Miracle Rehabilitation Centre

Mood Disorders
(Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Dysthymia, Cyclothymia)

What it is:

Mood disorders affect a person’s emotions, energy, and daily life. People with these conditions may feel very low, sad, hopeless, or irritable, or they may have periods of extremely high energy, restlessness, or risky behaviour. These changes are not just occasional sadness or happiness; they are persistent, intense, and interfere with school, work, relationships, and daily routines.

Families or clients may notice:

  • Persistent sadness or irritability that doesn’t go away
  • Loss of interest in hobbies, work, or social activities
  • Sudden or extreme changes in mood — from very high to very low
  • Fatigue, lack of motivation, or excessive restlessness
  • Sleep disturbances — sleeping too much or not at all
  • Changes in appetite — eating too much or too little
  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
  • Expressions of hopelessness, worthlessness, or guilt
  • Risky behaviour during high-energy periods (spending sprees, reckless driving, impulsive actions)

Major Depressive Disorder (Severe Depression)

A period of intense sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness lasting at least two weeks. People may feel unable to enjoy life, lose interest in things they once loved, or struggle to get through daily activities.

Signs families or clients may notice:

  • Staying in bed or avoiding responsibilities
  • Talking about feeling worthless or hopeless
  • Crying frequently or seeming emotionally numb
  • Lack of energy or constant fatigue
  • Loss of interest in hobbies, friends, or family
  • Poor concentration or forgetting things easily
  • In severe cases, talking about death or self-harm

Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)

A long-term, milder depression that lasts for at least two years. Symptoms are less intense than major depression but persistent, making life feel like a constant struggle.

Signs families or clients may notice:

  • Low mood or sadness most of the time
  • Feeling hopeless, inadequate, or self-critical
  • Low energy and lack of motivation for daily tasks
  • Poor appetite or overeating
  • Trouble enjoying simple pleasures
  • Feeling “stuck” or unable to improve life situations

Bipolar Disorder (Manic-Depressive Disorder)

Bipolar disorder is marked by extreme mood swings. People alternate between high-energy periods (mania or hypomania) and low-energy periods (depression). These swings are more intense than normal ups and downs.

Signs families or clients may notice:

Manic or hypomanic phase:

  • Very high energy, talking rapidly, or unable to sit still
  • Reduced need for sleep, yet still feeling active
  • Taking big risks — spending large amounts of money, impulsive decisions
  • Feeling “invincible” or overly confident

Depressive phase:

  • Feeling hopeless, sad, or emotionally flat
  • Avoiding social interactions or withdrawing from family
  • Fatigue and lack of motivation
  • Difficulty concentrating or completing daily tasks

Rapid mood changes between these phases may confuse family members or co-workers

Cyclothymic Disorder

Description:

A milder, chronic form of bipolar disorder with frequent but less severe mood swings. It can still affect relationships, work, and daily life if not managed.

Signs families or clients may notice:

  • Periods of mild excitement, energy, or irritability
  • Periods of mild sadness or low energy
  • Frequent mood fluctuations that are noticeable but not extreme
  • Difficulty keeping routines or stable relationships
  • Feeling “up and down” more than normal

Why mood disorders happen:

Mood disorders can result from a combination of genetics, brain chemistry, stressful life events, trauma, or unresolved emotional issues. Often, a person cannot “snap out of it” on their own.

Bio-Psycho-Social Approach to Recovery at Miracle:

  • Biological (Body): Medication if needed, sleep support, nutrition, and physical activity to stabilize mood
  • Psychological (Mind): Therapy to manage emotions, cope with stress, change negative thinking patterns, and build resilience
  • Social (Life & Relationships): Family involvement, rebuilding daily routines, supportive environment, and safe social reintegration

Goal of Treatment:

At Miracle Rehabilitation Centre, the aim is to help individuals regain emotional balance, improve energy and motivation, rebuild relationships, and return to a meaningful daily life, while families are educated and supported throughout the process.