Towards Better Mental Health: Understanding Mood Disorders and the Stigma Around it

Mood disorders are mental health conditions characterised by severe and persistent changes in one’s mood or emotional state. They are often misunderstood owing to the vast portrayal of misinformation in media, misconceptions surrounding it, and lack of knowledge. This can give rise to a lot of stigma surrounding mood disorders like - depression, bipolar disorders, cyclothymic disorder, substance- or medication-induced bipolar disorder, hypomania, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

What are the common signs and symptoms of mood disorders?

The common signs and symptoms of mood disorders can look like this:

• Feeling extremely low or extremely elated (depressed or manic)
• Feelings of worthlessness or being hopeless
• Increased irritability, agitation, restlessness
• Disrupted sleep cycle
• Racing thoughts
• Changes in appetite
• Difficulty concentrating

Misconceptions about mood disorders

Certain misconceptions - if not addressed - lead to the stigma around mood disorders, making individuals shy away from asking for help or reaching out to a mental health professional. Let's understand a few common misconceptions around mood disorders and reason with them. 

Individuals with mood disorders can just get out of their low mood or snap out of it if they put in the effort

It is essential to understand that mood disorders aren't just feelings of sadness or happiness. The intense cycles between mania and depression are caused due a number of factors such as an imbalance in brain chemicals, certain life events, or past trauma. People diagnosed with mood disorders might need therapy, medication, or a combination of both. 

People with mood disorders are emotionally weak

Mood disorders are not conditions that can be willed away and hence, they are not a sign of being weak. They affect and interfere with an individual’s daily life. Mood disorders can lead to severe distress, feelings of hopelessness, inability to perform basic tasks, and many other physical and mental effects. Being labelled as weak or unfit can prevent individuals from opening up about their symptoms or seeking professional help. They might fear being treated in a different way or being discriminated against.

Mood disorders are rare and affect a few people

According to Our World in Data, 2018, 46 million people globally have bipolar disorder and over 264 million people suffer from depression worldwide. Depression has been said to be the leading cause of disability and ill health in the world according to the WHO. Another study shows that 1 in 7 women may experience PPD within a year of giving birth. (JAMA Psychiatry, 2013). These numbers show the prevalence of mood disorders on an individual and the people around them and the impact it has on the global population. 

Mood disorders can only be treated by medication.

Medication can be one of the ways to treat mood disorders, but not the only option. Therapy techniques like cognitive-behavioural or interpersonal therapy or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), when accompanied by medication can be effective in treating mood disorders. Individuals can also engage in self-care activities, and improve their lifestyles to cope with the symptoms of mood disorders.

Mood disorders affect a majority of people. It is important that we educate ourselves to combat the stigma around mood disorders and try to support people who are going through any of these conditions. If you or your loved one is experiencing symptoms of any mood disorders or suicidal thoughts, we encourage you to consult a therapist or a psychiatrist.