Therapy for mood disorders can be a breakthrough for situations like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. In the US, about 17% of people see a therapist yearly for mental health situations like mood disorders. It’s completely normal for your mood to fluctuate based on what’s happening around you. However, when it comes to diagnosing a mood disorder, the symptoms need to persist for several weeks or more. These disorders can significantly alter your behavior and impact your daily activities, but therapy can help you regain control and improve your quality of life.

In an episode of the HealingUs Podcast, Bill Spadea, the top morning drive talk show host in New Jersey on 101.5 FM, talks about how COVID-19 affected children’s mental health, leading to more feelings of isolation and increased suicide rates after lockdowns. Bill discusses parents’ challenges during this time and talks about New Jersey’s 5150 law, which relates to mental health care. This episode aims to increase awareness and support for families dealing with mood disorders. 

Therapy for mood disorders can help people navigate challenges by teaching coping skills and working to address the root causes. This article will highlight the common types of mood disorders, the importance of seeking therapy, the role therapy plays in managing these conditions, and the various types of treatment available.

What Are Mood Disorders?

Mood disorders can create a disconnect between what’s happening in your life and how you feel, making it hard to function normally. Your mood might swing from shallow feelings, like sadness or depression, to very high, manic states. According to the DSM-5, mood disorders are categorized into two main groups: bipolar disorders and depressive disorders.

Typically, mood disorders include:

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
• Bipolar I Disorder
• Bipolar II Disorder
• Cyclothymic Disorder
• Substance/Medication-Induced Bipolar Disorder
• Hypomania
• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

One way to address these challenges is through therapy. Therapy is a treatment designed to help people navigate mental or emotional issues. It offers various approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, and psychodynamic therapy, each tailored to help individuals find relief and improve their well-being. 

Common Types of Mood Disorders

Mood disorders are mental health conditions that significantly affect how a person feels, leading to persistent changes in mood that can disrupt daily life. Understanding the common types of mood disorders is essential for recognizing symptoms and seeking appropriate therapy for mood disorders. There are two types of mood disorders: bipolar disorders and depressive disorders. 

Depressive Disorder 

Major depression is one of the most common mental illnesses, affecting more than 8% (21 million) of American adults each year. This mental health condition is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Symptoms can affect thinking, memory, appetite, and sleep. To be diagnosed with clinical depression, symptoms must last at least two weeks. Types of depression include:

• Postpartum Depression: Occurs during or after pregnancy due to hormonal and emotional changes.
• Persistent Depressive Disorder: A chronic form of depression lasting at least two years, often less severe but ongoing.
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Linked to seasonal changes, typically worsening in winter and improving in spring.
• Depression with Psychosis: Severe depression accompanied by hallucinations or delusions, increasing suicide risk.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition marked by extreme mood swings, including hypomanic/manic and depressive episodes. Types include:

• Bipolar I Disorder: Involves at least one episode of mania; depressive episodes may also occur.
• Bipolar II Disorder: Characterized by cycles of depression and hypomania, allowing individuals to manage daily tasks.
• Cyclothymic Disorder: Features chronic mood instability with periods of hypomania and mild depression lasting at least two years.
• Other Specified/Unspecified Bipolar Disorders: Significant mood changes that don’t fit other categories.

Other Mood Disorders

• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): Severe symptoms before menstruation linked to hormonal changes, causing irritability, anxiety, and depression.
• Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD): Affects children and adolescents, marked by frequent, intense anger outbursts and irritability.

The Importance of Seeking Therapy for Mood Disorders

Therapy is important for people with mood disorders because it can help them in several ways:

• Therapy helps individuals recognize negative thoughts and behaviors and teaches them how to challenge these patterns.
• It provides tools to manage stress, reduce anxiety, and promote relaxation.
• Therapy offers a safe space to heal from past traumas and emotional wounds.
• It helps people enhance their communication skills, making them feel more empowered.
• Seeking therapy during a crisis can lead to quicker resolution of issues. The sooner someone seeks help, the better.

