Mood Disorders

Depression is a serious medical condition often devastating to family relationships, friendships, and the ability to work or go to school. Unlike normal emotional experiences of sadness or loss, or brief feelings of these emotions, clinical depression is persistent and can interfere significantly with a person's ability to function.

Many people still mistakenly believe that the emotional symptoms caused by depression are "not real" and that a person should be able to "shake off" the symptoms. As the Dr. said in the video, "It is no more easy for a person with depression to snap out of it than a person with diabetes to will themselves well" .

Because of these innaccurate beliefs people with depression either may not recognize that they have a treatable disorder or may be discouraged from seeking or staying on treatment due to feelings of shame and stigma. Too often, untreated or inadequately treated depression is associated with suicide.

Depression - 18.8 million people/yr.(98)

#1 cause of disability in the US & worldwide.
Affects an estimated 9.5% of US adults per yr.
2X as many women (12 %) as men (7%) are affected by a depressive disorder each year.

Scientists think there may be a hormonal link that affects females.

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Bipolar Disorder

(Mania and Depression)

There is a tendency to romanticize bipolar (BI - 2 and Poles -extremes) disorder. Many artists, musicians and writers have suffered from its mood swings. But in truth, many lives are ruined by this disease; and without effective treatment, the illness is associated with an increased risk of suicide.

Especially early in the course of illness, the episodes may be separated by periods of wellness during which a person suffers few to no symptoms. Bipolar disorder is often complicated by co-occurring alcohol or substance abuse.

Bipolar Disorder (Manic -Depressive Illness)
Serious brain illness causing extreme shifts in mood, energy & functioning.

Affects 2.3 million adult Americans (1.2% of population)

Affects both men & women equally

Can emerge in adolescence or early adulthood (in some cases childhood). Cycles or episodes of either, or both typically recur & may become more frequent, disrupting work, school, family & social life.