Moving the Dial: Therapy as a Treatment for Depression and Unstable Mood
Have you been feeling low or depressed for too many days to count? Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by constant shifts in mood? Have you noticed that your behavior seems to be impacted both professionally and personally when your feelings change suddenly and unexpectedly? Believe it or not, the instability of your emotions isn't something you have to live with. Through targeted therapy sessions tailored to help individuals cope with their own unique situation, undergoing professional help can provide improved mental stability and a more consistent emotional state. In this blog post, we will explore how working through different forms of therapy can pave the way for a more unified state-of-mind -- providing greater peace of mind for those affected.
What Does our Mood Mean and How is it Different from a Feeling?
Our mood is a complex state of mind that can greatly impact our overall well-being. Unlike a feeling, which is a temporary response to a particular situation or event, our mood tends to be more persistent over time. It's like the background music to our daily lives, setting the tone for how we experience the world around us. Our mood is influenced by a variety of factors such as our environment, biology, and past experiences. When we are in a poor mood, our thoughts, emotions, and actions are drawn in that direction. The same happens when our mood is more positive or energetic. Understanding the difference between our mood and our feelings is important because it can help us better navigate our emotions and make more informed decisions about how to care for ourselves.
Unsure what your mood is? Take a minute to reflect on your day today. Are you reacting the same way you typically react to the day’s events? Perhaps a regular mishap is just a bit more annoying today. Maybe you feel more excited and optimistic about your future for no particular reason. These general trends that go unnoticed can tell you a lot about how you are doing....and when action might be warranted
Common Reasons for an Unstable or Poor Mood
Everyone experiences fluctuations in mood from time to time. Even the most positive people in our lives have some kind of "off day" where everything seems dreary or irritating. Still, when these changes become more frequent or severe, it can be concerning. There are many things that can contribute to an unstable or poor mood, and it's important to understand what the root cause or causes so we can work toward change. Common reasons for an unstable or poor mood can range from the physical and psychological, with both often playing some sort of role. This can include lack of sleep or physical exercise as well as other physical illnesses. Make sure to take note of any changes to diet or medication (birth control pills, antidepressant medications, etc.) which may be impacting your day to day feelings. Also take note of patterns of negative thinking or problematic behaviors such as isolating yourself from others and using food, alcohol, or other substances to avoid feelings which will impact your general well-being.
Stressful events, such as job loss or the end of a relationship, can also trigger long term changes in mood and lead you to develop depression symptoms or ongoing mood swings. This may or may not signal that you may be experiencing a clinical level of mood-related distress and could qualify for a mental health disorder such as Major Depressive Disorder, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder, or Bipolar Disorder. Regardless of the cause, seeking help from a medical or mental health professional can provide guidance and support in managing and improving one's mental health.
How Mood Issues or Disorders Can Impact Your Professional and Personal Lives
Mood issues or disorders can have a debilitating impact on both your professional and personal lives. These conditions can lead to a change in your thoughts and behavior, affecting your ability to perform at work as well as your interactions with loved ones and ability to engage in the activities you hold dear. For instance, if you have a mood disorder like depression, you may feel overwhelmed by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in tasks you once enjoyed. This can make it difficult to concentrate at work, causing you to make mistakes or miss deadlines. It may be harder to engage in the "little tasks" that lead to success such as making time to organize or touch base with others. Additionally, it can lead to strained relationships with family and friends, as you may struggle to engage in social activities or maintain positive interactions. While those around us may be a great support, no one can read our minds. During difficult periods of low or unstable mood, others may misinterpret the causes of our changed behavior. A more succinct interaction or irritated response may make others wonder if it is something they did even if this is not the case. Furthermore, low mood can make it difficult to find the energy to connect with others, leaving our relationships to suffer as they become neglected or underutilized. It is crucial to seek professional help if you are experiencing mood issues, as timely intervention can help you manage your symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.
