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.
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.
Family therapy
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.
Other therapies
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.