Mood Disorders Therapy in Edmonton
Learn about Mood Disorders
What are Mood Disorders?
Mood disorders are a group of mental health conditions that primarily affect a person’s emotional state.
They involve persistent disruptions in mood — periods of intense sadness, excessive energy, or a combination of both — that interfere with daily life, relationships, and overall wellbeing.
Experiencing occasional mood shifts is part of being human. But when emotional highs or lows become overwhelming, long-lasting, or unpredictable, it may signal a mood disorder that needs compassionate treatment.
Mood disorders are highly treatable. With the right support, individuals can find emotional balance and thrive.
Types of Mood Disorders
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Persistent low mood, lack of energy, and loss of interest in life lasting at least two weeks.
Bipolar I Disorder: Alternating periods of severe depression and full manic episodes (high energy, impulsivity, risky behavior).
Bipolar II Disorder: Alternating periods of depression and hypomania (less severe but still elevated mood).
Cyclothymic Disorder: Chronic mood fluctuations over at least two years that are less extreme than bipolar disorders but still disruptive.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia): Long-term (two years or more) low-grade depression that can feel like a constant background sadness.
Mood disorders can vary in intensity, duration, and pattern — making accurate diagnosis critical for effective treatment.
Key Characteristics
Persistent Sadness or Low Mood
Feeling hopeless, empty, or tearful most of the day, nearly every day.
Changes in Sleep
Insomnia, early morning awakening, or oversleeping.
Difficulty Concentrating
Trouble focusing, remembering details, or making decisions.
Loss of Interest or Pleasure
Losing enjoyment in activities once found pleasurable, including hobbies, social interactions, or work.
Appetite or Weight Changes
Significant weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting.
Thoughts of Death or Suicide
In severe cases, recurring thoughts about death or self-harm.
Energy Changes
Fatigue, sluggishness, or — in manic episodes — bursts of high energy and activity.
Feelings of Worthlessness or Guilt
Harsh self-criticism or persistent feelings of inadequacy.
How Mood Disorders Evolve Over Time
Early Signs
Mood disorders often start subtly. A person may experience occasional sadness, irritability, bursts of energy, or feelings of disconnection.
Progression Without Treatment:
Over time, symptoms may intensify or become more frequent. Depression can deepen, manic episodes can become riskier, and mood swings can damage relationships, career goals, and physical health.
Long-Term Course:
With proper support and treatment, many individuals manage symptoms successfully and live fulfilling lives. Without treatment, mood disorders can lead to cycles of relapse, complicating personal and professional development.
Early intervention makes a major difference — offering the best chance for long-term stability and quality of life.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing PTSD involves:
Comprehensive Clinical Interviews: Exploring emotional history, symptom patterns, family background, and life stressors.
Standardized Questionnaires: Tools like the PHQ-9 (for depression) or MDQ (Mood Disorder Questionnaire for bipolar symptoms) help assess severity and frequency.
Differential Diagnosis: Separating mood disorders from other issues like anxiety disorders, trauma responses, or medical conditions (e.g., thyroid problems).
Diagnostic Criteria Includes
Duration (e.g., two weeks for depression, several days for mania)
Impact on daily functioning
Presence of manic, hypomanic, or depressive episodes
Symptom severity and recurrence
A careful, empathetic evaluation ensures that individuals receive tailored and effective care.
Treatment Options
Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy):
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps reframe negative thought patterns contributing to depression and mood instability.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Focuses on improving relationship skills and resolving interpersonal conflicts that impact mood.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Especially helpful for mood regulation challenges, particularly in bipolar and complex mood disorders.
Medication:
Antidepressants (for depression)
Mood stabilizers (like lithium, lamotrigine)
Antipsychotic medications (sometimes used to stabilize mood swings in bipolar disorder)
Lifestyle and Holistic Approaches:
Establishing regular routines (sleep, meals, physical activity)
Stress management techniques (mindfulness, relaxation exercises)
Building strong support systems
Reducing substance use, which can destabilize mood
Treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Often, combining therapy, medication, and lifestyle supports provides the most robust and lasting improvements
Strengths Often Associated with Mood Disorders
Though mood disorders present real challenges, many individuals develop extraordinary personal strengths:
Emotional Depth: A rich inner life and profound emotional insight.
Creativity: Many artists, writers, and visionaries channel their emotional experiences into powerful work.
Resilience: Surviving deep emotional struggles often builds remarkable strength and perseverance.
Empathy: An enhanced ability to understand and support others facing emotional hardships.
Authenticity: Many who work through mood disorders develop a strong sense of self and priorities.
Living with and healing from a mood disorder can lead to greater compassion, purpose, and connection with others.
Our approach
at Crossroads Psychological & Wellness, we treat mood disorders with both expertise and humanity. We recognize that moods are complex, personal, and deeply tied to lived experiences.
Our treatment plans are holistic, personalized, and centered on helping you build emotional resilience, regain hope, and create a life you genuinely enjoy.
You are more than your mood disorder. You are strong, capable, and deserving of healing.
