Mood disorders can make everyday tasks hard. Depression, bipolar disorder, disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder affect patients of all ages, presenting different challenges at different stages of life. Fortunately, there is a way to manage the symptoms and lead a happier life. Here are five tips from a psychiatrist to help you or your loved one manage a **mood disorder**.

Practice self-care

When most people think of self-care, they think of at-home spa nights. However, self-care is not limited to face masks and bubble baths. In fact, it goes far beyond this to include stress management, staying connected with loved ones, and other ways of taking care of oneself.

For example, taking on more than one can handle (chores, work, or social events) is a surefire way to stretch oneself thin. The stress of it all can exacerbate a patient’s symptoms, which in turn can overwhelm the patient and cause them to feel guilty if they fall short of their commitments. Do not overschedule — set aside time for mental health treatment and resting and recharging. In the same vein, set realistic goals so as not to undermine any progress.

Rest and get enough sleep

Just like stretching oneself thin, poor sleep hygiene can exacerbate the symptoms of a mood disorder. A good rule of thumb is to try to get at least seven hours of sleep every night. This may be easier said than done, especially for patients who experience insomnia due to their mood disorders.

Avoiding screen time a few hours before bed, reading to wind down, or having a bedtime routine can help promote a good night’s sleep. In addition, some medications can help solve sleeping problems. Consult a psychiatrist to learn more.

Healthy diet and exercise

Following a healthy diet can help the patient get the nutrients they need. It is not so much about losing weight but about ensuring the body has what it needs. In addition, eating healthy, nutrient-rich foods can improve a patient’s baseline mood and give them the energy to focus on treatment.

Likewise, having a regular exercise routine can help. The fact is that the body needs healthy food and exercise. The two will not “cure” a mood disorder but will make it easier to focus on overcoming the symptoms.

Reach out to others

Loneliness and isolation can have an adverse effect on treatment. The patient may feel alone in their struggles, that no one understands, or that no one cares. However, we have found that this is simply not true. Mood disorders tend to cause feelings of loneliness, but they should not be listened to. Instead, try to reach out to loved ones, even if you have not spoken to them in a while.

Joining a support group is also recommended. There are therapist-run support groups to help people living with the same mood disorder. The therapist may charge a small fee; however, there are also free support groups. The goal of a support group is to help patients connect with people with a shared experience. Members can empower each other, lend a listening ear, and even offer anecdotal advice on how they dealt with symptom flare-ups in the past.

See a mental health professional

The most effective way to manage a mood disorder is to consult a mental health professional, be it a therapist or psychiatrist. Patients with mood disorders typically benefit from seeing both. In fact, most mood disorders often require a combination of talk therapy and prescription medication.

Keeping regular therapy and psychiatry appointments is crucial to any mood disorder treatment. Be honest with each mental health provider about any symptoms, new or old. Additionally, make sure to take medication regularly and complete therapy homework as instructed.

Mental health treatment aims to get the patient to a point where symptoms are minimal, allowing them to live their life. But that does not mean the patient must wait until treatment is over to start. Instead, they should take time to enjoy life between sessions — this allows the patient to see how much they have improved.

How a psychiatrist can help

A psychiatrist will take stock of one’s symptoms, ensure the diagnosis is correct, and prescribe medications according to the patient’s needs. The most common are antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers.

While first-line medications are prescribed for major depressive disorder and other mood disorders, the psychiatrist will also consider the patient’s medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle. For example, high blood pressure and other conditions can make certain medications a bad fit for the patient. Therefore, disclosing all physical and mental health conditions is important so the psychiatrist can better serve the patient.

Consult a psychiatrist

If you or someone you love has been struggling with a mood disorder, a psychiatrist will work to help manage the symptoms. There is no shame in taking medication as part of one’s mental health treatment.

Become a new patient today or give us a call: 631-673-3233.