When the Weather Changes
Most of the population are uninformed when it comes to mood disorders, and the severe impact it can have on people regarding their mental wellness. A common misconception is that men are immune to these disorders, and that women are the only gender capable of having severe mood disorders that effect their daily lives. This, however, is not the case.
Due to the simplistic way in which we humans operate, the smallest of things may trigger us into depression or a lack of interest in going through a regular and normal working day. Even though we might think we are impenetrable steel walls on an emotional level, it might not be the case with our mental health. Therefore, it is always good to be aware and informed about everything that might affect your mental and emotional health and well-being in general. Today, we will be talking about different mood disorders.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
When the seasons change, so does about 10 to 20 percent of the population???s moods. In Summer, we have long and hot days, with sunlight exposure being at its maximum. Once Winter knocks on the door, the days are getting shorter and colder, leaving us with less sunlight exposure and triggering the brain to release too much melatonin, which is a sleep-regulating hormone that can directly influence your mood.
Due to the overproduction of melatonin, seasonal affective disorder kicks in. Although this disorder is not comparable to other mood disorders like major depression, it should not be taken lightly by anyone suffering from it. The acronym for this mood disorder is very fitting, as it spells SAD, which describes the negative effects it has on your overall mood. Men and women are equally susceptible to this disorder, and is something that can be treated without having to enter a rehabilitation programme.
If you find yourself suffering from seasonal affective disorder, try to expose yourself to more sunlight during your regular day, to decrease the amount of melatonin being produced by your brain. By also keeping yourself busy with a cultivating Winter hobby, will also decrease the amount of influence the melatonin has on your mood.
Bipolar disorder
Although the cause of this disorder is unknown, a factor of combining elements play a role to bringing bipolar disorder into existence. These elements consist of altered brain structure and chemistry, genetics, and the immediate environment. Bipolar disorder is one associated with episodes of mood swings that can vary from manic highs to depressive lows.
With the manic episodes, symptoms may include a general loss of touch with reality, coupled with high energy and an overall reduced need for sleeping. This can lead to a mental state where the person might need someone familiar to help them through it and stay in touch with everything surrounding them.
The depressive episodes consist of low motivation, combined with a loss of interest in a regular day and low energy levels as well. These episodes might lead to thoughts of suicide, and should be taken very seriously by those who care for someone suffering from bipolar disorder. Another aspect of this disorder, is that certain episodes can last for days at a time, and sometimes even months on end. Although this mood disorder is seen as a chronic disorder, there is treatment that can help with it, if utilized correctly, efficiently, and regularly. A definite cure has not been invented yet, but it does not mean that there isn???t any hope for people suffering from bipolar disorder.
Where can I find help for people suffering from mood disorders?
At Beethoven Recovery Centre, we offer help for mood disorders through our psychiatric hospital. People at the age of 16 and older can be admitted, and can be treated for treatable anxiety, psychotic, conversion, and mood disorders at our facilities. We offer full and comprehensive treatment to all our admitted patients, while treating them with respect and discretion on their road to full recovery.
Beethoven Recovery Centre also has a rehabilitation unit for people needing to break addictions, that can help people back to a life of full sober wellness. Drug and alcohol abuse are serious matters that can be treated and eventually cured when following the right programmes. Contact Beethoven Recovery Centre today, and let us help you or someone you love to get back to a fully recovered and healthy life!