Individual trauma-informed counseling for Wisconsin moms resumes July 2026. Join the waitlist.
Mood challenges can feel deeply disruptive to daily life and relationships. They are complex, and various risk factors contribute to their onset and progression. Bipolar disorder and depression have a genetic component and biochemical basis. These risk factors are strongest in bipolar disorder with manic episodes. Both disorders are also associated with circadian rhythm disruptions, which impact sleep-wake, appetite, energy, and alertness rhythms. The family environment can strongly influence the course of a mood disorder. When criticism is frequent or intense, it can make healing and stability more difficult. Other factors that may contribute to episodes of a mood disorder include chronic stress, chronic illness, isolation, lack of social support, poor diet, inactivity, seasonality, and negative thought patterns.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms of depression may include difficulty concentrating or making decisions, feelings of worthlessness, sadness, hopelessness, or guilt, changes in appetite or weight, sleeping too much or too little, and loss of interest and pleasure in activities once enjoyed.
Symptoms of mania or hypomania may include distractibility, flight of ideas or racing thoughts, elevated mood or irritability, decreased need for sleep, more talkative than usual, rapid, pressured speech, intense goal-directed activity or energy, and excessive involvement in risky activities with the potential for serious consequences.
Treatment Approach
Effective treatment of mood disorders targets root causes. Medication management by a prescriber may be needed depending on the severity of the illness. Other targets for treatment may include regulating circadian rhythms, teaching coping skills, improving social support, making lifestyle changes such as improving nutrition and activity level, finding the right balance of activity and nonactivity, working through relevant interpersonal problem areas, and developing healthier thought patterns.
Common Questions
How do I know if this is just a bad mood or a mood disorder?
The biggest indicator is persistence and impact. If your moods are preventing you from sleeping, working, or feeling present with your family, seeking support is a way to begin to restore balance.
Why am I so reactive one minute and checked out the next?
This is often a sign that your system is moving outside of its Window of Tolerance. The Window of Tolerance is the space where you can handle daily life; it’s where you feel calm, safe, able to stay socially engaged, and take in new information.
Chronic anxiety and past trauma can actually narrow this window over time, making it much easier to be pushed into survival mode. When you are pushed "above" the window, you might feel anxious, angry, or reactive. When you are pushed "below" it, you move into a state of shutdown; a space of numbness, hopelessness, and feeling checked out. These aren't character flaws; they are signs that your system is over-capacity. My goal is to help you expand your window of tolerance so you can restore balance and find your rhythm again.
I’m worried my moods are affecting my family, and I feel so much guilt.
Guilt is a heavy load to carry, especially when you feel like your mood swings may be hurting your family. It’s helpful to remember that when you are outside of your Window of Tolerance, your brain prioritizes survival over connection. By working to restore balance in your nervous system, you aren't just helping yourself; you are creating a safe emotional climate for your entire home. As we expand your window, you'll find you have more spaciousness to show up with the grounded presence your family needs.
How do I know if this is just a bad day or a mood disorder?
While everyone has off days, the determining factor is often how much your mood is interfering with your daily life. A bad day is usually temporary and passes with a bit of rest. A mood disorder persists over a longer period of time and starts to limit your functioning at home, at work, and socially. It looks like taking on too much when you feel energized, only to crash into burnout when your mood is low. Missing appointments because of oversleeping. Letting the laundry and dishes pile up, not because you're lazy, but because you don't have the mental energy to prioritize tasks. Making impulsive decisions, either financially, socially, or occupationally, that would make your younger self look at you like a deer in headlights. If you think your highs and lows have become a new baseline and are impacting the quality of your life, it’s a sign that your system needs professional support to restore balance.
This all feels like a lot. What is the very first step?
When you are exhausted, looking at the big picture can feel overwhelming. You don’t need the entire journey mapped out today. All you need to do is take one small step forward. Write down three small actions you can take today. Maybe you take a shower, put those dishes in the dishwasher before noon, and schedule a free consultation.
Small wins create momentum. As you start with small actions, you might notice gradual shifts: things like daily tasks feeling a bit less daunting, or a growing sense of confidence as you keep moving forward. Changes may not happen overnight, but these steady steps can lead to real improvement and a sense of hope.
Ready to take one small step forward?
If you have any questions or want to learn more about my treatment approach, contact me for a free 15-minute consultation. It’s a chance for us to connect to see if we’re a good fit.