4.
Mood Disorders
Life is full of ups and downs. But when mood changes become persistent, overwhelming, or start interfering with daily life, that may indicate a mood disorder. I offer thoughtful, individualized care to help you find stability, clarity, and sustainable emotional wellness.
What Are Mood Disorders
Mood disorders are a group of psychiatric conditions that significantly affect emotional state, energy, behavior, and functioning.
Common mood disorders include:
-
Major Depressive Disorder (and other depressive disorders), marked by persistent sadness, low energy, hopelessness, or loss of interest in activities.
-
Bipolar Disorder, characterized by alternating mood episodes of depression and mania or hypomania (extreme highs, lows, or mood swings).
-
Other mood-related conditions such as chronic mood dysregulation or PMDD, depending on your history, symptoms, and life context.
Mood disorders are treatable. With the right support, many people experience significant improvement in mood, daily functioning, and overall quality of life.
Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
You may benefit from an evaluation if you notice:
-
Prolonged sadness, emptiness, hopelessness, or loss of interest in things you once enjoyed
-
Major shifts in energy, motivation, or outlook (either very low or in bipolar, periods of high energy, restlessness, or irritability)
-
Changes in sleep patterns such as insomnia, early waking, or oversleeping
-
Changes in appetite or weight
-
Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or slowed thinking
-
Emotional volatility, including extreme lows, highs, or unpredictable mood swings
-
Trouble functioning at work, school, in relationships, or with daily responsibilities
-
Physical symptoms like fatigue, aches, or digestive discomfort with no clear medical cause
If these symptoms persist for weeks or longer, especially if they interfere with daily life or relationships, it may be time to seek help.
How I Provide Support and Treatment
When you reach out, we begin with a comprehensive evaluation that reviews your mood history, life circumstances, stressors, sleep, work or family dynamics, and overall mental health. From there, I tailor a treatment plan specifically for you. Your plan may include:
-
Medication management when appropriate to help stabilize mood and reduce symptoms
-
Lifestyle and self-care support including sleep hygiene, stress management, healthy routines, and behavioral tools
-
Long-term monitoring and support through regular follow-up visits and ongoing communication
My goal is not just short-term relief but long-term stability, improved functioning, and restored emotional balance.
Why Work With Me
-
As a trained PMHNP, I bring clinical expertise and genuine compassion to mental health care
-
I treat the whole person, not just symptoms
-
I value clear communication, respect, and collaboration
-
I understand how mood disorders overlap with anxiety, trauma, and life stress, and I incorporate this into your treatment
What to Expect
-
A thorough initial consultation to understand symptoms, history, and personal context
-
A personalized treatment plan that may include medication, therapy, and lifestyle strategies
-
Ongoing follow-up to monitor progress and adjust your plan as needed
-
A safe, supportive, nonjudgmental environment where you feel heard and understood
Ready to Start
If mood changes, chronic sadness, emotional highs or lows, or stress are making life difficult, you do not have to go through it alone.
Reach out today to schedule an evaluation. Together, we will create a plan that helps you regain balance and emotional wellness.