Being "even keeled" that's what all we aim for. But what if our mood really never did change? What if we were never sad, never frustrated, never happy? Sounds boring, doesn't it? It's also unrealistic. Human beings are made to experience the complexity of the world around them and react to that experience emotionally. Our moment-by-moment emotional state (mood) colors our judgment of the event. When our perception of the world becomes very skewed because of extremes in mood and it negatively impacts our lives, then there's a problem.

Mental health professionals classify Mood Disorders as either Unipolar or Bipolar Disorders. Imagine elation and terrible sadness as being at opposite poles from each other. People with Unipolar Mood Disorder (Major Depression) remain in a depressed state while those with Bipolar Mood Disorder (formerly called Manic Depressive Illness) alternate between depression and mania. Both Postpartum Depression and SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) are classified as types of Major Depression while Dysthymia is the name given to a milder, chronic depressed state.

The song "Laughing on the Outside-Crying on the Inside" could describe Bipolar Illness. The notion of being on an on-going high for an extended period of time may initially sound like fun, but it isn't. Extreme mood swings accompanied by uncontrollable racing thoughts, irritability, staying awake for days on end, heightened sex drive, having a belief that one is invulnerable can all be manifestations of the mania phase.

But those who have experienced mania know what is inevitably going to follow: depression so severe that it is capable of leading to suicide. Even if suicide does not become an issue, excessive spending sprees, legal and relationship troubles will definitely affect the quality of life for persons with Bipolar Disorder. The mental journeys they make between the two emotional poles are called cycles by mental health professionals. These vary in duration and intensity. Cyclothymia is a milder form of these bipolar mood swings.

Mood Disorders have been with us a long time. This means effective treatments have been developed, and people with Mood Disorders have options. It's now known that many Mood Disorders, especially Bipolar Disorder and Major Depression, have to do with brain chemistry and genetics. Severe chemical imbalance causing Bipolar Illness usually may be treated with a combination of mood-stabilizing medications and therapy with a mental health professional.

There is also increasing belief that exercise, meditation, yoga and other therapeutic alternatives actually can alter brain chemistry as well. (Light Therapy has been shown to effectively treat SAD). Less severe Mood Disorders are more apt to respond well to these alternatives alone, or in combination with Cognitive or Behavioral therapy or Psychotherapy. Being an informed consumer regarding diagnosis and treatment of Mood Disorders definitely makes a world of difference in outcome. It's very important to get accurate information toward a correct diagnosis and treatment options and consult a mental health professional with questions and concerns about your individual needs.