The teen years are often marked by an assortment of mood-related changes. With every action they take, they are preparing for the next phase of their lives: adulthood. From changing bodies, developing their own beliefs, and even setting goals for the future, adolescence can be an exciting and anxiety-ridden time for teens. What happens when the mood swings are severe–making life with your teen quite challenging?
If your teen is suffering from severe mood swings, it is time to seek support. At Destinations for Teens, we provide treatment to teens struggling with mood disorders and other mental health concerns. Contact us at 877.466.0620 to learn more about our treatment programs.
Defining Mood Disorders
Mood disorders are mental health challenges marked by depression, anxiety, or difficulty regulating emotions. Adults and teens experience mood disorders for a multitude of reasons. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one in five Americans has mental health challenges. An estimated 20.9 million Americans are struggling with diagnosed mood disorders.
Biological, social, and environmental factors contribute to the development of mood disorders. Clinicians believe that teen mood disorders are often caused by chemical brain imbalance. Triggers may include stressful changes in a teen’s life, or they can even be hereditary.
Different Types of Mood Disorders
For teens dealing with mood disorders, it is important to know that mental health can impact all areas of their lives. If left untreated, mood disorders can cause teens to make decisions that can negatively impact their lives. For this reason, getting an accurate diagnosis and appropriate teenage mood disorder treatment is so important. More than anything, we want our teens to learn how to deal with their mental health challenges effectively so that they can live happy and healthy lives. Below are common types of mood disorders:
Major Depression
When teens appear hopeless, lack self-esteem, and withdraw from others, these are all signs of depression. If your teen is also experiencing periods of sleeplessness, changes in eating habits, and even sleepiness, these are also signs of depression. Pay close attention to your teen’s behavior–if they have trouble focusing, discussing suicide, or feeling worthless, it is important to seek out teen mood disorder treatment.
Bipolar Disorder
Teens experiencing a combination of manic episodes followed by periods of severe depression or muted emotional responses may be experiencing bipolar disorder.
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
This mental health concern is marked by consistent grouchiness. Teens with this mood disorder will have challenges in controlling their behavior.
Premenstrual Dysmorphic Disorder
Experiencing symptoms of depression, tension, and grouchiness before menstruating could indicate the presence of premenstrual dysmorphic disorder.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
If your teen has experienced irritability and moodiness for at least a year, this is known as dysthymia.
Substance-Induced Mood Disorder
If your teen has a substance use disorder or uses specific medicine, they can take on symptoms of depression as a result.
Mood Disorders as a Result of Health Challenges
If your teen suffers from chronic illness, infections, injuries, or even cancer, they can develop a mood disorder. A teen mood disorder treatment program can help your child manage symptoms to live a happier, healthier life. Working with a team of skilled and trained professionals, your teen will learn how to cope with their mental health challenges so that they can conquer life confidently.
Destinations For Teens Provides Teenage Mood Disorder Treatment
Destinations for Teens provides supportive mental health treatment programs to help your teen navigate life with a mood disorder. Contact us at 877.466.0620 to discover how our treatment programs can help your teen live a healthy life.
References
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness
