Mood Disorder & Depression

Most of the time people do not have depression without anxiety, or anxiety without depression.  Many times one will cycle into the other.  Also some people only experience a single episode of depression and some (due to brain chemistry or past experiences) experience regular dips of mood that can be quite debilitating.  It’s good to watch for patterns with depression or other mood disorders to predict what some early symptoms are, what helps and what doesn’t help when experiencing an episode, and have a plan for how your support system may help.  These subjects are typical when someone comes to see me due to depression/mood disorders.

Mood disorders can include dysthymia, major depression, bipolar I or bipolar II.  Patients can experience a single episode or recurrent episodes.  Many times genetics play a big factor.  About 1 out of 4 U.S. adults will experience a mood disorder at some time in their lives.  Some episodes can last weeks to months and symptoms can differ from person to person.  Most experience motivation issues and isolation tendencies.  Some experience inability to find life pleasant anymore, disrupted sleep, intense irritability, intense swings of emotions, crying episodes daily, loss of focus, or thoughts of death or just wishing life could end.  These symptoms are issues I have worked alongside clients to manage for many years.  I lean on my years of teaching DBT (Dialectic Behavior Therapy) skills groups and offering CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy).  Research suggests CBT is the #1 treatment for anxiety and depression.

Many times, meeting with a therapist and developing weekly plans to make small steps in the right direction can lead to great improvements.  With great strategies and an accepting mindset, your next depression episode’s duration and impact can be reduced.  You do not have to suffer alone with these symptoms.