Feeling blue or irritable every now and then can be normal and usually means you’re in a bad mood. However, a mood disorder such as depression can be entirely different. A person experiencing a mood disorder can often have their everyday state of mind affected by their emotions. Unfortunately, many people dealing with a mood disorder shy away from help due to the stigma and fear that surrounds these types of illnesses.
At Rice Psychology Group in Tampa, we believe that asking for help is one of the most courageous things to do. Our psychologists want to help you understand and recognize everything regarding depression and other mood disorders, which can often be the first step towards feeling normal.
Know the Types
Mood disorders are how health professionals describe and label different types of depression and bipolar disorders. Mood disorders can appear in adults, adolescents and children; however, it’s often difficult to diagnose a disorder in children because it often shows up with different symptoms normally associated with depression and because children sometimes have difficulty expressing feelings.
There are different types of mood disorders, but the most common include:
- Major depression – Experiencing feelings of sadness or hopelessness for at least two weeks and losing interest in usual activities
- Persistent DepressiveDisorder, (previously called Dysthymia) – A chronic mood of low-grade depression or irritability that can persist for at least two years
- Bipolar disorder – This disorder is characterized by alternating periods of depression and mania or elevated mood
- Due to other medical conditions – The symptoms of depression can appear as a result of other medical conditions such as cancer, injuries or chronic diseases
- Substance-induced mood disorders – Medications, drug abuse, alcoholism and other forms of treatment can trigger symptoms of mood disorders
The Signs of Depression
Perhaps you’ve been told to “snap out of it” when you’re faced with overwhelming feelings of sadness or loss of interest. However, depression is not a weakness you can simply shake off and turn your back on. It is not a character defect! The effects of this disorder can affect the way you think and behave so much that it can eventually lead to various emotional and physical problems.
People experiencing depression often have trouble completing simple day-to-day activities. Yet, feeling hopeless doesn’t mean there isn’t help around.
Rice Psychology Group knows that one of the most pivotal parts of feeling better is to not be discouraged. If you or someone you love is currently experiencing signs of depression, our team is more than ready to help. These signs may include:
- Feeling sad, hopeless or empty
- Experiencing angry outbursts, irritability or frustration even when faced with small matters
- Loss of interest or pleasure in normal activities that can include sports, sex or hobbies
- Sleep-related troubles such as insomnia or prolonged sleeping
- Lack of energy
- Changes in appetite that can include weight loss in most and increased appetite and weight gain in some
- Feelings of anxiety and agitation
- Fixating on past failures or feeling guilty for things that weren’t the individual’s responsibility
- Trouble with memory, thinking or concentrating, or even making simple decisions
- Recurring thoughts of death or suicide
The signs of other mood disorders include many of the symptoms listed above but also have their own unique set of symptoms.
Take the First Step Towards Feeling Better
If you suspect that you or someone you care about is experiencing the signs of depression or other mood disorder, know that asking for help is one of the bravest things you can do. Rice Psychology Group is determined to evaluate your disorder in a comfortable and relaxing environment that will help you feel at ease.
Our Tampa offices are dedicated to working with you and your loved ones to find the best solution and take the first step towards feeling better. If you have any questions, please contact us today.