Mood Disorders

Mood disorders are a group of illnesses that affect your emotional state. It is okay to feel sad or worried from time to time. But when these feelings become extreme and they affect simple daily tasks like eating or sleeping, then it becomes a problem.
You can manage mood disorders and still live a normal life.

• Feeling sad most of the time or nearly every day, and not stop the feeling.
• 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

You may be at a higher risk of developing a mood disorder if:

• You consume alcohol frequently or take illegal drugs like marijuana or cocaine.
• You had a recent traumatic life event like the loss of a loved one.
• There are people in your family who also have mood disorders.
• Your hormones are fluctuating due to menstruation or pregnancy.
• You have certain medical conditions that are terminal, like cancer.
• Some medicines like antiepileptic drugs may also put you at a higher risk of having mood disorders.

You may be at a higher risk of developing a mood disorder if:

• You drink alcohol frequently or take illegal drugs like marijuana or cocaine.
• You had a recent unsettling life event such as the loss of a loved one.
• There are people in your family that also have mood disorders.
• Your hormones are changing a lot due to menstruation or pregnancy.
• You have a medical condition that is incurable.
• Some medicines such as antiepileptic drugs may put you at a higher risk of having mood disorders.

• If you begin to have thoughts of harming yourself and others around you.
• If you begin to hear voices or see things that others around you do not see or hear.
• If your mood begins to interfere with your daily activities, your feeding habits, and other aspects of your life

You can't prevent mood disorders, but early detection and care can reduce the severity of the condition. Treatment with medicine and behavioural changes may reduce mood swings and the length of serious episodes. Self-care can also help you reduce your risk for mood disorders.

Selfcare Tips

• Consider joining a support group where you can be free to express yourself. Your healthcare provider may be able to recommend one.
• Reduce stress and stay away from things that make you sad.
• You may also try a new activity that you enjoy to keep yourself busy. Regular exercise can help to improve your mood.
• You may also keep a book or journal where you can write how you feel without being disturbed.

Treatment Options

• The treatment of mood disorders is dependent on the type of disorder you have.
• Your healthcare provider may prescribe drugs that help you to manage and stabilize your mood.
• Your healthcare provider may also recommend therapies such as mind and behaviour therapy to help you feel better.

Mood disorders are very unlikely to simply go away on their own and they may get worse if not treated. Visit your healthcare provider if you suspect that you may suffer from mood disorders. Seek help from a therapist and support from your loved ones during your treatment.