Mood disorders

What is a mood disorder?

A mood disorder is a mental health problem that primarily affects a person’s emotional state. It is a disorder in which a person experiences long periods of extreme happiness, extreme sadness, or both.

 

It is primarily of two types- Depression and bipolar mood disorder.

 

Depression

Red flags to watch out for:

• Excessive distress out of proportion to the situation like crying, sadness, frustration, embarrassment
• Feeling sad most of the time or nearly every day
• Lack of energy or feeling sluggish
• Feeling worthless or hopeless
• Loss of appetite or overeating
• Gaining weight or losing weight
• Loss of interest in activities that formerly brought enjoyment
• Sleeping too much or not enough
• Frequent thoughts about death or suicide
• Difficulty concentrating or focusing

Bipolar mood disorder

Red flags to watch out for:

• Feeling extremely energized or elated
• Rapid speech or movement
• Agitation, restlessness, or irritability
• Risk-taking behavior, such as spending too much money or driving recklessly
• Unusual increase in activity or trying to do too many things at once
• Racing thoughts
• Insomnia or trouble sleeping
• Feeling jumpy or on edge for no apparent reason