The complexity of human life includes a tapestry of emotions. We can expect emotions in concert with certain events, whether good change or loss, expected challenge or unexpected hurt. Emotions are great. They can feel awful. They can feel intense. And sometimes they are something bigger.
Mood disorders are actually some of the most complex to suss the details on. It is really about a long-term picture, often obscured by the very emotions and perspectives that have started to interfere with a person’s life. The good news, you don’t have to fully understand every nuance to feel better or find support.
The definition of a mood disorder is a spectrum of conditions where a person experiences altered emotional states. The main two types of mood disorders are depressive (unipolar) and bi-polar depressive disorder. Key is that the emotional states are persistent and somewhat predictable in nature. While unipolar depression means a predominance of sadness, hopelessness and lack of interest in daily activities, bi-polar depression can include both states of sadness alternating with states of abnormally high energy and mood.
The challenge with identifying mood disorders is that they can be subtle or gradual in their onset. Changes in sleep, appetite and energy are often mistook for general health needs or health problems. Lack of motivation and apathy might be thought of as “laziness” or a choice to surrender to a “mood”.
While exercise, good sleep and balanced nutrition are important for mood disorder treatment, it is not merely a lack of these that create depression. Relationships, stress and even internal thought processes can contribute to mood disorders. Bi-polar depression has a high heritability, which means you may be at greater risk if other family members have been diagnosed with it.
Early life experiences, especially stressful and neglectful ones, can also predispose us to depression vulnerability. The loss of a job, a family member or relationship might start a depressive state that is much different than the expected path of grief.
Mood disorders might be noticed first by family and friends. Or an individual finds they have lost sight of happy emotions or having an enjoyable life. Some mood disorders persist for a few months, others for years. Either way, if emotions are preventing someone from socializing, working, or imagining a future they are worth seeking professional support.
Mental health counseling is shown to be as effective as medication for most major depressive disorders and only enhance someone’s recovery if they are already on anti-depressant medication. Bi-polar depression or severe unipolar depression can often create suicide risk that needs professional support.
Mood disorders are complex and multifaceted, impacting millions of lives worldwide. Whether you’re personally affected or supporting someone with a mood disorder, remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, and together, we are all stronger.
