/assets/production/practices/26686cdb987827e51a2fe3feaa2eea9e4fe94758/images/2792332.jpg)
With the correct support, healing is possible when you have a mood disorder like depression. At Hampstead Therapy and Wellness in Hampstead, North Carolina, Holly Giarratano, LCMHC-A, and James Manning, MD, offer effective treatments for mood disorders. Using lifestyle changes, psychotherapy, and (where necessary) medication, they restore your emotional balance. Even incurable mood disorders are far more manageable with the proper care, so call Hampstead Therapy and Wellness or request an in-person or telehealth consultation using the online booking feature today.
Mood Disorders Q & A
What are mood disorders?
Mood disorders mainly affect a person’s emotional state. They cause ongoing feelings of sadness, emptiness, or extreme mood swings.
These feelings can make functioning at school, work, or in relationships hard.
What are some common types of mood disorders?
There are several kinds of mood disorders, the most common being:
Depression (major depressive disorder)
Symptoms include ongoing sadness, despair, self-loathing, low energy, and an inability to lift your mood.
Bipolar disorder
A condition that causes intense mood swings between emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).
Dysthymia (persistent depressive disorder)
Dysthymia is a long-lasting, lower-level form of depression that can persist for years.
Postpartum depression
This form of depression sometimes affects women after they give birth. You can also suffer from prenatal depression during pregnancy.
Each of these mood disorders can affect people differently, so it’s vital to get the correct diagnosis.
What are the symptoms of a mood disorder?
Some warning signs for mood disorders include:
- Losing interest in things you once enjoyed
- Feeling sad, hopeless, or empty most of the time
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Feeling very tired and having little energy
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feeling overly excited, irritable, or restless (in bipolar disorder)
If these feelings last over two weeks or interfere with daily life, it’s time to talk to the Hampstead Therapy and Wellness team.
What causes mood disorders?
Mood disorders can develop from a mix of factors, such as:
- Family history of mental illness
- Life stress or trauma
- Chemical imbalances in the brain
- Chronic health problems
- Substance misuse
The Hampstead Therapy and Wellness team takes a whole-person approach. They look at your life story, health, and current challenges to better understand what’s happening.
How are mood disorders treated?
Mood disorders can be managed with:
Therapy
Talking to a psychotherapist or counselor helps many people gain insight and develop coping tools.
Medication
Some people, especially those with more severe symptoms, benefit from antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and other medications.
Lifestyle changes
Regular sleep, exercise, stress management, and healthy habits can make a considerable difference to your mental health.
The Hampstead Therapy and Wellness team is here to listen and support you. Whether you’re just starting to experience symptoms or struggling to manage an ongoing problem, call the office to schedule an in-person or telehealth consultation or book an appointment online today.