Conditions I Treat
Mood Disorders (Depression and Bipolar Disorders)
The term disorder in "mood disorder" refers to a disruption or dysfunction in normal mental or emotional processes that affects a person’s mood. It signifies a condition in which the regular balance or regulation of mood is impaired, leading to patterns of emotional states that are abnormal in terms of intensity, duration, or both. This means that someone suffering from a mood disorder may experience moods that are inconsistent with their current environment and situation. During a depressive episode a person might have it all on paper and feel terrible about themselves. Or someone in a manic mood might feel overly energetic and optimistic despite signs in the environment that would arouse caution in others.
What Is a Depressive Episode?
A depressive episode is a period characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness, often accompanied by physical and emotional symptoms that disrupt daily life. It’s more than just “feeling down” or having a bad day—it’s a significant change in mood and functioning that lasts for at least two weeks.
During a depressive episode, individuals may experience:
Emotional Symptoms: Overwhelming sadness, a lack of interest or pleasure in activities (anhedonia), and feelings of worthlessness or guilt.
Cognitive Symptoms: Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering details.
Physical Symptoms: Fatigue, changes in sleep patterns (insomnia or oversleeping), appetite disturbances (eating too much or too little), and physical aches or pains.
Behavioral Symptoms: Withdrawal from social interactions, decreased productivity, and changes in routine.
In severe cases, thoughts of death or suicide may occur, highlighting the importance of seeking professional support.
A depressive episode is a core component of mood disorders like Major Depressive Disorder or Bipolar Disorder, but it can also occur as a result of stress, trauma, or other medical conditions. Treatment options like psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes can help individuals recover and regain a sense of balance and well-being.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression, reaching out for support is the first step toward relief.
What Is a Hypomanic Episode?
A hypomanic episode is a distinct period of elevated, expansive, or unusually irritable mood that is noticeable to others and lasts for at least four consecutive days. It’s characterized by increased energy, heightened activity levels, and a sense of euphoria or confidence, but without the severe impairment in functioning seen in a full manic episode.
During a hypomanic episode, individuals may experience:
Emotional Symptoms: An exaggerated sense of optimism, self-confidence, or irritability.
Cognitive Symptoms: Racing thoughts, increased creativity, or heightened focus on goals and projects, sometimes to an obsessive degree.
Physical Symptoms: Increased energy, reduced need for sleep without feeling tired, or restlessness.
Behavioral Symptoms: Taking on multiple tasks, engaging in impulsive or risky behavior (e.g., overspending, driving recklessly), or talking more than usual and very rapidly.
While hypomania often results in a temporary boost in productivity or sociability, it can also lead to poor decision-making and strained relationships. For some, the high-energy state can feel pleasant or intoxicating, making it harder to recognize as part of a larger mood disorder like Bipolar II Disorder or Cyclothymic Disorder.
Unlike mania, hypomania doesn’t include psychosis or require hospitalization, but it’s still a sign of mood dysregulation that can escalate without proper treatment. Effective approaches such as psychotherapy, mood-stabilizing medications, and lifestyle adjustments can help prevent hypomania from disrupting a person’s life.
If you or someone you know is experiencing hypomania, reaching out to a mental health professional is an essential step toward stability and well-being.
What Is a Manic Episode?
A manic episode is a period of abnormally elevated, expansive, or irritable mood, accompanied by an unusually high level of energy and activity that significantly disrupts daily life. It typically lasts at least one week (or less if hospitalization is required) and is a defining feature of Bipolar I Disorder.
During a manic episode, individuals may experience:
Emotional Symptoms: Intense euphoria, extreme confidence, irritability, or rapid mood shifts.
Cognitive Symptoms: Racing thoughts, grandiosity (believing one has special abilities or importance), and difficulty focusing due to an overload of ideas.
Physical Symptoms: A surge in energy, decreased need for sleep without feeling tired, and physical agitation or restlessness.
Behavioral Symptoms: Risky or impulsive behaviors such as excessive spending, unsafe sexual activity, or making reckless decisions; speaking rapidly and excessively; or starting numerous tasks without finishing them.
Psychotic Symptoms (in severe cases): Delusions or hallucinations that align with the person’s elevated mood, such as believing they are invincible or possess extraordinary powers.
Mania can feel exhilarating initially, but it often leads to negative consequences such as damaged relationships, financial issues, or even legal problems. In severe cases, mania can result in hospitalization to ensure safety and stabilization.
