As a teenager, it’s expected that you’ll experience emotional ups and downs, but sometimes these mood shifts can become super intense and last longer than usual. If this sounds familiar, you might be dealing with a mood disorder. 

Exploring the possibility of a mood disorder doesn’t have to strike fear in your heart. A mood disorder doesn’t define a person. Just like we need treatment for a sprained wrist or broken bone, we need help with a mood disorder. There’s a lot of information and support out there to help you get back on track. 

What is a mood disorder?

Think of a mood disorder as a kind of glitch in the brain’s emotional control panel. A mood disorder can make it tough to manage one’s feelings, affecting everything from sleep and appetite to relationships and schoolwork. Common mood disorders that can affect teens include:

• Major depressive disorder (MDD) — MDD is characterized by feelings of intense sadness, hopelessness and worthlessness that are present for at least two weeks. It can zap your energy for activities you used to enjoy, like hanging out with friends, playing games or even watching your favorite show. You may also sleep more than usual or have trouble falling asleep. The thought of food may be unappealing, or you may find yourself eating way more than you typically do. Depression affects millions of young people: According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), an estimated 5 million U.S.adolescents and teens experienced at least one major depressive episode in 2021. 

• Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) — Imagine a gray cloud hanging over you for two years or more. Dysthymia is a milder version of MDD, but it lasts much longer. It can make it hard for you to feel truly happy and motivated, making even the simplest tasks feel like a struggle. You may find yourself withdrawing from social stuff or neglecting hobbies you used to enjoy. Dysthymia can affect up to 8% of adolescents and teens. 

• Bipolar disorder — Bipolar disorder can make you feel like you’re on a roller coaster with extreme mood swings. During a manic episode, you may feel like you’re on top of the world — super energetic, talking a mile a minute and full of ideas. You may feel like you barely need any sleep and like you can take on anything. But then, just as quickly, you can sink into a depressive episode, feeling the complete opposite — down, hopeless and lacking energy for even the simplest things. Bipolar disorder affects around 3% of adolescents and teens in the U.S.. 

• Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) — DMDD is characterized by feelings of irritability and rage that go way beyond typical teenage frustration. You may find yourself blowing up over small things, yelling at friends or family, or feeling constantly on edge and ready to explode. It can be tough to control these outbursts, and they can damage your relationships. 

Why should you care? What can happen if a mood disorder goes untreated?

Ignoring symptoms of a mood order can lead to even more problems, including:

• School struggles — You may find yourself falling behind in school or having trouble getting assignments done. Teens experiencing a mood disorder often have trouble in school due to symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, lack of motivation and sleep problems. 

• Social woes — It can be hard to connect with others and keep friendships strong when you’re feeling down or constantly on edge. You may withdraw from social activities or find yourself pushing people away. 

• Unhealthy coping mechanisms — When you’re struggling with difficult emotions, it can be tempting to turn to unhealthy ways to cope, like drugs or alcohol. Turning to these substances can create more problems for you in the long run. 

• Self-harm — In extreme cases, some teens turn to hurting themselves as a way to deal with emotional pain. This is a serious issue and needs immediate help. If you are practicing self-harming behaviors, it’s essential that you go to a trusted adult for help. 

• Suicide — Suicide is a very real risk, and any thoughts of ending your life need to be taken seriously. There’s help available; you don’t have to go through this alone. Call or text 988, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, for immediate support.

Treatment options that can help you get back on track

The good news is there are a lot of ways to help manage mood disorders. There also isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, so help can be personalized to your unique needs. Treatment options that can help with teen mood disorders can include:

• Therapy — Talking to a therapist can be a game-changer. A therapist can help you identify negative thoughts, develop healthy coping skills and learn how to manage your emotions in a way that works for you. 

• Intensive outpatient therapy — If a teen needs more support than weekly psychotherapy, an intensive outpatient program (IOP) can be an excellent addition to care. An IOP provides extra support from a qualified mental health professional using evidence-based techniques to create a personalized program designed to meet adolescent needs. IOPs can help teens learn more about the causes behind their mental health challenges and develop new skills to cope in healthy ways. 

• Medication — Sometimes, medication can be prescribed to help regulate brain chemicals that affect mood, like antidepressants. It’s important to work with a doctor to find the right meds and monitor their effectiveness. The FDA also recommends careful monitoring of adolescents who are prescribed antidepressants. In rare cases, a teen’s risk for suicidality can go up due to taking antidepressants. 

• Lifestyle changes — Getting enough sleep, eating a healthy and balanced diet, and exercising regularly can all have a positive impact on how you feel. Prioritize self-care; it’s not selfish! 

• Support groups — Connecting with other teens who are facing similar challenges can be a huge relief. You’ll realize you’re not alone and can share experiences in a safe space. 

It’s important to remember that you are strong, capable and absolutely not alone. With the right support and some effort, you can overcome the challenges of a mood disorder and live a fulfilling life. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help when you need it. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. 

Take charge of your mood disorder to build a brighter future with Embrace U

If you’re facing the challenges of a mood disorder, Embrace U can help. We offer intensive outpatient mental health services designed specifically for adolescents aged 10-18 that can provide the guidance and support you need. We can help you take control of your emotions and embrace the awesome person you are. Our intensive outpatient programs are offered outside of school hours. We strive to help you receive comprehensive treatment without sacrificing your ability to maintain your routine as much as possible. 

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.