Mood Disorders
Manage your symptoms and regain control of your life
What are Mood Disorders?
Mood disorders are a category of mental health conditions characterised by significant and persistent disturbances in emotional state — affecting how a person feels, thinks and functions across all areas of life. They go far beyond ordinary emotional variation and into territory where emotional experience becomes persistently altered in ways that impair daily functioning, relationships and quality of life.
Mood disorders are among the most common mental health conditions and among the most treatable. They frequently go unrecognised — either because they present in unexpected ways, because symptoms are attributed to personality or circumstance rather than a clinical condition, or because stigma prevents people from seeking help.
At Karasick Psychology we provide thorough clinical assessment and evidence-based treatment for the full range of mood disorders in adolescents and adults — including those with longstanding, complex or treatment-resistant presentations.
Types of Mood Disorders
Each mood disorder has distinct features and requires a tailored treatment approach — accurate assessment is the foundation of effective care.
Major Depressive Disorder
One of the most common and most misunderstood mental health conditions — characterised by persistent low mood, loss of interest or pleasure, fatigue, cognitive difficulties and a range of physical symptoms. Depression does not always look the way people expect and is frequently missed or misattributed.
Bipolar Disorder
Characterised by significant shifts between periods of elevated or irritable mood and periods of depression. Frequently misdiagnosed as depression alone because the elevated mood states are not always recognised as symptoms. Accurate diagnosis is essential as treatment differs significantly.
Mood Instability
Frequent, intense or unpredictable shifts in emotional state that feel difficult or impossible to control. Mood instability is a symptom rather than a diagnosis — one that can arise from a wide range of underlying conditions. Accurate assessment is essential to identify the cause and guide effective treatment.
Anger
Problematic anger is rarely a standalone issue. It is most commonly a symptom of an underlying condition — ADHD, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder or chronic stress. Effective treatment begins with understanding what is driving the anger rather than addressing it in isolation.
Self-Harm & Suicidal Ideation
Serious symptoms that deserve immediate attention and compassionate, evidence-based care. Both are most commonly responses to unbearable psychological pain — not attention-seeking or manipulation — and both are highly responsive to effective treatment.
Burnout
A state of chronic physical, emotional and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged exposure to demanding or overwhelming circumstances. Burnout develops gradually and involves a depletion of resources that rest alone cannot replenish.
Treatment
Mood disorders are highly treatable with the right approach. At Karasick Psychology treatment begins with thorough clinical assessment — identifying the specific mood disorder or combination of conditions present and understanding the individual factors maintaining the presentation. Treatment is then tailored to the specific diagnosis.
We draw primarily from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy — with the strongest evidence base for depression, bipolar disorder and related conditions. Each condition has its own dedicated page with full information on the treatment approach.
Crisis Resources
If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm please reach out for support. The following services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
If you are in immediate danger please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department.
988 Suicide Crisis Helpline — call or text 988 — available 24/7 across Canada in English and French
Distress Centre Calgary — call 403-266-4357 — 24/7 crisis support, counselling and referrals
Distress Line Edmonton — call 780-482-4357 — 24/7 crisis support
Alberta Mental Health Help Line — call 1-877-303-2642 — confidential crisis intervention and information
Kids Help Phone — call or text 1-800-668-6868 — 24/7 support for youth under 22
First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line — call 1-855-242-3310 — culturally competent support 24/7