Therapy sessions are typically conducted by licensed mental health professionals, like psychologists or psychiatrists, and can be one-on-one or in groups. 

The Role of Therapy in Managing Mood Disorders

For someone dealing with a mood disorder, therapy can be a lifeline. It provides a safe space to talk about feelings and thoughts that may feel overwhelming. Through therapy, individuals can identify negative patterns and learn how to change them, which is essential for managing their mood.

Therapy also equips individuals with:

• Coping strategies to handle stress and anxiety
• Helping them to navigate daily challenges more effectively
• It can address past traumas, allowing for healing and growth. 
• Therapy enhances communication skills, making connecting with others and expressing needs easier.

During tough times, seeking therapy can help resolve issues more quickly. Overall, therapy is an important resource that supports individuals in their journey toward better emotional health and well-being.

Types of Therapy for Mood Disorders

Different types of therapy are designed to address various needs and can be tailored to each person’s unique experiences. Below are some standard treatments for mood disorders that have shown effectiveness in helping people navigate their mood challenges.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps people change negative thoughts and behaviors. It teaches healthier ways to think and cope with emotions, making it suitable for depression and anxiety.

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT is for those with strong emotions. It combines talk therapy with mindfulness skills to help manage feelings and improve relationships.

• Psychodynamic Therapy:

This therapy looks at how past experiences affect current feelings and behaviors. It helps people understand their emotions by exploring their history.

• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

IPT focuses on relationships and social skills. It helps people improve communication and resolve conflicts, which can help with mood issues.

• Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

MBCT teaches people to be aware of their thoughts and feelings without judging them. This can help break the cycle of negative thinking, especially for those with recurrent depression.

• Supportive Therapy

Supportive therapy offers emotional support and encouragement. It helps people feel heard and guides them through their challenges.

• Family Therapy

Family therapy involves working with family members to improve communication and resolve conflicts. It helps create a better home environment for those with mood disorders.

After therapy, 86% of Americans (out of those taking therapy) reported improved coping skills. Therapy enhances emotions and behaviors effectively, promoting positive mental and physical health changes. Even a few sessions can improve the cognitive state of patients and prevent them from the risk of suicide. These therapies can be customized to individual needs, making them valuable for managing mood disorders.

FAQs: Therapy for Mood Disorder 

Q: What type of therapy is best for mood disorders?
A: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the most researched therapy for mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder. It helps young people understand how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors connect.

Q: Who is the best support for bipolar disorder?
A: Look for a qualified therapist with experience in mood disorders. You can ask your doctor for recommendations or contact groups like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA).

Q: Can a therapist help with mood swings?
A: Yes, therapy can help people with mood swings by processing their thoughts and feelings. This can lead to better sleep and improved functioning.

Q: Can therapists diagnose mood disorders?
A: Yes, therapists can diagnose bipolar disorder, but they need detailed information since it involves mood swings that change over time.

Q: What is the primary goal of emotion-focused therapy?
A: Emotion-focused therapy (EFT) aims to help clients understand, express, and manage their emotions. This includes building self-awareness, regulating feelings, and creating new meanings in their experiences.

How Avisa Recovery Can Help You!

If you’re looking for a place to get therapy for mood disorders, Avisa Recovery is one of the best options available in New York. We use a complete and inclusive approach to rehab. First, we assess your health to create personalized treatment plans that meet your needs.

At Avisa Recovery, we offer a range of treatments, including traditional methods and unique options like music and art therapy, yoga, biofeedback, massage, and meditation. We also design a healthy workout and nutrition plan to help restore balance and support your mental well-being.

Managing mood disorders can be challenging. Don’t spend another day feeling overwhelmed. If you’re searching for mood disorder treatment centers, Avisa Recovery is here to help. We address all mental health issues, from childhood mood disorders to adult disruptive mood disorders. Contact us when you’re ready to improve your life, and we will support you.