Mood Disorders

Definition

May involve feeling sad all the time, losing interest in important parts of life, fluctuating between extreme happiness and extreme sadness.

Mood Disorders Include:

  • Depression
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
  • Self-Harm

Depression

Depression is a very common yet serious mental illness. It deeply affects how you think and feel as well as how you do your daily activities. The dangerous thing about depression is that it is difficult for even the person themselves to realize that they already have this disorder. Depression leads to unproductivity, self-harm, and even suicide which is why it is such a major concern for everyone, especially teenagers. The following are some of the many symptoms of depression and these last at least 2 weeks:

  • Empty mood or the lack of motivation to do things
  • Extreme feelings of guilt and worthlessness
  • Lack of energy
  • Weakening of the body
  • Thoughts of Self-Harm and Suicide

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes shifts in mood, energy, and the ability to do everyday tasks. People affected by this often have manic and depressive. In a manic episode, a person is excessively energetic physically and emotionally. They feel very jumpy, and become very reckless. In a depressive episode, the person is very fatigued and is void of motivation and emotion. Bipolar disorder is serious because the person cannot control their thoughts, emotions, and energy and they cannot carry out their everyday tasks properly.

Definite causes of bipolar disorder are still unknown, but genetics and family history are some of the factors of the occurrence of this disorder.

Possible Treatments

  • Counseling
  • Medications
  • Psychotherapy