How to Support Someone with a Mood Disorder?

What Is A Mood Disorder?

A mood disorder is an emotional or behavioral problem that happens over a long period of time. It is characterized by symptoms that last at least two weeks and interfere with everyday life. The most common mood disorders include depression, mania, and bipolar disorder.

How to Support Someone with a Mood Disorder?

Supporting a loved one with a mood disorder is not easy. It involves many changes in your own life as well as those of your family members.

Your loved one is probably not willing to talk about their feelings, even though they may be having a lot of them. They may be feeling embarrassed or ashamed about their feelings and they may not want to admit they have a problem.

They may be depressed or irritable. This is not the same as being angry or sad. Depression and irritability are moods, and these moods can make them act out or lash out at you. This can be very frightening for you and for anyone else who is around them.

In addition to depression and irritability, your loved one might have other symptoms such as:

• Anxiety – often expressed through panic attacks
• Suicidal thoughts
• A sense of hopelessness
• Withdrawal from people, especially friends and family

If you are a family member, a friend, or someone who knows someone with a mood disorder, here are some things you can do to support your loved one:

Be patient and understanding.

You may not understand what your loved one is going through. It can be difficult to watch someone you love struggling with depression. Be willing to listen and to express sympathy without judgment.

Be a good listener.

Ask questions about how they are feeling and what they are thinking about. You want to know more about their problems and concerns.

Encourage them to get help.

Your loved one may be embarrassed to seek help for their problems. If they are struggling with a mood disorder, encourage them to talk to their doctor, therapist, or other mental health professional.

Keep your loved one safe.

A mood disorder can increase the risk of suicide. Make sure your loved one is taking their medications regularly and has a safe place to go when they are feeling suicidal.

Show your love.

Supporting your loved one with a mood disorder may mean doing things you do not normally do. It can be hard to think of ways to show you care when you do not feel like yourself. This may mean doing things for your loved one that you would not normally do. It can also mean spending time with them, being honest about your feelings, and not judging them for their problems.

Final Words:

The good news is that these symptoms can be treated. It’s important to understand that mood disorders are treatable with medication and psychotherapy.

There are medications that will help to ease depression and irritability, but only if the person is willing to take them. Your loved one will need to be monitored by a doctor to make sure they don’t get too high or low on the medication, and you will need to be there to help monitor their progress and side effects.

If you are having difficulty coping with the symptoms of your loved one’s mood disorder, you may need to seek counseling yourself. You might also consider joining a support group for people with a mood disorder.