Mood disorders

Mood disorders are medical problems that affect how you feel. They can impact your moods, thoughts, and actions. Mood disorders include:

• Depression. This causes you to feel sad or hopeless for much of the time.
• Bipolar disorder. This causes extreme mood changes from manic episodes of very high energy to extreme lows of depression.
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This is a type of depression that affects you during the same season each year. Most often people experience SAD during the fall and winter months when days are shorter and there is less light.

Children may have different symptoms. Symptoms can also vary depending on the type of mood disorder and the age of your child.

Physical symptoms include:

• Changes in appetite or weight.
• Changes in sleep.
• Physical complaints (like a headache or stomachache) with no obvious cause.
• Bursts of energy or excitement.
• Talking too fast or too loud, or jumping from topic to topic.
• Feeling tired or having low energy.
• Moving and talking more slowly than usual.
• Risky behavior.

Emotional symptoms include:

• A depressed or grouchy mood most of the time. Younger children may describe this as feeling "grumpy" or "sad."
• Not enjoying things they used to enjoy.
• Avoiding friends and social events.
• Doing poorly in school or refusing to go to school.
• Not getting along with family members.
• Frequent temper outbursts.
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt.
• Thoughts of suicide.

Where to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

If your child talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away. You can:

• Call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
• Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
• Text HOME to 741741 to access the Crisis Text Line.

Consider saving these numbers in your phone.

Go to 988lifeline.org for more information or to chat online.

Mood disorders can be treated with medicines or counseling, or a combination of both.

Medicines for depression and SAD may include antidepressants.

Medicines for bipolar disorder may include:

• Mood stabilizers.
• Antipsychotics.
• Benzodiazepines.

Counseling may involve cognitive behavioral therapy. It teaches you how to change the ways you think and behave. This can help you stop thinking bad thoughts about yourself and your life.

Light therapy is the main treatment for SAD. This therapy uses a special kind of lamp. You let the lamp shine on you at certain times, usually in the morning. This may help your symptoms during the months when there is less sunlight.

Healthy lifestyle

Healthy lifestyle changes may help you feel better.

• Be active often. You might try walking or strength training.
• Eat a healthy diet. Include fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains in your diet each day.
• Keep a regular sleep schedule. Try for 8 hours of sleep a night.
• Find ways to manage stress, such as relaxation exercises.
• Avoid alcohol and illegal drugs.