Mood Disorders

One in five adults experiences a mood disorder, which may be short-lived or last their lifetime and could cause mild or debilitating symptoms. No matter the type or severity, mood disorders don’t improve without treatment from a caring mental health professional like those at Global Behavioral Healthcare. Their team provides exceptional care to adults throughout Colorado who are affected by mood disorders through telehealth visits. Request an appointment by calling the office based in Denver, Colorado, or using the online booking feature today.

What are mood disorders?

Mood disorders are a group of mental health conditions affecting your feelings. A mood disorder may make you feel happy or sad, energized or lethargic, and cause additional symptoms affecting your quality of life.

The most common mood disorders include:

Major depressive disorder (MDD)

MDD makes you feel sad and hopeless nearly all day, every day, and lasts at least two weeks. Without treatment, MDD can turn into a long-lasting mental health challenge.

Postpartum depression (also called perinatal depression)

Postpartum depression is a type of MDD that begins during pregnancy or in the weeks after delivery.

Bipolar disorder

You can develop one of three types of bipolar disorder. Bipolar I disorder causes mood swings between mania and MDD. Bipolar II disorder is defined by swings between MDD and hypomania (less severe mania symptoms).

Cyclothymic disorder causes episodes of mild depression and hypomania, but they occur frequently and last a long time. You have mood swings at least half the time, and they go on for at least two years.

What symptoms are caused by mood disorders?

During a depressive episode, you have one or more of the following symptoms:

• Sadness, worthlessness, and hopelessness
• Low energy (lethargy) and fatigue
• Isolation from family and friends
• No interest in activities you usually enjoy
• Changes in eating habits
• Insomnia or excessive sleep
• Suicidal thoughts

The symptoms of mania and hypomania include:

• Feeling elated
• Talking rapidly
• Having non-stop energy
• Having an inflated sense of self-importance
• Experiencing racing thoughts
• Engaging in risky behaviors (driving under the influence, overspending, etc.)

Most people get very little sleep during full-blown mania, yet they still have never-ending energy.

How are mood disorders treated?

The team at Global Behavioral Healthcare is skilled in assessing your mental health, completing psychiatric evaluations, and diagnosing the type of mood disorder. Their providers create customized treatment plans based on each person’s unique needs.

Some people may need medication management with antidepressants, depending on the severity of their depression. If you have bipolar disorder, your Global Behavioral Healthcare provider prescribes mood-stabilizing medications.

Therapy may be the only treatment needed for mild depression, but it’s also an essential part of healing for all mood disorders. 

Evidence-based therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy offer many benefits, from learning about your mood disorder and what triggers it to gaining practical skills supporting daily life.

Call Global Behavioral Healthcare to schedule a telehealth appointment or request one online today and start treatment for your mood disorder.