Do you have trouble getting to sleep? Maybe you have a hard time waking up? Well, trouble sleeping or sleeping too much can be associated with forms of depression or bipolar disorder. Try and track your sleep patterns, this way you will know if you are undergoing any type of mood disorder.

Have you started to lose interest in things that you used to enjoy? Maybe, you are participating in your usually recreational activities but you’re not having any fun. This could be a sign you may have a mood disorder.

You know your experiencing a migraine when you have severe pain in one or both sides of your head. Migraines can be a sign you have a mood disorder. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, “Researchers have suggested that a common predisposition to anxiety disorders, depression, and migraines may exist. Migraines and chronic daily headaches are common in people who suffer from anxiety disorders.“ they can also “precede the onset of mental disorders.”

Chest pain can be associated with depression. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 3 in 20 Americans with heart disease experience depression compared to the 1 in 20 average of people without heart disease. Patients with heart disease who are depressed tend to have more cardiac symptoms than those who are not depressed (Everyday HEALTH).”

Chronic back pain can be associated with major depression or clinical depression. According to Spine-health, “Chronic pain and depression are two of the most common health problems that health professionals encounter.” This may suggest that the two conditions go hand-and-hand.

If you are experiencing frequent feelings of anxiousness or irritability you may be suffering from a mood disorder. Someone suffering from major depression is almost always in an irritable mood, while someone suffering from anxiety may feel it has gotten worse.

Changes in your appetite can be an early sign of depression. An example of this is a person who has no appetite, or a person who just can’t stop eating. When someone is experiencing a mood disorder they usually loose interest in their daily activities, this could mean their interest in eating.

Traumatic events happen in our lives, we may suffer from sadness while coping. If a lot of time has passed since the event and you are still experiencing great sadness you may have a mood disorder. Often, this can be linked to bipolar disorder and depression.

Have you been feeling like no matter what you do it’s not good enough? Maybe you are continuously thinking that no one cares about you. This is a major sign of a mood disorder. Feelings of worthlessness are associated with depression, and depression is highly treatable.

Have you been noticing a change in your concentration? Maybe you have been having trouble concentrating at work? Do you feel your mind start to wander? This is a typical sign of a mood disorder. When dealing with a mood disorder it is common to have an aches and pains, prolonged sadness and loss of energy… this leading to trouble concentrating.

Reckless and aggressive behavior is most associated with bipolar disorder. If you are experiencing a heightened mood, impulsiveness and a decreased need for sleep you are most likely experiencing reckless and aggressive behavior. Therefore, probably suffering from a mood disorder.  

Thoughts of suicide are definitely associated with mood disorders. According to the DBSA, “During a severe depression or mania, a person has little or no control over painful and disturbing thoughts and feelings.” If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts make sure you seek professional help immediately, it is important to receive the necessary treatment.

Everyone has relationship issues, whether it is a romantic relationship, relationships with family or friends. But if you have been noticing the dynamics of your relationships changing you may be undergoing a mood disorder. Have you been the aggressor? Maybe your feelings or irritability have been making you act out. Maybe you have been losing interest in doing the things you love, causing you to lose relationships.

Low self-esteem is an indication you may have a mood disorder. I know you’re thinking… everyone has their insecurities. But, those suffering from mood disorders feel worthless, and only think the worst about themselves. This in turn, can contribute to the development of a mood disorder, and be an active symptom while undergoing the disorder.

Bipolar Disorder:

Bipolar Disorder is also known as manic depression. It is a mood disorder that causes severe high and low mood changes. People with this disorder are usually on one extreme, they are overly happy or overly sad, no in between.

Dysthymia:

Dysthymia is long term depression. People with this disorder rarely experience feelings of happiness. They are usually sad, have low self-esteem and experience feelings of hopelessness.

Depression:

Depression is a bit more severe than Dysthymia. A person suffering from Depression is usually in a constant state of sadness. They usually suffer from insomnia, feelings of worthlessness, digestive disorders and even thoughts of suicide. Treatment is usually the best option, because without it, the symptoms can last from weeks to years.

Substance-Induced Mood Disorders:

Substance-Induced Mood Disorders is a form of depression that can be caused or precipitated by the use of alcohol, drugs and medications. A person with this disorder may experience a disturbance in their mood. After using the substance they may feel depressed or their mood may be heightened

Other Mood Disorders:

Seasonal Affective Disorder, Postpartum Depression, Cyclothymia and Schizoaffective disorder.