New Oakland Child-Adolescent and Family Center

Personality

Mood swings

Although it's normal for moods to shift in reaction to news or an event, consistent mood swings can signal a disorder. Mood disorders involve either persistent or quickly fluctuating feelings of sadness or of being overly happy.

The most common mood disorders are:

1. Depression:

Depression is more than just a feeling of being "down in the dumps," the feelings persist. There are a variety of causes, including genetics, environment, psychological and biochemical factors. Depression can start early in life and is much more common in femles.

Symptoms can include:

• Sadness; loss of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
• Change in weight
• Difficulty sleeping; increased or decreased sleep
• Energy loss; feelings of worthlessness
• Thoughts of death or suicide

2. Mania:

Mania is a state of abnormally elevated or irritated mood, arousal, and/ or energy level. In a sense, it is the opposite of depression. People experiencing mania may act in irrational ways, characterized by inflated self-esteem, racing thoughts, excessive talking, distractibility and excessive engagement in risky pleasure activities.

Symptoms can include:

• Abnormally elevated or expansive mood
• Extreme and abnormal irritability, hostility
• Easily excited to enthusiasm, anger, agitation or another emotion

3. Bipolar disorder:

Bipolar Disorder is also known as manic depression and causes serious mood shifts from the highs of mania to the lows of depression. The cycles of bipolar disorder range from fleeting to lasting for days, weeks, or months. The mood changes of bipolar disorder are so intense that they interfere with the ability to function.

The symptoms can be subtle and confusing, resulting in many people with bipolar disorder being overlooked or misdiagnosed which then causes unnecessary suffering. With proper treatment and support, people with bipolar disorder can lead rich, fulfilling lives.

New Oakland Child-Adolescent and Family Center assesses and treats the mental health issues and crises faced by children and adolescents. Immediate action can return well-being to your family.

See the "Contact" tab for the nearest New Oakland facility or call the 24 Hour Crisis Stabilization Hot Line: (800) 395-3223

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