Mood Disorder Awareness Month

The focus of this month’s blog topic will be putting a spotlight on Mood Disorders. You’ve probably heard the term before, but do you actually know what mood disorders are?

A mood disorder is an umbrella term used to describe all types of depression and bipolar disorders (Hopkins Medicine). Disorders that fall in this category include major depression, dysthymia (dysthymic disorder), Bipolar Disorder, mood disorder due to a general medical condition, and substance-induced mood disorders.

The tricky thing about mood disorders is that it is easy to brush manic or depressive episodes off as “just a good or bad day.” However, it is important to seek out evaluation from a professional if symptoms are long-lasting, reoccurring, or interfering with everyday life.

Mood disorders are more common than you might think. Going into December and having the sun set at an earlier time, this season is particularly recognized as having negative impacts on one’s mood, a difficult time for those who experience Seasonal Depression.

From a UCSD student’s perspective, this is also a difficult time as we approach the Finals season (not to mention the unprecedented stress of the pandemic), which naturally increases stress and anxiety levels in students. With this being said, it is important during this December month to remember to take care of yourselves and those around you. Even if you do not personally suffer from a Mood Disorder, chances are that someone in your life does.

Sun Lu, AMSA Wellness Ambassador, shared his thoughts on the topic: "It can be easy to feel overwhelmed when it feels like you have a hundreds of small fires that you need to put out. It could be helpful if you find a way to ground yourself again through whatever ways you may find helpful. Whether it be journaling, using an agenda to set up a daily plan, or just taking a walk, these are quick ways that can help you feel like you have more of a handle of things; especially when it feels like deadlines are approaching at Mach 5 all of a sudden."

Certainly, it is important to prioritize your mental health, especially in times when you feel overwhelmed with so much on your plate as a student.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mood-disorders/symptoms-causes/syc-20365057