Mood Disorder | Hacks to help boost your mood naturally

What is Mood?

In simple terms they are feelings that are prevalent and continue for a long period of time internally which in turn impacts all aspects of an individual’s behaviour in the external word. In other words, mood disorders or affective disorders can be said to be disruptions in emotions:

1.     Severe lows called “Depression”

2.     Severe highs called “Hypomania or mania”

 

Causes of mood disorder

Many factors contribute to mood disorders:

Ø     Likely caused by the imbalance of brain chemicals

Ø     Major life events :

§  Getting divorced

§  Death of a loved one

§  Shifting from one place to another

§  Marriage

§  Getting fired

§  Any stressful life changes

Ø Mood disorders also tend to run in families

§  Meaning they are present in your genes

 

Common types of Mood Disorder

 

1.     Major depression

a.      Symptoms lasting for at least 2 weeks or more

2.     Dysthymia

a.      Symptoms lasting for 2 years  

3.     Bipolar disorder

a.      Episodes of depression with periods of mania or elevated mood

4.     Mood disorder related to another health condition

a.      Medical illness can trigger symptoms of depression  

5.     Substance induced mood disorder

a.      Symptoms of depression due to medicine, drug abuse, alcoholism, etc

Symptoms of mood disorder

1.     Ongoing sad, anxious, or “empty” mood

2.     Feeling hopeless or helpless

3.     Having low self-esteem

4.     Feeling inadequate or worthless

5.     Excessive guilt

6.     Repeating thoughts of death or suicide, wishing to die, or attempting suicide (Note: People with this symptom should get treatment right away!)

7.     Loss of interest in usual activities or activities that were once enjoyed, including sex

8.     Relationship problems

9.     Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much

10.   Changes in appetite and/or weight

11.  Decreased energy

12. Trouble concentrating

13.   A decrease in the ability to make decisions

14. Frequent physical complaints (for example, headache, stomachache, or tiredness) that don’t get better with treatment

15.  Running away or threats of running away from home

16.Very sensitive to failure or rejection

17. Irritability, hostility, or aggression

(If you are feeling any of these symptoms on a daily basis and in excess, consult a psychologist, a doctor at the earliest!)

Treatment and Management:

Psychiatric help can aid with the help of mood stabilizers and medicines. However, with the combination of psychological / therapeutic alliance the individual will recover faster and more effectively.

                       Other factors which will help:

    1.  Educating the individual about the signs and symptoms of mood 

    2. Crucial to main a regular sleep cycle

    3. Following a healthy diet 

    4. Decrease and stopping the use of any kind of substance

    5. Going for therapy, seeking counsel

    6. Self care routine

    7. Support from friends and family

    8. Expressing yourself to a close friend or someone you trust 

    9. Practicing relaxation techniques (eg: breathing exercises, meditation, etc)

    10. Keep a schedule, fixing a routine 

    11. Vitamin B - 12 and other B vitamins help stabilize mood 

    12. Practicing Gratitude, Positive self affirmations