Download Understanding mood disorders

Understanding mood
disorders
Black Dog Institute
Research
Clinics
Community
Education
www.blackdoginstitute.org.au
Why understand mood
disorders?
Depression: 1 in 7 lifetime prevalence
Bipolar Disorder: 1 in 33 lifetime
prevalence
Touches everyone…
Depression is the
leading cause of
disability worldwide
Living is for everyone
Suicide is the leading
cause of death in the
15 – 44 year age group
Normal sadness vs
clinical depression
Mood swings are
normal
Features of clinical
depression
Changes in appetite / weight
Poor concentration and memory
Lowered self-esteem / self-worth Less
enjoyment in life
Change in sleep
Reduced sex drive
Low energy levels
Increased anxiety
Negative self-talk
Less able to control emotions eg.
tearfulness, anger, guilt
If 5 or more of these
signs or symptoms
lasts
2 weeks or more
and interferes with
your ability to
function, then you
need to seek help!
Bipolar Disorder
Depression also
occurs in bipolar
disorder...
Bipolar highs
Loss of inhibitions, reckless
Everyone is attractive
Acting wired
Boundless energy
Overly talkative
Spiritual meaning to everything
Bullet-proof confidence
Solving the world’s problems overnight
The different types
of
bipolar disorder
Bipolar 1
Episodes of highs or lows more severe
than Bipolar 2
Psychotic features may be present
Episodes lasting for days, weeks or
months
Bipolar 2
Less severe than Bipolar 1
No psychotic features
Episodes lasting for a few hours, to a
few days
Negative coping
behaviour
Living with the Black
Dog
“I faded away to a shadow of my former self. It’s
a savage disease that destroys your very soul
and the essence of your being. Depression
takes away the one thing that you thought
never could be taken – yourself.”
“On countless occasions I struggled with daily
life – it’s as if someone had tied a brick
around my heart and was daring me to
swim...The slow suffocation and strangulation
of despair would descend upon me, like a
parachute gracefully landing.”
Living with bipolar
disorder
“My mind began to cloud, nothing I thought was fast
enough. I’m going to write a book, I’m going to form
a band, no...! Go to LONDON, no...have a solo
exhibition, quit my job, buy a new car, buy a new
guitar. I’m drinking again and I’m shouting everyone
– (let’s go out!!!), having a party, having sex with a
stranger, then a friend, then a friend’s boyfriend.
Everything is going so fast until the inevitable crash.
Finally I’m diagnosed with BPD-II.”
How to seek HELP
See a doctor!
 Book a long consultation
 Get your symptoms assessed
 You may be referred for expert advice or
therapy
 You may need medication
 PERSIST UNTIL YOU FIND A GP YOU
‘CLICK WITH’
We have a world-first
diagnostic tool for mood
disorders.
Ask about the Mood Assessment
Program
Better Outcomes
in Mental Health Care
Some GPs with extra
training in mental
health care.
GPs refer to
psychologists and
exercise physiologists
through Medicare
Benefits Schedule.
 Depression clinic
 Psychology clinic
 Bipolar disorders
clinic
HELPING others
Suggestions for
helping
 Gently let them know what you have
noticed and why you are concerned
 Create space
 Listen first
 Take things at their pace
 Respect their point of view
 Offer warm support
 Validate
Have a
conversation!
www.blackdoginstitute.org.au