Mood Disorders
Hope & Healing Through Life's Highs and Lows
Mood disorders affect the way we experience and regulate emotions, often making everyday life feel heavier, unpredictable, or overwhelming. These conditions can bring deep sadness, emptiness, irritability, or, at times, elevated energy that feels hard to manage. Living with a mood disorder does not mean you are broken — it means you are carrying something that deserves care and attention. At Cortes Counseling, we offer a safe and supportive space where you can untangle the weight of these emotions, understand what’s happening beneath the surface, and learn tools to regain stability, hope, and joy.
What are Mood Disorders?
Mood disorders are a group of mental health conditions that primarily affect a person’s emotional state. The most common include major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia), bipolar disorder, and cyclothymic disorder. While they differ in intensity and symptoms, all involve ongoing challenges with mood that can interfere with work, relationships, and overall quality of life.
For example, depression may bring persistent sadness, fatigue, and loss of interest in activities, while bipolar disorder can involve both depressive episodes and periods of mania or hypomania, marked by increased energy, impulsivity, or irritability. Some people experience milder but chronic symptoms that feel like they never completely lift, leaving life flat or exhausting.
Mood disorders can develop from a mix of biological, psychological, and environmental factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, trauma, or ongoing stress. They are not a sign of weakness, they are real health conditions that can improve with the right support. Many people find significant relief through therapy, lifestyle changes, and, when needed, medication in collaboration with medical providers.
When Should I Seek Therapy for Mood Disorders?
You might consider counseling if your emotions feel difficult to manage, if sadness, irritability, or mood swings are interfering with your daily functioning, or if you’re losing interest in things that once brought you joy. It can also help if you find yourself withdrawing from loved ones, struggling at work or school, or relying on unhealthy coping strategies to get by.
Seeking help doesn’t require being at your “lowest point.” In fact, counseling can be especially effective when started early, giving you tools to prevent moods from worsening or spiraling into crisis. Therapy can help you better understand your emotions, identify triggers, and find healthier, more sustainable ways to cope.
What Happens During Therapy for Mood Disorders?
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Counseling for mood disorders begins with building a clear understanding of your symptoms, your history, and how your moods impact your life. Together, we identify patterns and triggers that may contribute to mood changes, and we work to develop coping strategies that promote balance and resilience.
Therapy may include cognitive-behavioral techniques to shift unhelpful thinking patterns, mindfulness and relaxation strategies to reduce stress, and interpersonal approaches to strengthen relationships. In some cases, collaboration with doctors or psychiatrists ensures that biological aspects, such as brain chemistry or medical conditions, are also addressed.
The process is collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to your goals. Over time, counseling can help reduce the intensity and frequency of difficult mood episodes, restore a sense of control, and empower you to live a more balanced, meaningful life. Many clients find that, with support, they are able not only to manage symptoms but also to rediscover joy, motivation, and hope for the future.
How do I get started?
To get started, simply give Cortes Counseling a call or complete our request form. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have and schedule a first session for you in our office. We are also proud to offer telehealth counseling services online, if you would prefer to conduct your sessions virtually.
