The Truth About Mood Disorders & Mental Health Help

Mood disorders are incredibly common. Still, many people know very little about these mental health conditions. Counselors are all too familiar with the impact of these conditions.

Are you looking for more information about mood disorders? If so, you're in the right place. These are among the most common questions people have about these conditions.

What Are Mood Disorders?

There are many mood disorders. Some of the most common include depression, bipolar disorder, and cyclothymic disorder. Each condition comes with a different set of symptoms.

Major depression is a common mood disorder. This condition results in feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Conditions like dysthymia and bipolar disorder are quite similar. However, they're not the same and some come with longer bouts of "lows."

Some mood disorders are linked to health issues, like chronic illness or a diagnosis of cancer. There's also a link between substance abuse and some mood disorders.

Why Do Some People Have Mood Disorders?

Mood disorders are incredibly common, and there are many reasons why they come about. For instance, mood disorders may result from different brain chemicals, stress, or a genetic link.

Anybody can be diagnosed with a mood disorder, no matter their agender, age, or life circumstances. Of course, there are some situations that could trigger a disorder. For example, the loss of a job or the death of a loved one can lead to major depression. These are major life changes that can be difficult to deal with.

How Do You Know If You Have a Mood Disorder?

Symptoms of mood disorders vary from disorder to disorder. For instance, major depression may result in a loss of interest in favorite activities, fatigue, and feelings of sadness. On the other hand, mania associated with bipolar disorder may present as a decreased need for sleep, irritability, and racing thoughts.

In some cases, the symptoms of a mood disorder can be so severe that they interfere with daily life. For example, someone may be unable to get out of bed or go to work because of the fatigue associated with major depression.

Get Help for Mood Disorders

Mood disorders require psychological help in many cases. Help may come in the form of therapy, medication, or both. Depression is a common mood disorder that affects many people every year. If you are interested in getting help, contact a counselor to learn more about your mental health treatment options.

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