Mood Disorders: Experiencing Depression

It’s up to you

Mood is the way you perceive and respond to both internal and external events. Sadness, anger and frustration are quite normal mood reactions to life’s daily episodes. Everyone will feel down from time to time. However, when unhappy emotions cause you to withdraw from life’s happenings, it could be a sign you may be suffering from symptoms of depression. Poor sleep and unhealthy eating patterns are other significant signs that your sad mood has surpassed normal limits. If the above mentioned conditions have been persistent for more than two weeks it is strongly recommended you be evaluated by your physician or a mental health professional.

Measure Your Mood
Everyone experiences moods differently. Joy and grief will be sensed differently by each individual. Some people will be quite distressed by mild depression, while others will tolerate significant adversity and not feel upset. Mood is highly personal.
​Determine your mood and if you have any real signs of depression by completing the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale
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                                      PDF at bottom of blog
Five Ways to Address Mood Issues
Engage in treatment with a qualified professional and make life changes to increase happiness and learn patterns to maintain a healthy mood.

Exercise: Physical activity such as working out, walking, biking, swimming, lifting weights and other physical activities has been proven to improve mood and reduce depression. Start small and do as much as you can tolerate. Whatever you do is better none!

Identify healthy/productive life experiences which you associate a positive mood. Schedule these events daily and note even slight improvements in mood. Rate each experience on a one to ten scale. One = Sadist, Ten = Happiest & Five = Average mood.

Healthy sleep: Go to bed and wake up the same time each day. Stay off your bed if you are not sleeping for the night.

Meditate daily: Spend five to ten minutes daily quietly focused on one thought or image. Be accepting and non-judgmental about your experience. Be mindful by trying to fully experience your meditative state. Meditation will help you to be accepting of self and your various emotional states.

Depression is considered one of the most responsive conditions to clinical interventions.

Associated Behavioral Consultants offers an initial no charge consultation. If you desire to find out more about mood issues or recovering from depression please contact us.

center-for-epidemiologic-studies-depression-scale.pdf
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