Mood Disorders
Depression, Bipolar Disorder, constant low-level feelings of malaise. Fluctuating moods can be just rolling with what life presents. Or moods can take a great toll on daily life and can be extremely debilitating when one finds it difficult to get out of bed or has suicidal thoughts with no hope in sight. I tend to focus on a multi-faceted approach when mood disorders disrupt ones ability to function well in daily life. I coordinate closely with a Psychiatrist to manage care (if medication is warranted), utilize psychodynamic work to help understand the ebbs and flows of the mood - including triggers and self-care, as well as CBT, when needed. I have extensive experience working with both medicated and unmedicated bipolar 2 disorder as well as cyclothymic disorder. I’m well-versed in all psychotropic medications. I can provide referrals to qualified Psychiatrists if needed.
Over time, I have worked with quite a few adult children of parents with mood disorders. Often, children of parents who suffer from more profound mood disturbances can experience frequent parental hospitalizations, absentee parents, homebound parental depression, or unmedicated mania episodes. Growing up in these environments can leave lasting impressions that include sadness, depression, confusion, and fear as they grew up witnessing an often loved parent struggle with mental health issues.