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There are many types of mood disorder. Each affects the way you think, feel, and behave in a different way. This page explores the symptoms of six common mood disorders.
Mood disorders affect every person who has one differently. You may be affected by a mood disorder but not have every symptom.
If you have experienced the symptoms discussed, speak to your doctor. The doctor can help you get the right treatment to improve your mood.
If you are feeling low in mood for more than two weeks, you may have depression. Let’s explore how this mood disorder can affect your mind and body.
Depression affects your emotional state. It may make you feel:
These feelings may affect your daily life. You may:
You may also experience dark, intrusive thoughts. You might imagine hurting yourself. Or believe the world would be better without you.
Suicidal thoughts are distressing but they are not unusual. Many people with depression feel this way. These feelings do pass. With the right treatment, you will start to feel better.
If you feel unsafe call 999 or go to A&E for help. Or call the Samaritans on freephone 116 123. You could also contact your GP for an emergency appointment.
Depression affects your body too. It may make you:
If your mood shifts between low periods (depressive episodes) and high periods (manic episodes), you may have bipolar disorder.
Bipolar disorder also causes mixed episodes. This is where you have a combination of depressive and manic symptoms.
We discuss bipolar symptoms and behaviours below.
Depressive and manic episodes have opposite effects on your mood. Let’s explore some common symptoms of each.
During a depressive episode you may feel:
You may also think about self-harm or suicide. If you feel unsafe call 999 or go to A&E for help. Or call the Samaritans on freephone 116 123. You could also contact your GP for an emergency appointment.
In contrast, during a manic episode you may feel:
Excessive energy levels may mean that you are easily distracted. You might also get irritated frequently. People who can’t keep up with your pace may get on your nerves.
If you have a severe depressive or manic episode, you may develop symptoms of psychosis. This is where your thinking becomes disconnected from reality.
You may feel confused or paranoid. You might see or hear things that are not there. You may not realise you are unwell.
Anyone experiencing psychosis (or who notices signs of psychosis in a loved one) should speak to a doctor straight away.
Depressive and manic episodes affect your body and behaviour, as well as the way you feel.
During a depressive episode you may:
In contrast, during a manic episode you may:
If your changes in mood are triggered the season, you may have seasonal affective disorder (SAD). We explore how SAD may affect your mind and body below.
If you have SAD, the winter months may make you feel:
You may also lose enjoyment in activities that normally bring you pleasure.
Not everyone with SAD gets low in the winter. Some people with SAD experience the symptoms discussed during summer.
SAD may affect your body in the following ways:
If your period severely impacts your emotional state the week before it starts, then you may have premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). But how does PMDD affect your mind and body?
PMDD can affect the way you think and feel about yourself. You may feel:
Feeling this way may mean you find conflict harder to avoid or resolve. This could have a negative impact on your relationships.
PMDD can affect you physically too. You may notice the following symptoms:
If you have a mood disorder, you may experience suicidal thoughts. We discuss the signs of suicidal thinking below.
It is not always obvious that someone is having suicidal thoughts. But there are some things to look out for. Read on to learn how to recognise suicidal thinking in yourself and others.
Signs that someone is thinking about suicide include:
If you feel unsafe call 999 or go to A&E for help. Or call the Samaritans on freephone 116 123. You could also contact your GP for an emergency appointment.