A mood disorder is typically classified by a mood that persists for a minimum of 2 weeks without abating.  However, it can look like a lot of different things:

+ Invasive, intrusive thoughts 

+ Racing thoughts, panic attacks, or feeling emotionally "numb"

+ Spontaneous crying, laughing, and/or anger outbursts

+ Significant changes in appetite and/or sleep

+ High highs and low lows

+ A sense of impending doom that won't go away

+ Inability to focus, sit still, or complete tasks before moving on

These are just a few of the symptoms that can come up when dealing with a mood disorder.  Some mood disorders cycle through periodic "episodes" and others are noticeably triggered by a specific life situation or event.  Whatever the reason, it is possible to weather the current storm and create a path to whole wellness.  Together with your medical team, we can work towards true stabilization to limit the frequency, intensity, and severity of mood disorder episodes.

Unlike mood disorders, personality disorders tend to be much more subtle in presentation.  Unfortunately, this does not mean they are less difficult to manage; in fact, due to the rigid and deep-rooted beliefs characteristic of personality disorders, they can cause significant distress to clients and their loved ones.  Common signs of personality disorder include:

+ Distorted perception of the people and world around you

+ Distorted perception of self; inability to see what others see in you/your behavior

+ A history of dysfunctional relationships with people closest to you, whether that means friends, family, or colleagues

+ Difficulty regulating your emotions, manipulating other's emotions, or feeling overrun by your emotions

+ Deep compulsions to act or behavior a certain way such as a need to rebel, be contrary, or be in control

Most importantly, the way that you think, behave, feel, and engage with others is causing you and your loved ones significant distress or problems in your daily life.

Personality disorders can exist with or without a major mood disorder, though many of the people we've worked with over the years have struggled with both.  However the disorder(s) are appearing in your life, we can help you to identify, navigate, and better manage the challenges presented by these conditions.