Ali Pierucci, Briana Severine and Kristina Brown of Sanare

Mood Disorders

Mood Disorders

Everyone's mood shifts. A mood disorder is when those shifts are stronger, longer or more frequent than the situation explains, and they start to run a person's life. They are among the most common reasons adults seek mental health care.

The main types

  • Major depressive disorder. At least two weeks of low mood or lost interest, with changes in sleep, energy, appetite and thinking.

  • Persistent depressive disorder. A lower-grade depression that lasts two years or more.

  • Bipolar disorder. Episodes of mania or hypomania along with depression.

  • Cyclothymic disorder. Milder highs and lows that keep cycling for years.

  • Seasonal pattern. Depression that returns at the same time each year, often in winter. Mayo Clinic explains more.

  • Premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Severe mood symptoms in the week or two before a period.

Living with the highs and lows

People with mood disorders often describe two lives. In one, they're working, keeping up with friends and paying bills. In the other, nothing gets done, or everything gets started and nothing gets finished. Getting from one to the other can happen fast.

Medication and therapy help many people. What tends to be missing is a steady presence between appointments: someone who notices the change in sleep before the person does, and helps keep the basics going while a hard stretch passes.

How Sanare helps

Our clinicians work with adults in their homes and around town, one to five times a week. Each client has a team of at least two Sanare clinicians.

  • Patterns. Tracking mood, sleep and energy so changes get noticed early.

  • Routine as treatment. Consistent sleep, meals and activity steady mood more than most people expect.

  • Skills. DBT skills for intense emotions, behavioral activation for depression, and CBT for unhelpful thinking.

  • Practical life. Bills, appointments, work and school, kept on track through the low periods.

  • Team coordination. Regular contact with the client's psychiatrist and therapist.

What the first weeks look like

Most clients start with two or three visits a week. Early on, we're learning how the person's days actually go: when they wake up, what they eat, what gets skipped when mood dips, who they talk to. From there we pick one or two changes that would make the biggest difference and work on those first. Plans get adjusted every few weeks based on what's working.

When it's urgent

Mood disorders can bring thoughts of suicide. If you or someone close to you is in danger, call 911, or call or text 988.

Mood disorder treatment in Denver

We work with adults across Denver, Boulder and the surrounding metro. Start with a quick call to Briana Severine, our founder, by reaching out here or calling 303.476.1974. Our FAQ covers cost and how intake works.