Mood

Hey there! Let’s talk about mood. It’s basically how we feel inside, whether we’re feeling great or not-so-great, and it can last for a while. Our mood affects how we think, act, and see things. We express our mood to others through our facial expressions. This outward expression of our inner mood is called affect. By looking at someone’s facial expressions, we can tell if they’re feeling happy or sad at that moment, which is different from clinical depression.

Having a mood disorder means that you are struggling to shake off a mood state, such as depression, and it is difficult to go about your usual daily activities both at home and work. Clinical depression is when you consistently feel really down for a big part of the day, nearly every day, for two weeks or more.

Feeling super happy or really irritable for a week or longer is called an elevated mood or mania. Bipolar disorder type I is when you go back and forth between feeling manic and depressed. Hypomania is a mild form of elevated mood, and swings between hypomania and depression are called bipolar disorder type II.

Check If You Have Depression:

Do you feel sad or depressed with very little interest in enjoyable activities?

Is this sad feeling present almost every day, for a large part of the day, for two weeks or longer?

Does it affect your ability to work or socialise with family members and friends?

Is it difficult for you to keep a steady and comfortable internal mood state?

If you have answered yes to any of the above questions, then you may have depression. Click here to test yourself for depression: PHQ-9 (click here)

Check If You Have Elevated Mood Experiences:

Do you ever feel so joyful that you become overly active and have trouble sleeping because you have too many things you want to do? Is this part of being very talkative and spending impulsively on things that you don’t really need?

Do you find yourself getting easily annoyed or angry and feeling restless and easily distracted?

Click here to test if you have a bipolar mood disorder: Sydney Bipolar Screener (SBS) (click here)

Consider using a Mood Chart (click here) to track and visualise your mood over time.

Understanding Depression

Depression is more than just feeling sad or having a bad day. It’s a serious mood disorder that affects how you feel, think, and handle daily activities. If you’re struggling with depression, it’s important to know that you’re not alone and that help is available.

What is Depression?

Depression, also known as major depressive disorder or clinical depression, is a condition that causes persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. It can interfere with your ability to work, sleep, study, eat, and enjoy life. The symptoms of depression can vary from person to person but often include:

• Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
• Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
• Irritability
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
• Decreased energy or fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
• Insomnia, early

Treatment and Management of Depression

Depression is a common and severe mental health condition that can significantly impact one’s quality of life. Fortunately, there are various effective treatment options available. Here’s a concise overview of the primary treatments for depression:

1. Lifestyle and Self-Help Strategies

• Exercise: Regular physical activity can help alleviate symptoms of depression and improve overall mood.
• Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practices like yoga, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation can be beneficial, particularly for mild depression.
• Healthy Diet and Sleep: Maintaining a balanced diet and good sleep hygiene can also support mental health.
• When you’re dealing with depression, it’s tough to motivate yourself to be active. But it’s really important to try and get moving. Click on the following to find out ways to be more active: 150 Things to Try When You’re Depressed (click here)

2. Support Systems

• Peer Support and Counseling: Engaging with support groups and counseling services can provide emotional support and practical advice.
• Professional Support: Regular consultations with healthcare providers, including GPs, psychiatrists, and clinical psychologists, are crucial for monitoring and adjusting treatment plans.

3. Psychological Therapies

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This is a structured form of therapy that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. It has been shown to be as effective as antidepressants for mild to moderate depression.
• Other Therapies: Various other forms of psychotherapy, including psychodynamic therapy and supportive counseling, can also be beneficial.
• Consider using internet-based psychotherapy for depression. For more information, click on the following links: This Way Up (click here) and Mindspot (click here)

4. Medication

• Antidepressants: These are commonly prescribed for moderate to severe depression. Different classes of antidepressants include:
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): Such as fluoxetine and sertraline, which are often the first line of treatment due to their favorable side effect profile.
  • Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs): Such as venlafaxine, which can be effective, especially when SSRIs are not.
  • Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs): Such as imipramine, which are usually reserved for severe depression due to their higher side effect risk.
  • Atypical Antidepressants: Such as bupropion and mirtazapine, which can be used when other medications are not effective.

5. Combination Therapy

• Medication and Psychotherapy: Combining antidepressants with psychotherapy is often more effective than either treatment alone, especially for severe depression.

6. Advanced Treatments

• Brain Stimulation Therapies: For treatment-resistant depression, options like Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), and Ketamine Therapy may be considered.
  • Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is a medical treatment that involves sending small electrical currents through the brain to induce a brief seizure, which can help alleviate severe symptoms of certain mental health conditions. It is primarily used for severe depression, treatment-resistant depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, especially when other treatments have been ineffective.
  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve symptoms of depression. It is typically used when other treatments, such as medication and therapy, have not been effective.
  • Ketamine Therapy involves the use of ketamine, a medication traditionally used as an anesthetic, to treat mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. This therapy is often administered in a controlled clinical setting and has shown promising results in cases where other treatments have been ineffective.

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Understanding Bipolar Mood Disorder

Bipolar mood disorder, also known as bipolar disorder or manic-depressive illness, is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). If you or someone you know is living with bipolar disorder, understanding the condition can be a crucial step towards managing it effectively.

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar Disorder is a chronic condition that affects mood, energy levels, and the ability to function in daily life. The mood swings can be intense and may last for days, weeks, or even months. The disorder is divided into several types, each with distinct patterns of mood episodes:

• Bipolar I Disorder: Characterized by at least one manic episode that may be preceded or followed by hypomanic or major depressive episodes. Manic episodes can be severe and may require hospitalisation.
• Bipolar II Disorder: Involves at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode, but no full-blown manic episodes.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Manic and Hypomanic Episodes

Mania and hypomania are periods of abnormally elevated mood and high energy. The symptoms of mania are more severe than those of hypomania and can include:

• Feeling overly happy, euphoric, or irritable
• Increased energy and activity levels
• Decreased need for sleep
• Unusually fast speech and racing thoughts
• Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity
• Impulsive or risky behaviours, such as excessive spending or unprotected sex.

Depressive Episodes

Depressive episodes are characterised by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in activities once enjoyed. Symptoms can include:

• Persistent sad or empty mood
• Loss of interest or pleasure in most activities
• Significant weight loss or gain
• Insomnia or excessive sleeping
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Thoughts of death or suicide.

Treatment and Management of Bipolar Mood Disorders

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, but it can be managed effectively with a combination of treatments:

• Lifestyle Changes: Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and a stable sleep schedule can help manage mood swings. Avoiding alcohol and recreational drugs is also important.
• Support Networks: Building a strong support system with family, friends, and support groups can provide emotional support and practical help.
• Psychotherapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychoeducation, and family therapy can help individuals understand their condition and develop coping strategies.
• Medications: Mood stabilizers, antipsychotic medications, and antidepressants are commonly used to manage symptoms.

Living with Bipolar Disorder

Living with bipolar disorder can be challenging, but many people with the condition lead full and productive lives. It’s important to follow your treatment plan, monitor your mood, and seek help when needed. Remember, you are not alone, and with the right support and treatment, you can manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, seek immediate help from a healthcare provider or call emergency services. There are also helplines and support organizations available to provide assistance.

Understanding bipolar disorder is the first step towards managing it effectively. With the right treatment and support, you can navigate the highs and lows and lead a fulfilling life.

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