“Why do I feel this way?” That’s a question many people silently ask themselves when everyday life starts to feel overwhelming. One day, you’re managing fine. Then suddenly, the simplest tasks feel impossible. Mood disorders often creep in quietly, but their impact can be life-altering.
“Before coming to Rosebay, I didn’t know what was happening to me. I was either way up or way down, and I didn’t know why. I felt exhausted, confused, and alone. Turns out, I was dealing with a mood disorder, and getting help changed everything.”
– Rosebay Client
These emotional shifts, whether persistent sadness, irritability, or dramatic highs and lows, are more common than many people realize. And the good news is that they are treatable.
What Are Mood Disorders?
Mood disorders are a category of mental health conditions that primarily affect a person’s emotional state. While it’s normal to experience emotional ups and downs, mood disorders involve persistent, intense feelings such as sadness, emptiness, irritability, or elevated moods that interfere with daily life.
These are not fleeting emotions. They are patterns of symptoms that can last weeks, months, or even years, often affecting a person’s ability to function at work, maintain relationships, or take care of themselves.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) classifies mood disorders as a distinct group. This includes conditions like Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Bipolar I and II Disorders, and Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia).
Globally, these conditions affect hundreds of millions of people. The World Health Organization estimates that over 280 million people live with depression, while 40 million are affected by bipolar disorder. In the United States, the National Institute of Mental Health reports that 9.7 percent of adults experience a mood disorder each year, with women being more likely to be affected than men.
At Rosebay Behavioral Health in Marin County, we recognize how deeply these conditions can affect someone’s life. That’s why we offer compassionate, individualized care rooted in clinical excellence and the belief that recovery is always possible.
Types of Mood Disorders
Understanding the specific types of mood disorders helps individuals recognize patterns and seek help.
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Characterized by prolonged feelings of sadness, emptiness, and disinterest in life. Physical symptoms may include fatigue, changes in appetite or sleep, and difficulty concentrating. Episodes last at least two weeks and often disrupt a person’s ability to function. Learn more about our Depression Treatment in Marin County.
Bipolar I and II Disorders
Bipolar I involves full manic episodes that may include impulsive decisions, elevated energy, and reduced need for sleep. These episodes often alternate with periods of depression.
Bipolar II is defined by hypomanic episodes (less severe than mania) paired with depressive episodes. The emotional swings can affect work, relationships, and self-care.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
This long-term condition features low-level depressive symptoms that last two years or more. Individuals often describe feeling “down” most of the time, even if they’re still able to function day-to-day.
Cyclothymic Disorder
This condition includes alternating periods of hypomanic and depressive symptoms that don’t meet the full criteria for bipolar disorder. Symptoms tend to last for at least two years, making emotional stability difficult to maintain.
Mood Disorders Related to Medical Conditions or Substance Use
Some mood disorders result from physical health issues or the effects of drugs and alcohol. Thyroid disorders, neurological conditions, or medication side effects can contribute. In these cases, treatment involves identifying and addressing the root cause alongside emotional support.
Common Signs and Symptoms
Mood disorders can look different for each person, but there are shared patterns to watch for. If you’re looking for specialized support, our Clinical Depression Treatment program provides targeted care for those struggling with long-term or severe symptoms.
- Persistent sadness or irritability
- Low energy or fatigue
- Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Difficulty focusing or making decisions
- Loss of interest in usual activities
- Thoughts of death or self-harm
People may experience a few or many of these symptoms. What matters most is how often they occur and how much they interfere with daily life.
What Causes Mood Disorders?
There isn’t one single cause. These conditions often develop from a mix of biological and environmental factors. Mayo Clinic’s overview of depression causes.
- Genetics: A family history of depression or bipolar disorder can increase risk.
- Brain chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin or dopamine may contribute.
- Life experiences: Trauma, stress, loss, or abuse can play a major role.
- Medical factors: Hormonal shifts, chronic illness, or substance use can lead to emotional dysregulation.
Women are more frequently affected by certain mood disorders, especially depression, due in part to biological and social influences. Rosebay Behavioral Health provides care tailored specifically to women.
When to Seek Help
If mood changes start interfering with relationships, work, or personal health, it may be time to connect with a professional. Many people wait too long before reaching out, believing they should “snap out of it” or manage it alone.
Support from a licensed team can bring clarity and relief. With proper care, symptoms can become more manageable, and emotional stability is possible.
How Mood Disorders Are Diagnosed
Diagnosis typically starts with a detailed evaluation that includes:
- A clinical interview
- Medical and psychiatric history
- Rule-outs for physical conditions that could be causing symptoms
Accurate diagnosis is the foundation for creating a plan that supports recovery. At Rosebay, our team specializes in identifying mood-related conditions with care and precision.
Treatment for Mood Disorders
Treatment is different for everyone, but it often includes a combination of approaches designed to support emotional regulation, improve daily functioning, and enhance long-term well-being.
Before we explore the types of care we offer, hear from someone who’s walked this path:
Reclaiming Stability with Rosebay
“I had been struggling with mood swings and long bouts of depression for years, but I always thought I had to manage it on my own. It wasn’t until I got help that I felt truly understood. The team helped me identify that I was living with Bipolar II Disorder, and from there, we created a care plan that actually worked. Between the therapy sessions and the structure of the PHP program, I finally started to feel stable again.”
– Former Rosebay Client
How We Treat Mood Disorders at Rosebay
Our treatment plans are tailored to each person’s unique needs and may include:
- Psychotherapy: Evidence-based modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) help individuals recognize harmful patterns, process emotions, and develop coping skills.
- Medication Management: For many clients, medications such as antidepressants or mood stabilizers play a crucial role in regulating brain chemistry and reducing symptom severity.
- Holistic Therapies: Mindfulness practices, expressive arts, movement therapy, and somatic work support healing on both emotional and physical levels.
- Residential and Step-Down Care: Some clients benefit from immersive care. Rosebay offers a structured Residential Mental Health Program and step-down options through our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP).
Each program is grounded in compassion, clinical excellence, and the belief that recovery is not only possible it’s personal.
Personalized Mood Disorder Treatment at Rosebay
Our team works with individuals who face complex emotional challenges, including mood disorders that have resisted past treatment. With experienced providers like Kristina Wandzilak and Dr. Rainey Temkin, our program blends clinical expertise with a supportive environment.
Depending on their needs, clients may begin in residential care or step into PHP or IOP when appropriate.
We provide therapies focusing on emotional regulation, safety, and long-term growth. Everything we offer is designed to help clients build stability, self-awareness, and meaningful connections.
You Don’t Have to Handle This Alone
If you or someone you care about is experiencing symptoms of a mood disorder, support is available. Rosebay Behavioral Health provides thoughtful, skilled mental health treatment for adults in Northern California. Reach out today to connect with a team that listens and cares.
