Bipolar & Other Mood Disorders

Mood disorders include Bipolar disorder, Depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder (depression that comes with the colder months), Dysthymia (slight depression that lasts for years), and more. With these mood disorders you might feel extreme sadness sometimes and low energy/motivation but other times feel excessive energy and extremely happy or anxious.  It can feel like you never find that happy medium – almost like an exhausting rollercoaster ride that you would like to get off of but can’t. Maybe sometimes you find yourself making risky choices, feeling on top of the world, or engaging in substance use but other times it is difficult to get out of bed and easier to sleep most of the days away.

 

Depression comes in many forms, but most often it looks like low energy, low motivation, lack of confidence, low self-esteem, negative thoughts about yourself and hopelessness.  It can also lead to a lack of interest in things you once enjoyed, isolation from others, diet, appetite and sleep changes, or trouble concentrating.  Irritability is often a major symptom as well.

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Bipolar Disorder and other mood disorders can sometimes lead to thoughts of not wanting to be alive. You may be contemplating suicide. If so, please get scheduled to see one of us and also immediately call the Suicide Prevention Line at 1-800-273-8255.  They are available 24/7 to support you. 

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The goal is to help you find that happy medium so that it no longer takes over your life and you are able to do the things that you want to do.  There is hope for a brighter tomorrow!