Mood Disorders

Everyone feels sad, excited or angry sometimes. When kids feel too good, too mad, or too sad, they might have a mood disorder. A mood disorder is an illness of the brain. The feelings, thoughts and behaviors of mood disorders can cause problems in a kid’s life. What causes mood disorders in children is up for debate. There are chemicals in the brain that are responsible for positive moods. Mood disorders may be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, on its own or along with environmental factors, such as unexpected life events and/or chronic stress.

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Symptoms Of Mood Disorders

• Difficulty achieving in school
• Constant anger
• Rebellious behaviors
• Trouble with family
• Difficulty with friends and peers
• Persistent feelings of sadness
• Feeling hopeless or helpless
• Having low self-esteem
• Feeling inadequate
• Excessive guilt
• Loss of interest in usual activities or activities once enjoyed
• Difficulty with relationships
  

• Sleep disturbances (for example, insomnia, or hypersomnia)
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Decreased energy
• Difficulty concentrating
• A decrease in the ability to make decisions
• Suicidal thoughts or attempts
• Frequent physical complaints (for example, headache, stomachache, or fatigue)
• Running away or threats of running away from home
• Hypersensitivity to failure or rejection
  
• Irritability, hostility, aggression
  

"Stop hating yourself for everything your not.
Start loving yourself for everything you are"

- Unknown

Helpful Resources For Mood Disorders

Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation
The Child & Adolescent Bipolar Foundation educates families, professionals, and the public about pediatric bipolar disorder; connects families with resources and support.
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
DBSA is the nation’s leading patient-directed organization focusing on depression and bipolar disorder, primarily for adults and their families.
BP Children
Offers mood charts, posters, a newsletter, and excellent books such as Intense Minds, Brandon and the Bipolar Bear (also available in a DVD storytelling format), Anger Mountain, and My Roller Coaster Feelings Book and Work Book