Symptoms of mood disorder

Mood disorder is a term given to a group of mental disorders wherein a person’s normal mood varies is disturbed repeatedly due to factors like emotional disturbances or a chemical imbalance in the brain, which hampers with the communication between the cells in the body. A person faces emotions like frustration, stress, and disappointment every now and then. But when a person suffers from these for weeks or months together, the condition is called mood disorder.

Mood disorder is categorized into major depression disorder (unipolar disorder) and bipolar disorder. In the case of unipolar disorder, a person suffers from a static depressive state for months or years, whereas in bipolar disorder, he has alternating states of mania and depression. Physical stress and emotional stress are the major triggers of mood disorders, which can be hereditary, caused by sleep disturbances or nutritional deficiencies.

The symptoms of mood disorder include fatigue, irritability, aggression, loss of appetite or overeating, sleeplessness or sleeping too much, and suicidal tendencies.

The sufferer of mood disorder must seek medical help. He can also bring about changes in his lifestyle to prevent bouts of mood disorder. An unhealthy diet with lots of processed food, unsaturated fats, and preservatives has an adverse effect on the mind. Excessive caffeine (found in colas, coffee, energy drinks and chocolates) on a daily basis also plays a role in aggravating mood disorders. A healthy diet with ample amounts of vitamins, magnesium, and proteins is very important as it keeps the mind fresh. A deficiency of Vitamin B1 has a negative effect on one’s mental health as B1 helps brain in metabolizing carbohydrates.

Meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, and aromatherapy work wonders in preventing mood disorders. Seek help from a professional, learn the right techniques of meditating and deep breathing exercises, and dedicate 10 minutes every day to these. Essential oils like lavender oil, sandalwood oil and primrose oil have soothing effects on the nerves and the mind. You can get aroma candles at home and relax with some soothing music. Or, draw a warm bath, instill a few drops of any these oils, and relax in it for about 20 minutes every day. Light exercises like stretching, jogging, or walking also relaxes the mind and body and beats mental, physical and emotional stress. Get some form of exercise as regularly as you can. You must also keep away from alcohol and drugs as this only harm the central nervous system.