. March 30 - World Bipolar Day .
National Mental Health Survey & Mood Disorders
The second phase of India’s National Mental Health Survey focuses on understanding mental health trends, with mood disorders emerging as a major concern due to their widespread impact.
Mood disorders, including major depressive disorder (persistent sadness, fatigue, hopelessness) and bipolar disorder (extreme mood swings between depression and mania), disrupt daily life and functioning.
Causes of Mood Disorders
Mood disorders arise from a complex mix of genetic factors (family history) and environmental triggers (stress, trauma, life events).
Childhood abuse, neglect, and early trauma significantly increase the risk, while adult stressors like job loss, financial issues, or bereavement can trigger episodes.
Bipolar disorder is highly heritable, but environmental factors, such as life stress or sleep disturbances, influence its onset and severity.
Diagnostic Challenges
Bipolar disorder often begins with depressive episodes, which can last for years before the emergence of manic or hypomanic symptoms, delaying diagnosis.
Hypomania (elevated mood with increased energy) can be hard to recognize since individuals may feel good during these phases and not seek help.
Stigma around mental health, along with a lack of awareness among the public and healthcare providers, contributes to delayed diagnoses and inadequate treatment.
Importance of Awareness
Early intervention with proper treatment (medication, therapy, lifestyle changes) can help individuals manage symptoms and lead productive, fulfilling lives.
Increasing mental health literacy, reducing stigma, and encouraging open discussions are crucial for improving diagnosis, treatment access, and outcomes for people with mood disorders.
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