During these difficult times, everyone experiences moments of sadness in their lives. Most people have felt the pain of not fitting in when starting something new. For most people, those feelings are temporary and don't last for more than a short while. Once life moves on, a sense of well-being takes the place of those other moods.

For people with mood disorders like depression or bipolar disorder, feelings of sadness or loneliness are not temporary. The feelings last longer than two weeks, and feel more intense than normal short-term sadness. Several factors can cause mood disorders. It is likely that they are caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain, but they can also be triggered by stressful life events. Sometimes mood disorders run in families or are related to other health conditions or substance abuse.

There are several types of mood disorders, including:

• Major depression: Symptoms that last more than two weeks, including lack of interest in favorite activities or feelings of hopelessness or sadness.
• Dysthymia: Chronic bad mood or irritability that lasts more than two weeks.
• Bipolar disorder: Periods of depression that are followed by mania or a heightened mood.

It is important that people who experience these symptoms get help. Many people hesitate to get treatment because they don’t know who to ask. Here some places to ask for help:

• Employee assistance program (EAP): Many employers offer these programs free of charge, and they can connect you with a mental health professional in your community.
• Community mental health center: Often listed in the telephone book, these services may be offered on a sliding scale, making it an affordable choice for many people.
• Pastoral counseling: Check with your place of worship for a list of experienced pastoral counselors.

If you or someone you know needs help from mental health professionals, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. The counselors can connect you to help in your own community. The organization's website also offers tips for friends, family and teachers who may be the first to spot the symptoms in others.

Source: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/