Mood disorders refer to several conditions that impact an individual’s mood, such as major depression disorder, bipolar disorder, persistent depressive disorder, cyclothymia, and seasonal affective disorder. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 20.8% of the US population will experience a mood disorder during their lifetime. Mood disorders can occur simultaneously with anxiety disorders, substance abuse, or other disorders.
If you are experiencing intense highs or lows, dramatic mood swings, or find that your mood is impacting your relationships or daily living, you may be suffering from a mood disorder. Depending on the type of disorder, different symptoms may be present. Some of the most common symptoms of a mood disorder include:
- Intense feelings of sadness, hopelessness or helplessness
- Feelings of low self-esteem and low self-worth
- Excessive guilt
- Loss of interest in activities
- Relationship issues
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Difficulty sleeping (too much or too little)
- Lethargy
- Trouble concentrating
- Physical complaints, including headaches, stomachaches, fatigue
- Difficulty in relationships
- Anger, irritability, hostility, or aggression
- Mood swings
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts
Many mood disorders respond well to psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both treatments. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is the most effective course of therapy for bipolar disorder. Therapeutic Oasis provides intensive DBT programs, as well as treatment for mood disorders.
Resources:
http://www.mentalhealth.gov/what-to-look-for/mood-disorders/
http://behavioraltech.org/resources/whatisdbt.cfm
Mood Disorders Program at Oasis
Life has a natural ebb and flow. It is normal for this cycle to be occasionally disrupted by life’s circumstances. We have all experienced joy and sadness. It is when an emotional state becomes extreme, persists for an extended period of time, or interferes with daily living that you or your loved one may be experiencing a mood disorder.
Nearly 10% of adults in the U.S. are diagnosed with a mood disorder.
Genetics, trauma, complicated grief, loss, substance abuse and even environmental factors can contribute to the formation of a mood disorder. Common symptoms of a mood disorder include:
- Ongoing sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
- Feeling hopeless or helpless
- Having low self-esteem
- Feeling inadequate or worthless
- Excessive guilt
- Loss of interest in usual activities or activities that were once enjoyed, including sex
- Relationship problems
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Changes in appetite and/or weight
- Decreased energy
- Trouble concentrating
- A decrease in the ability 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
- Repeating thoughts of death or suicide, wishing to die, or attempting suicide
Healing Starts Now
Effective treatment begins with a team of highly skilled professionals who understand the complexities of mood disorders treatment. Start your journey at Therapeutic Oasis, where you will be greeted with warmth, compassion and understanding. Components of the Mood Disorders program at Oasis include:
Individualized Outpatient Services
Therapeutic Oasis offers each client a team-oriented approach to therapy. We understand that mood disorders have devastating consequences for the entire family unit. Your path to healing will begin with your first individual therapy session. Individual psychotherapy sessions are enhanced by additional therapeutic modalities, including DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), family therapy, EMDR, EFT, and mindfulness techniques.
We offer coordinated services and flexible scheduling built around your life. At Oasis, individuals are able to balance seeking treatment with their other obligations. Each person has the opportunity to continue working or pursing other activities.
Integrative Treatment
Part of the Mood Disorders program includes creating a treatment plan that includes comprehensive and complimentary services. After meeting with your individual therapist, a personalized treatment plan will be designed for you. Please click on the links below to learn more about each service:
Nutrition Therapy
Expressive Art Therapy
Movement Therapy
Holistic Services (Massage, Yoga, Healing Touch, Acupuncture)
Sources:
National Institute of Mental Health
John Hopkins Medicine