quality of life.
Mood disorders include major depression, anxiety disorders, major depression alternating with mania (bipolar disorder), seasonal depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and more.
Various underlying factors contribute to mood disorders. These can include one’s genetics, childhood experiences, hormonal instability, brain chemistry, medical conditions, trauma, substance abuse, and more.
Symptoms of mood disorders vary depending on the predominant mood at the time. Therefore, symptoms can vary greatly but often include symptoms of either depression, anxiety, mania, or a combination.
Some examples are:
Therapy for mood disorders varies depending on the type of mood disorder that is present but typically mood disorders will include a combination of talk therapy (a.k.a. psychotherapy) medication and lifestyle changes such as exercise, self-care, and other healthy habits.
Medications for mood disorders often take a few weeks to take effect and should never be stopped without talking to a healthcare provider or therapist first. If medications are stopped abruptly, symptoms may get significantly worse causing severe if not life-threatening consequences. Many mood disorders recur depending on certain situations or changes in one’s environment. Others are ongoing and require long-term or lifetime treatment.
If you or a loved one suffers from what you think might be a mood disorder, we can help!
Schedule an in-office or telehealth appointment online today.