How Therapy Can Help Improve Your Mood and Mental Health
Therapy is a powerful tool that can help improve your mood and overall mental health. Whether you are dealing with a specific issue or just feeling generally overwhelmed, therapy can provide a space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings in a safe and supportive environment. A trained therapist can help you identify patterns of thinking or behavior that may be negatively impacting your mood and work with you to develop new, more positive habits. By learning new coping skills and techniques, you can begin to feel more in control of your emotions and better equipped to handle life's ups and downs. With the help of therapy, you can build the resilience and strength you need to navigate life's challenges and experience greater emotional well-being.
What Mental Health Treatment for Depression Can Look Like
Living with depression or a mood disorder can be a frustrating and isolating experience. Therapy offers an opportunity to explore the root causes of these conditions and learn effective coping mechanisms to manage your mood and get more out of your day to day life. A therapy session for a mood disorder or depression can look different depending on the individual and their therapist. Some may focus on building skills, where they practice mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral techniques to reframe negative thoughts and change behaviors. For example, when we are depressed, we often avoid engaging in activities that can improve our mood, feeling like we lack the energy or motivation to do so. A therapist can help identify these activities as well as the depression-informed thinking that may keep you from acting on them. They may use relaxation techniques like progressive muscle relaxation or body scans to help change the state of our mood. Others may incorporate other methods such as art therapy, electroconvulsive therapy (sorry, less exciting than it sounds) or other treatment options to help relieve depression and mood instability. The approach may look considerably different depending on whether you qualify as having mild depression, moderate depression, or severe depression. There isn't enough space here to talk about all the different approaches to therapy but we would encourage you to reach out and find out what might be the best for you. No matter the approach, therapy can be a valuable tool in managing mood disorders and depression. With the help of a therapist, individuals can work towards a greater level of emotional wellness and overall happiness.
What Does Research Say about Therapy for Mood Disorders?
What makes us so confident? Countless studies have shown that a variety of therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and interpersonal therapy, can be effective in reducing symptoms and improving overall well-being. Additionally, some research suggests that therapy can often be more effective and longer lasting than medication.
In one study, researchers compared the effectiveness of two types of therapy for individuals with depression: cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic therapy. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either 16 sessions of CBT or 16 sessions of psychodynamic therapy over a period of 20 weeks. The results showed that both types of therapy were effective in reducing symptoms of depression, but CBT was more effective at reducing symptoms of anxiety and improving overall functioning.
In another study conducted in 2018, researchers examined the effectiveness of "Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy" (MBCT) for individuals with unstable mood. MBCT combines elements of cognitive therapy with mindfulness meditation. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either MBCT or treatment as usual (TAU) for 8 weeks. The results showed that participants in the MBCT group had significantly greater reductions in symptoms of major depression and anxiety compared to those in the TAU group. Furthermore, these improvements were maintained at a 3-month follow-up assessment.
Even more, studies continue to be conducted exploring treatment for persistent depressive disorder, bipolar disorders, and more episodic mild, moderate, and severe depression. While psychotherapy has continually shown to be an effective treatment for mood disorders, researchers continue to find new ways to approach this work.
Take a step forward with psychotherapy!
Although mood disorders and depression can be a challenge, there is hope for improvement through therapy. With the help of clinically trained professionals and evidence-based treatments, it’s possible to learn better ways of coping with emotional struggles and increase feelings of self-esteem. Research finds that attending therapy can lead individuals to become more effective in managing their emotions. These skills help create a framework for healthier lifestyles. So if you find yourself in a poor mood, or your mood has been unstable, please reach out to a licensed mental health clinician or therapist so they can assess the situation and guide you down the path towards emotional stability. Take charge today; set up an appointment and take that first step forward towards positive emotional wellbeing!
How to find a therapist for depression or mood-related issues
Interested in growing new ways to manage and improve your mood? Consider a consultation with Grand Prix Psychology. Through an evidence-based, individualized approach, we will work with you through challenges and help realign yourself with what is most important.
Not the right fit? Check out these resources to help find a therapist or other mental health providers
Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists
Therapist Finder: https://www.findatherapist.com/
or Contact your insurance company!
