Mood Issues

What are Mood Issues?

Mood issues (commonly known as mood disorders) are a type of mental health condition that affects your emotional state and your ability to function normally. It can cause persistent and/or intense sadness, happiness, and even anger, and these emotions typically last for a long period of time.

Mood issues also don’t discriminate. While not everyone has one, they can affect children, teens, and adults alike. That said, symptoms can look different at different stages of life. 

There is also a wide variety of different types of mood issues. Some of the most common include major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, dysthymia, and substance-induced mood disorder.

Symptoms of Mood Issues

The symptoms you experience can differ depending on the type of mood disorder or issue you’re struggling with. That said, some symptoms are similar across different mood issues. 

Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Ongoing sadness
• Feeling hopeless or helpless
• Feeling worthless
• Excessive guilt
• Not interested in normal activities or activities you once enjoyed
• Relationship problems
• Insomnia or sleeping too much
• Change in appetite or weight
• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Difficulty concentrating
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Treatment Options for Mood Issues

Medication

Certain medications can be highly effective at addressing mood issues and stabilizing your emotions. Antidepressants and mood stabilizer medication are the most common types used and are often prescribed hand in hand with some form of therapy. Which medication is right for you will depend on your unique symptoms. Dr. McGuire will help you determine the right medication for your needs. 

Therapy

Therapy can be incredibly helpful for patients looking for relief from mood issues. More specifically, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are some of the most effective forms of therapy for mood disorders. 

With therapy, Dr. McGuire can help you look at your distorted views of yourself and your environment, see how your past is affecting your present, improve your relationship skills, and learn how to manage your emotions and identify triggers. 

FAQs about Mood Issues

Schedule a Consultation

Improve your overall well-being and your mood with the help of Dr. McGuire. With her years of expertise and experience, you will finally feel the relief you deserve. To get started, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation today. Call our Denver office or message us via our online contact form.

Dr. Colleen McGuire

Dr. Colleen McGuire, DO, is a Board-Certified Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine specializing in Psychiatry with a background in Anthropology and Music from the University of New Mexico, pre-med studies in Denver, and a medical degree from Touro University in California. She completed her residency at the University of Colorado, serving as Chief Resident, and has held key roles such as Attending Psychiatrist and Assistant Professor at Denver Health, as well as working in various inpatient, outpatient, and telepsychiatry settings. Dr. McGuire specializes in trauma, midlife hormonal issues, and alternatives to medication, utilizing therapies like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Known for her empathetic, client-centered approach and strong collaborative relationships, she is licensed in multiple states and enjoys mentoring nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Outside of work, she is a classical pianist, swimmer, and animal lover who values personal growth and creativity.

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