Do You Have a Mood Disorder?texassuicideprevention.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/... · Signs of Major Depressive Disorder (Unipolar Depression) Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder Mood Disorders
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Millions of people in the United States are affected by one of the two major mood disorders: major depressive disorder (also known as unipolar depression) or bipolar disorder. What causes these disorders is still not fully understood, but researchers believe it is likely that they develop from imbalances in the brain's chemical activity in most cases. However, environmental factors are also suspected of playing a part.
r Feeling sad, hopeless and having frequent crying spells
r Losing interest in things you need to enjoy (including sex)
r Feeling guilty, helpless or worthless r Thinking about death or suicide r Sleeping too much or too little
People with bipolar disorder experience both dramatic mood shifts and more mild attitude changes. Although everyone experiences mood changes to some extent, the shifts associated with bipolar disorder can be severe enough to disrupt normal life activities. Alternating between the following symptoms of mania and depression may indicate bipolar disorder.
r Loss of appetite or unintended weight loss or gain
r Feeling very tired all the time r Trouble paying attention and making decisions r Aches and pains that don’t get better with
treatment r Feeling restless, irritated and easily annoyed
Signs of Major Depressive Disorder (Unipolar Depression)
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
Mood Disorders
Do You Have a Mood Disorder?
Mania: the “highs” of bipolar disorder Depression: the “lows” of bipolar disorder
r Increased physical and mental activity and energy r Heightened mood, exaggerated self-‐confidence r Excessive irritability, aggressive behavior r Decreased need for sleep without experiencing
fatigue r Grandiose delusions, inflated sense of self-‐
importance r Racing speech, racing thoughts, flight of ideas r Impulsiveness, poor judgment, distractibility r In the most severe cases, delusions and
hallucinations
r Prolonged sadness or unexplained crying spells r Significant changes in appetite and sleep
patterns r Irritability, anger, worry, agitation, anxiety r Pessimism, indifference r Loss of energy, persistent lethargy r Feelings of guilt, worthlessness r Inability to concentrate, indecisiveness r No pleasure in past interests, social withdrawal r Unexplained aches and pains r Recurring thoughts of death or suicide
Mood disorders are very treatable. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above. Talk to him or her about any emotions you can’t explain or that concern you. Don’t wait to start the discussion—early treatment keeps mood disorders from getting worse, lasting longer, and affecting your physical health. Common treatments for mood disorders include: medication, psychotherapy (talk therapy), or both. One or both of these treatments, in addition to support from family, friends, and/or peers can help lead to recovery.
Mental Health America offers help online for discussing medications with doctors: m Treatment options for recovery:
http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/dialogueforrecovery
m More information on medications:
http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/med_info
You can also call 1-‐800-‐969-‐6642
Suicidal Thoughts and Feelings The symptoms of a mood disorder can increase someone’s risk of suicide or other self-‐harming behaviors. If you have thoughts of suicide or other self-‐harm, do not hesitate to seek help or find someone to talk to. Tell your doctor, your family, and your friends. The resources listed below can help provide additional information or connect you to a hotline operator you can speak with about your thoughts and feelings.
In a crisis or emergency, go to the nearest hospital emergency room, call 911, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number listed below.
School Counselors, Doctors, Nurses, Mental Health Professionals,
Religious Leaders
Mental Health America of Texas www.mhatexas.org
Texas Suicide Prevention Council www.TexasSuicidePrevention.org
Texas Youth Hotline
1-800-210-2278
Texas Underage Drinking Hotline 1-888-843-8222
Help Lines Pick up phone and dial 211
Or 1-800-833-5948
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Texas (NAMI Texas)
1-800-633-3760 www.namitx.nami.org
Texas Department of State Health
Services Community Centers
www.dshs.state.tx.us/mentalhealth.shm
National Institute of Mental Health www.nimh.nih.gov
American Foundation for Suicide
Prevention www.afsp.org
National Youth Crisis Hotline 1-800-HIT-HOME
American Association of Child and
Adolescent Psychiatry www.aacap.org 1-800-333-7636
Mental Health America
www.MentalHealthAmerica.net 1-800-969-NMHA
Boys Town 24/7 Hotline (for all
teens, parents, and families) 1-800-448-3000
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org � 1-800-273-Talk (8255)
Treatment
Do You Have a Mood Disorder?
Mental Health Resources
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