Manic episodes are a serious mental health concern that require professional intervention. Treatment often includes mood-stabilizing medications, therapy, and support systems to help manage and prevent future episodes. With proper care, individuals living with mania can work toward balance and improved well-being.
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of mania, seeking help is crucial to prevent potential harm and achieve recovery.
What Is Persistent Depressive Disorder?
Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD), previously known as dysthymia, is a chronic form of depression characterized by a low mood that lasts for at least two years. While the symptoms are often less intense than those of Major Depressive Disorder, they are consistent and can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.
Key Symptoms of PDD:
Emotional Symptoms: Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or feeling “down in the dumps.”
Cognitive Symptoms: Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or maintaining optimism.
Physical Symptoms: Fatigue, low energy, changes in appetite (overeating or undereating), and disturbances in sleep (insomnia or oversleeping).
Behavioral Symptoms: Reduced productivity, withdrawal from social interactions, and a lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities.
While individuals with PDD may not experience the intense depressive episodes seen in Major Depressive Disorder, they often endure a prolonged struggle with low self-esteem and an overwhelming sense of heaviness or lack of motivation. Periods of more severe depression, known as "double depression," can also occur.
PDD can develop at any age and is influenced by factors such as genetics, environment, and life experiences. Despite its long-lasting nature, effective treatments such as psychotherapy (especially CBT or interpersonal therapy), medication, and lifestyle changes can significantly alleviate symptoms.
If you or someone you care about feels stuck in a prolonged state of low mood, professional help can provide the tools and support needed to navigate life with greater ease and fulfillment.
What Are Anxiety Disorders?
Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions where feelings of fear, worry, or nervousness become overwhelming and persistent, making it hard to navigate daily life. Everyone feels anxious from time to time—it’s a normal response to stress. But with an anxiety disorder, the worry doesn’t go away; instead, it can grow louder, more intrusive, and out of proportion to the situation.
People with anxiety disorders might find themselves stuck in “what if” thinking or constantly on edge, as if something bad is about to happen. This isn’t just “in their head”—anxiety often causes real physical symptoms, like racing heartbeats, muscle tension, trouble sleeping, or stomach problems.
There are different types of anxiety disorders:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Persistent, excessive worry about everyday things like work, health, or family.
Panic Disorder: Sudden, intense bursts of fear, called panic attacks, that can feel like losing control or even having a heart attack.
Social Anxiety Disorder: A fear of being judged, embarrassed, or rejected in social situations.
Phobias: Intense fear of specific objects or situations, like flying, heights, or spiders.
These disorders can leave people feeling stuck, exhausted, and unsure of how to move forward. But the good news is that anxiety is treatable. Therapy, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), can help reframe anxious thoughts, while mindfulness and breathing techniques work to calm the body. With the right tools, people can learn to manage their anxiety and take back control of their lives.
If anxiety has taken up too much space in your life, know that change is possible—it all starts with reaching out.
Parenting Challenges and How I Help
Parenting is one of life’s most rewarding roles, but let’s face it—there’s no handbook that prepares you for every challenge. As parents, we strive to raise happy, healthy children while juggling our own emotions, relationships, and responsibilities. Add stress, differing parenting styles, or behavioral issues into the mix, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, stuck, or even defeated.
Parenting challenges can look like:
Feeling disconnected or frustrated with your kids.
Struggling to set boundaries or enforce rules.
Conflict with a co-parent over how to handle discipline, routines, or values.
Worrying constantly about your child’s emotional or social well-being.
Feeling like you’re failing—or losing yourself—in the role of a parent.
In therapy, we take a step back together. First, we explore what’s happening beneath the surface—whether it’s a pattern that’s stuck, underlying stress, or just a lack of tools that work for you and your family. I’ll help you untangle those emotional knots so you can approach parenting with more clarity and confidence.
Here’s what therapy for parenting challenges often involves:
Building awareness: Understanding your triggers and your child’s needs.
Practical strategies: Creating routines, managing behaviors, or navigating co-parenting conflicts.
Strengthening connection: Fostering a relationship that grows trust, communication, and mutual respect.
Self-care: Rediscovering balance and reconnecting with yourself so you can show up as the parent you want to be.
Parenting isn’t about perfection; it’s about intention. In therapy, we work together to find solutions that fit your family’s unique dynamic. With the right support, parenting becomes less about reacting to the chaos and more about responding from a place of strength, understanding, and love.