MOOD DISORDERS
MAJOR DEPRESSION
Major Depression or major depressive disorder causes ongoing, extreme feelings of sadness, helplessness, hopeless, and irritability. These feelings are usually a noticeable change from what’s “normal” for you, and they last for more than two weeks. It is a mood disorder accompanied by:
Lasting sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
Loss of interest in almost all activities
Appetite and weight changes
Changes in sleep patterns, such as inability to sleep or sleeping too much
Slowing of physical activity, speech, and thinking OR agitation, increased restlessness, and irritability
Decreased energy, feeling tired or "slowed down" almost every day
Ongoing feelings of worthlessness and/or feelings of undue guilt
Trouble concentrating or making decisions
SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER (SAD)
Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is type of depression. It happens during certain seasons of the year—most often fall or winter.
There are two types of SAD:
Fall-onset. This is also called "winter depression." Symptoms of depression begin in the late fall to early winter months and ease during the summer months.
Spring-onset. This is also called "summer depression." Symptoms of depression begin in late spring to early summer. This type is much less common.
The following are the most common symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder:
Increased sleep and daytime drowsiness
Loss of interest and pleasure in activities formerly enjoyed
Social withdrawal and increased sensitivity to rejection
Irritability and anxiety
Feelings of guilt and hopelessness
Fatigue, or low energy level
BIPOLAR DISORDER
A chronic, recurring condition that includes cycles of extreme lows (or depression) and extreme highs (called hypomania or mania).
Some Depressive symptoms may include:
Constant sad, anxious, or empty mood
Loss of interest in things that you once enjoyed, including sex
Feeling restless or irritable
Inability to focus, think, or make decisions
Low energy, fatigue, being slowed down
Some Manic symptoms may include:
Inflated self-esteem
Need for less rest and sleep
Easily distracted or irritable
Racing thoughts
Physical agitation
Risky, aggressive, or destructive behavior
Talking a lot and talking fast