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Navigating the Waves of Emotion: Understanding Mood Disorders

Imagine sailing through life with skies that shift from brilliant sunshine to dark clouds without warning. One moment, everything feels exhilarating, full of possibilities, and the next, the weight of the world seems unbearable. This internal rollercoaster—where emotions surge to extremes—can challenge even the most stable individuals, leaving them adrift between emotional highs and deep lows.

These fluctuations are the hallmark of a mood disorder, where the emotional landscape can feel like an unpredictable storm, switching between feelings of intense euphoria and overwhelming sadness. Yet, with the right support and understanding, it’s possible to find calm amidst the chaos and regain a steady course.

Symptoms of a Mood Disorder

Depending on age and the type of mood disorder, a person may have different symptoms when they become depressed. The following are the most common symptoms of a mood disorder:

  • Ongoing sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
  • Feeling hopeless or helpless
  • Having low self-esteem
  • Feeling inadequate or worthless
  • Excessive guilt
  • Not interested in normal activities or activities that were once enjoyed, including sex
  • Relationship problems
  • Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
  • Changes in appetite or weight
  • Decreased energy
  • Trouble focusing
  • Less able to make decisions
  • Frequent physical complaints (for example, headache, stomachache, or tiredness) that don’t get better with treatment
  • Running away or threats of running away from home
  • Very sensitive to failure or rejection
  • Irritability, hostility, or aggression

What causes mood disorder?

Biological Factors

The brain areas responsible for controlling your feelings and emotions are the amygdala and orbitofrontal cortex. People with mood disorders have been shown to have an enlarged amygdala on brain imaging tests.

Genetic Factors

People who have a strong family history of a mood disorder are more likely to develop mood disorders, which shows that mood disorders are likely partly genetic/inherited.

Environmental Factors

Stressful life changes, such as the death of a loved one; chronic stress; traumatic events; and childhood abuse are major risk factors for the development of a mood disorder later on in life, especially depression.

Mood Disorder Treatments

Antidepressant and mood-stabilizing medicines

These medicines work very well in treating mood disorders, especially when combined with psychotherapy.

This kind of therapy is focused on changing the person’s distorted view of themselves and their environment. It also helps to improve relationship skills. And it can help the person identify stressors in the environment and learn how to avoid or manage them.

A mood disorder can affect all aspects of a family (emotional, physical, occupational, and financial). Professional support can help both the person with the diagnosis and family members.

These may include transcranial stimulation and electroconvulsive therapy for refractory depression (treatment-resistant depression).

Care at NowThrive

At NowThrive, we believe in the power of the present moment — because healing starts now, and with the proper support, you can truly thrive.

Whether you’re navigating the weight of depression, the constant worry of anxiety, the lingering effects of trauma, or the challenges of ADHD, depression, or bipolar disorder, our compassionate team is here to listen and support you. We also provide specialized care for those experiencing sleep disturbances, psychotic disorders, or thoughts of suicide.

You don’t have to go through this alone. At NowThrive, we create a safe space where you can explore your thoughts and emotions, build resilience, and regain control of your life. Together, we’ll develop a treatment plan that empowers you to move forward with confidence and hope.

No matter where you are on your mental health journey, we’re here to help you thrive — starting now.