Early Warning Signs of Mood Disorders and What You Can Do
Everybody experiences good and bad days; however, in other situations, these emotional changes may have a deeper meaning.
What Are Mood Disorders?
Mood disorders change your everyday mood and thoughts. They are not like normal stress and sadness, because they stick around and disrupt your daily life.
The good news is that it makes a difference when you seek assistance early!
Depression, bipolar disorder, and mood changes involving anxiety are common types of mood disorders. They affect everyone in different ways, and there are a variety of symptoms to consider.
Signs to Pay Attention To
Sleep Changes
Sleep problems are often the first thing people notice:
Lying awake for hours at night
Waking up multiple times throughout the night
Needing more sleep than usual
Sleeping a lot, but still feeling tired
Energy and Motivation Shifts
Things that used to be easy now feel hard. You might notice:
Simple tasks feel overwhelming
No motivation for things you used to enjoy
Energy levels that change dramatically
Feeling “wired” one day and exhausted the next day
Emotional Changes
Your feelings might feel more intense or unpredictable:
Minor issues trigger major emotional responses
Being annoyed at things that never bothered you
More prone to being sad or hopeless
Sometimes feeling nothing at all
Body Symptoms
Your body often shows signs:
Headaches that happen more often
Unexplained aches and pains
Stomach problems
Eating much more or much less than usual
What You Can Do
Start Small
Taking care of yourself helps, even in simple ways:
Try to sleep and wake up at the same time each day
Take short walks when you can
Eat regular meals
Do one small thing you enjoy every day
Keep Track
Write down how you're feeling. Note things like:
Your energy level each day
How well you slept
Your mood
What might have triggered changes
This helps you and your doctor see patterns.
Talk to Someone
Don't wait until things get worse:
Reach out to friends or family
Join a support group
Consider talking to a professional
Getting Professional Help
At Serenity Health, we know that asking for help takes courage. We treat each person with respect and care. Our team believes everyone deserves thoughtful, personalized support.
We're located in Carmel, Indiana, and offer:
Psychiatric evaluations
Medication management
GeneSight testing to discover the the medications that might be most helpful for you
Telehealth visits
Flexibility of appointment times, such as after-school time slots
Easy-to-access online patient portal
Our approach combines proven medical treatments with genuine compassion. We work with you to create a plan that fits your life and helps you feel like yourself again.
Next Steps
Mood disorders are medical conditions that respond well to treatment. They're not something you caused or should feel ashamed about.
Most people feel much better with the right support. You don't have to figure this out alone.
Contact Serenity Health today.
FAQs
How do you treat mood disorders?
We use a mix of medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. Each person gets a plan made just for them. GeneSight testing can help find medications that work best for you.
How can I control my mood swings?
Good sleep
Exercise
Working with a mental health professional
The right medication can also make a big difference when you need it
How to help someone with mood swings?
Listen without trying to fix them
Be patient and consistent with your support
Learn about their condition
How to stabilize your mood?
Stick to routines when possible
Get enough sleep
Move your body
Eat well
Manage stress
Professional help is often needed for lasting stability
