Depression and Bi-polar (Mood Disorders)
Mood disorders encompass a group of conditions in which the primary underlying feature actively involves a disturbance in mood. Clinicians primarily divide these disorders based on whether a manic phase has ever been present.
Moreover, depression manifests through persistent sadness along with profound feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and helplessness. In contrast, mania presents as an abnormally elevated or aroused energy level, often accompanied by racing speech, heightened irritability, and reckless behavior.
In the following section, you will find brief descriptions of each of these disorders, including their most common symptoms.
Depression
Depression actively affects over 350 million people worldwide, making it one of the most common mental health disorders. Moreover, this disabling condition profoundly impacts a person’s family relationships, work or school performance, sleeping and eating habits, as well as overall general health.
In the United States, the incidence of depression has steadily increased each year throughout the past century. Consequently, according to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately one out of every ten people now reports experiencing a depressive episode.
Furthermore, depression typically presents with persistent low energy and mood, diminished self-esteem, and a marked loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable. Common symptoms include:
A human being can survive almost anything, as long as she sees the end in sight. But depression is so insidious… it’s impossible to see the end.
Depression Symptoms
- Shifts in appetite and weight (too much or too little)
- Sleep disorders (too much or too little)
- Irritability or anxiety
- Chronic physical symptoms, including pain, gastrointestinal disturbances, headaches, etc.
- Loss of energy and fatigue
- Feelings of persistent sadness, guilt, hopelessness, or loss of self-worth
- Thinking difficulties, such as memory loss, challenges concentrating or making decisions
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder—sometimes known as manic-depressive disorder—actively features extreme mood swings that range from the profound lows of depression to the intense highs of mania.
For instance, when individuals become depressed, they often feel persistently sad or hopeless and consequently lose interest or pleasure in most activities. In contrast, when their mood shifts to the opposite direction, they frequently experience euphoria and bursts of abundant energy.
Moreover, these mood shifts can occur only a few times a year, or they may happen as frequently as several times a day. In certain cases, bipolar disorder simultaneously triggers symptoms of both depression and mania.
As a result, both phases typically lead to poor performance and/or frequent absences from work or school.
Manic Phase Symptoms
- Euphoria
- Inflated self-esteem
- Poor judgment
- Rapid speech
- Risky Behavior
- Racing thoughts
- Aggressive behavior
- Agitation or irritation
- Increased physical activity
- Decreased need for sleep
- Spending sprees or unwise financial choices
- Increased drive to perform or achieve goals
- Increased Sex Drive
- Decreased need for sleep
- Easily distracted
- Careless or dangerous use of drugs or alcohol
- Delusions or a break from reality (psychosis)
Treatment
Utilizing a holistic approach, I actively examine the various factors that profoundly affect mood. Often, a strong component of helplessness and hopelessness emerges prominently. Consequently, I carefully explore what current and past events actively impact the individual’s present state of functioning.
Moreover, we may thoroughly assess the potential need for supplements that can effectively help regulate mood. In addition, medications are consistently kept to a minimum. Therefore, when medication becomes necessary, I collaborate closely with holistic psychiatrists who avoid over-reliance on pharmaceuticals.
Furthermore, other key issues receive careful consideration, including sleep patterns, diet, exercise routines, relationships, work dynamics, and spiritual concerns.
To learn more about depression and bipolar disorder go to the National Institute of Mental Health’s website by clicking on the highlighted word.
Trauma and PTSD
When a person’s reaction to a situation is more intense than warranted, it is possible that they are reacting to a past traumatic experience. Trauma therapy makes it possible to break the connection so one may respond to these triggering events rather than react.
Negative Self Worth
We see ourselves based on our interpretation of past experiences. When one is plagued by negative self beliefs, evidence contradicting these beliefs does not register. One may be cognitively aware of what is true, but on an emotional level the negative belief overpowers.
Anxiety
In simple terms, anxiety is a tendency to lean into the future. It is categorized by worry and/or fear. It robs us of the experience of enjoying the present. Although some may have a more anxious constitution, anxiety often has its roots in the past. It makes sense.
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