Mood disorders can significantly disrupt daily life, affecting emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. These conditions often lead to persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or irritability, making it challenging to maintain relationships, focus on work, or find joy in everyday activities.
At The Raleigh House, we provide comprehensive care for mood disorders through personalized treatment plans that combine evidence-based therapies, holistic healing practices, and compassionate support.
If you’re struggling with a mood disorder, we are here to help. Contact us today or continue reading to learn more.
What is a Mood Disorder?
It’s normal to experience a range of emotions throughout the day.
Sadness after hearing bad news or excitement during a celebration are common emotional responses. However, mood disorders differ because they cause persistent emotional disruptions that affect daily functioning.
Mood disorders are categorized as mental health conditions that cause a person’s perception of reality to become impaired, potentially leading to an inability to perform normal daily functions for days or even weeks at a time.
These emotions occur without a clear external cause and often persist for weeks or months. They require professional support for effective management.
Mood Disorder Symptoms
Mood disorders can manifest differently depending on age, underlying causes, and individual health factors. Common symptoms include:
- Changes in appetite leading to weight fluctuations
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sleep disturbances
- Persistent feelings of anxiety or sadness
- Intense anger or hostility
- Loss of interest in activities
- In some cases, hallucinations, or delusions
Causes of Mood Disorders
Mood disorders can result from a variety of factors, including:
- Genetic predispositions
- Brain chemistry imbalances
- Physical illnesses or injuries
- Side effects of certain medications
- Exposure to environmental toxins
- Emotional or physical trauma
Types of Mood Disorders
At The Raleigh House, we treat a wide range of mood disorders, providing individualized care tailored to each client’s unique needs.
- Clinical Depression: Characterized by persistent sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in daily activities, clinical depression can interfere with relationships, work, and overall well-being if left untreated.
- Psychotic Depression: A severe form of depression accompanied by symptoms of psychosis, such as hallucinations or delusions. Treatment of mood disorders in this category focuses on addressing both depressive and psychotic symptoms for comprehensive mood disorder recovery.
- Bipolar 1 Disorder: Defined by manic episodes that last at least seven days or require hospitalization, often alternating with periods of deep depression. Effective treatment focuses on stabilizing mood swings and preventing future episodes.
- Bipolar II Disorder: Involves a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes (less severe than full mania). Treatment aims to balance mood fluctuations and improve daily functioning.
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): A type of depression triggered by seasonal changes, typically occurring during fall and winter. Treatment may include light therapy, counseling, and lifestyle adjustments to ease symptoms.
- Postpartum Anxiety: Experienced by new mothers, postpartum anxiety includes excessive worry, panic attacks, and intrusive thoughts after childbirth. Treatment supports emotional recovery and maternal well-being.
- Health Condition-Related Mood Disorders: These mood disturbances result from chronic illnesses or medical conditions requiring integrated care that addresses both physical and emotional health.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD occurs after experiencing or witnessing trauma, leading to flashbacks, avoidance behaviors, and heightened anxiety. Trauma-informed care is essential for recovery and building emotional resilience.
How Untreated Mood Disorders Can Lead to Self-Medicating
When left untreated, mood disorders can significantly affect how individuals manage emotional distress. To cope, many turn to drugs or alcohol for temporary relief. However, this form of self-soothing can quickly lead to dependency, creating a cycle that becomes difficult to break without proper treatment.
How Mood Disorders and Substance Use Are Connected
Mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder often involve overwhelming emotions that individuals may struggle to regulate.
To manage these feelings, some turn to substances like alcohol or drugs, seeking temporary relief from sadness, anxiety, or irritability. However, this relief is short-lived, as substances only mask the symptoms rather than address the underlying cause.
Over time, the brain begins to associate substance use with emotional regulation, increasing the risk of dependency.
Prevalence of Mood Disorders in Individuals with Addiction
The connection between mood disorders and substance use disorders is more common than many realize.
Research shows that individuals with mood disorders are significantly more likely to develop substance use issues. For example, studies indicate that nearly one-third of people with major depression also struggle with alcohol or drug misuse. This overlap occurs because substances can temporarily relieve emotional distress, making them an appealing—but harmful—coping mechanism.
Without appropriate treatment, the combination of mood disorders and addiction can lead to more severe mental health challenges and physical health risks.
Why Dual Diagnosis Treatment Is Critical in Mood Disorder Therapy
Treating a mood disorder without addressing a co-occurring substance use disorder often leads to incomplete recovery.
Substance misuse may initially provide relief but ultimately worsens the underlying mental health condition. Effective treatment requires a dual diagnosis approach, where both conditions are addressed simultaneously.
At The Raleigh House, we recognize that successful recovery depends on integrated care. Our dual diagnosis programs combine evidence-based therapies with holistic healing practices to help clients break the cycle of self-medication.
By addressing the root causes of both mood disorders and substance use, we empower clients to achieve lasting emotional balance and overall well-being.
Comprehensive Mood Disorder Treatment in Colorado
At The Raleigh House, we understand that mood disorders can disrupt every aspect of life, from relationships to daily responsibilities.
Our integrated approach combines evidence-based therapies, holistic healing practices, and compassionate support to help you regain emotional balance and achieve long-term stability.
With two supportive Colorado locations, we make healing accessible:
- The Ranch at The Raleigh House: Nestled in the peaceful Colorado countryside, The Ranch provides a serene environment for recovery. Nature-inspired therapies and a nurturing community create the perfect setting for healing from mood disorders and co-occurring conditions.
- The Center for Integrative Behavioral Health: Located in the Denver Tech Center, this outpatient facility offers flexible, evidence-based care for mood disorders, mental health challenges, and addiction. It is an ideal option for those seeking treatment close to home, offering a beautiful and supportive environment.
Don’t let a mood disorder define your life. Contact our admissions team today to begin your journey toward healing, balance, and long-term wellness with effective treatment for mood disorders.