Depression & Mood Disorders

Depression & Mood Disorders Treatment in Suwanee, GA

If you’re experiencing any of the following, you may be dealing with depression or a mood disorder:

  • Difficulty making decisions

  • Trouble falling asleep

  • Feeling overwhelmed and praying for relief

  • Struggling to get out of bed each morning

  • Lack of energy for basic tasks, like taking a shower

  • Avoiding phone calls or text messages from friends

  • Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed

  • Feelings of hopelessness

  • Constant guilt over past mistakes

  • Easily stressed, snapping at family members

  • Sudden mood swings, from irritability to high energy

These are all signs that you may be struggling with depression or another mood disorder, such as bipolar disorder.

Mood disorders can be deeply painful and even life-threatening, as they erode hope—and without hope, life can feel unbearable. At Paraclete Counseling Center in Suwanee, GA, our therapists specialize in helping individuals facing depression, bipolar disorder, and other mood-related struggles.

What Are Mood Disorders?

Mood disorders affect your emotional state, often causing extreme shifts in mood, such as deep depression or periods of intense happiness (mania). These shifts can interfere with daily life, relationships, and work. Depression and bipolar disorder are the most common mood disorders, and both can take many forms.

Depression is More Than Just Sadness

Sadness is a normal emotion that everyone experiences, especially during times of stress or loss. However, when sadness persists for more than two weeks and begins to interfere with daily functioning (e.g., work, sleep, concentration), it may signal clinical depression.

Depression symptoms include:

  • Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or worthlessness

  • Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed

  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

  • Low energy or fatigue

  • Trouble sleeping or excessive sleeping

  • Increased or decreased appetite

  • Physical aches or pains without an apparent cause

  • Suicidal thoughts or tendencies

Types of Depressive Disorders

There are several types of depression, each with its own unique features:

  • Major Depressive Disorder: Severe, long-lasting depression lasting for at least two weeks

  • Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): A type of depression linked to seasonal changes, usually in fall or winter

  • Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia): Chronic low-level depression lasting for years

  • Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): Intense mood shifts before menstruation

  • Perinatal Depression (Postpartum): Depression that occurs during pregnancy or after childbirth

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is characterized by cycles of extreme mood swings, alternating between episodes of mania (elevated mood and energy) and depression. There are several types of bipolar disorder:

  • Bipolar I: Intense manic episodes followed by depression

  • Bipolar II: Hypomanic (less intense) episodes and depressive episodes

  • Cyclothymic Disorder: Less severe hypomanic and depressive symptoms

How Depression and Mood Disorders Present Differently in Men and Women

Depression often presents differently in men and women. While more women are diagnosed with depression, men tend to express it as anger, irritability, or reckless behavior, such as alcohol or drug use. In contrast, women may experience sadness, worthlessness, and guilt more intensely.

If you or someone you love is experiencing thoughts of suicide, please reach out for support. Text 988 to reach the Crisis and Suicide Lifeline or call the Georgia Crisis & Access Line at 1-800-715-4225.

Can Depression and Mood Disorders Be Treated Successfully?

Yes, depression and bipolar disorder are treatable conditions, and professional therapy can help you regain control over your life. At Paraclete Counseling Center in Suwanee, GA, our therapists offer evidence-based psychotherapy to help manage depression, bipolar disorder, and other mood disorders. Our treatment options include psychotherapy, with a focus on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), all of which are effective approaches for managing mood disorders and improving emotional well-being.

While we do not prescribe medications or provide brain-based treatments like ECT or TMS, we collaborate with other healthcare professionals as needed to ensure you receive comprehensive care.

How Therapy Can Help You Recover from Mood Disorders

At Paraclete Counseling Center, we provide personalized therapy designed to help you manage depression, bipolar disorder, and other mood disorders. Our licensed therapists use approaches such as CBT, DBT, and insight-oriented methods to uncover the underlying causes of your symptoms.

Therapy can help you:

  • Identify negative thinking patterns that fuel hopelessness and guilt

  • Explore distorted perceptions of yourself and their impact on relationships

  • Develop healthier coping strategies to manage emotions and behaviors

  • Build self-confidence and improve relationships

Get Help for Depression and Mood Disorders in Suwanee, GA

If you are struggling with depression, bipolar disorder, or other mood disorders, we’re here to help. Contact Paraclete Counseling Center today to schedule an appointment and learn more about our depression and mood disorder treatment.