If you’re wondering whether your symptoms could point to a mood disorder, you’re not alone. About 20% of Americans report having symptoms of a mood disorder every month.
Everyone feels irritable, down, or exhausted from time to time. Whether it’s hormonal shifts, your work schedule, your kids’ schedules, lack of sleep, or not eating right, many things can take a toll on your energy and zap your mood.
Mood disorders, like depression or bipolar disorder, can cause similar symptoms. So how can you tell the difference between normal fluctuations in your mood, being physically tired, and a mood disorder?
At Grassroots Healthcare in Tulsa, Oklahoma, we know it’s hard to tell the difference between regular mood shifts and a mood disorder. We also understand how difficult it can be to reach out for help if you’re struggling with emotional and mental health challenges.
Dr. Melita Tate and the Grassroots Team don’t want you to battle mental health problems alone. Our practice makes mental health a priority, and we take on mood disorders using a holistic approach that treats you as a whole person, not just your symptoms.
If you’re worried you may have a mood disorder, keep reading to learn what you need to know about this common mental health issue and how we can help.
Different types of mood disorders exist. Some of the most common include major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia), seasonal affective disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
When you have a mood disorder, your emotional state or mood is generally distorted. This means it isn’t consistent with the reality of your circumstances, and it can impact your ability to function well in your life.
For example, a mood disorder can cause a persistent and intense sadness — even when things in your life are going okay. A mood disorder might also make you feel angry or prone to profound irritability over small things that wouldn’t normally trigger an intense reaction.
Researchers are still investigating why some people have mood disorders. They believe several factors contribute to their development, but they’re probably a combination of one or more of these, which include:
Some chronic illnesses and health conditions can also contribute to the development of mood disorders.
Mood disorder symptoms vary based on which disorder you have. However, they all make it challenging to keep up with your daily tasks. You may have physical symptoms in addition to emotional symptoms, and symptoms can vary in intensity from day to day.
Generally, mood disorder symptoms may include:
Note that everyone may have one or more of these symptoms occasionally. But if you have a mood disorder, these feelings or symptoms persist — you may even feel like there’s no hope.
We want you to know help is available. If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, talk to one of the compassionate team at Grassroots Healthcare for personalized help.
Absolutely! Prescription medications may play a role in your treatment, but you may not get lasting relief until you address the underlying issues contributing to your mood symptoms.
At Grassroots Healthcare, we take a holistic approach in treating mood disorders. Personalized treatment plans vary based on your unique symptoms, health status (e.g., hormone levels; nutritional deficiencies), mental health needs, and personal preferences and may include:
Get compassionate, holistic care for your mood disorder by scheduling an appointment online or over the phone at Grassroots Healthcare in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
