Uncovering Mood Disorders

Nearly 10 percent of Americans suffer from depression.

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The Many Faces of Depression - Following weeks of speculation, Illinois Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.'s leave of absence became slightly more clear when his camp announced on Wednesday the 47-year-old was being treated for an unspecified mood disorder. Feelings of hopelessness, irritability, worthlessness and guilt can be experienced by anyone on a typical day, but for millions of Americans diagnosed with a mood disorder, these feelings can be both mentally and emotionally crippling and stop them from living healthy and productive lives. As many as 9.1 percent of the United States adult population suffer from depression, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported in its most recent findings. BET.com takes a look at the ailment and lists options for getting help. – Britt Middleton (Photo: REUTERS/Mitch Dumke)

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Bipolar Disorder  - Bipolar disorder, which is typically diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 25, is a mood disorder where a person experiences extreme mood swings, shifting quickly between periods of euphoria that make a person lose touch with reality, often described as mania, to an irritable mood or depressive state. Bipolar disorder is diagnosed in two stages depending on the level of mania experienced. (Photo: Getty Images) 

Worries - The economy tops the list of things Americans are concerned about, with 68 percent saying they worry a "great deal" about federal spending and the budget deficit, according to a Gallup poll published on March 26. They're followed by the availability and affordability of health care (61 percent), gas prices (55 percent) and unemployment (51 percent).  (Photo: Getty Images/STOCK)

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Chronic Depression  - People diagnosed with chronic major depression can have intense feelings of sadness, loss, frustration or anger that last two years or longer and can be onset as a child or an adult. The causes for both bipolar disorder and depression are unknown, but researchers believe these disorders can be inherited genetically, triggered by emotionally stressful events or onset by chemical changes in the brain. (Photo: Getty Images)

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Milder Forms of Mood Disorders - Dysthymic disorder and cyclothymic disorder are two less severe forms of mood disorders. Dysthymic disorder is described as "low, dark moods" that can stretch up to two years, in contrast with longer periods experienced in chronic major depression. Cyclothymic disorder is described as a mild form of full-blown bipolar disorder, with brief mood swings from euphoria and excitement to mild or moderate depression, though a person may not experience a separation from reality as in bipolar disorder. (Photo: Carl Juste/Miami Herald/MCT)

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Who Is Most Affected by Depression in the U.S.? - According to the CDC's most recent findings, people aged 45-64 make up the highest population of Americans affected by chronic depression. Blacks (12.9 percent) and Latinos (11.7 percent) reported higher levels of depression than whites (8 percent). On the whole, people with less than a high school education, those previously married, people that were unemployed or unable to work, or people without health insurance experienced highest levels of depression, according to the CDC. (Photo: Getty Images)

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Psychologists - Psychologists may find a new home in Canada or Australia. Both nations are looking for immigrants in this profession. (Photo: Getty Images/STOCK)

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How Are Mood Disorders Treated? - A doctor can prescribe antidepressants to help manage feelings of depression. Talking through your feelings with a licensed professional is another common treatment option. Finding a depression support group in your neighborhood by using national resources such as the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance may also help. (Photo: Getty Images)

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Cheers! - Never met a glass of wine you didn’t adore? You don’t have to venture to Napa to enjoy a trip to a winery; they dot the country, from Michigan to Texas.   Tip: WineWeb.com can help you create your trip itinerary.   (Photo: David Silverman/Getty Images)

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How Are Depressive Episodes Triggered? - Traumatic events such as divorce, breaking up with a boyfriend or girlfriend, or sexual abuse can trigger depressive episodes. Drugs and alcohol can exacerbate mood disorder symptoms and even heighten the risks of suicide in some people. Getting enough sleep and speaking with a health care provider on the correct ways to take prescribed medications can help prevent an episode from occurring. (Photo: David Silverman/Getty Images)

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What Are Some Warning Signs? - Symptoms can include drastic changes  in a person’s mood or behavior. Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much, loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable, increased use of drugs and alcohol and withdrawal from friends and family may also be signs of a mood disorder. (Photo: Stuart O'Sullivan/ Getty Images)

Photo By Stuart O'Sullivan/ Getty Images

Where to Get Help - If you or a loved one is suffering from depression or is experiencing thoughts of suicide, representatives from the National Suicide Prevention Hotline are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Mental Health America is another national resource for finding a health care professional, support group and more information about mood disorders. A community member such as your pastor or a trusted family member or friend can also help you or someone you know find help. (Photo: Courtesy suicidepreventionlifeline.org)

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Where to Get Help - If you or a loved one is suffering from depression or is experiencing thoughts of suicide, representatives from the National Suicide Prevention Hotline are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Mental Health America is another national resource for finding a health care professional, support group and more information about mood disorders. A community member such as your pastor or a trusted family member or friend can also help you or someone you know find help. (Photo: Courtesy suicidepreventionlifeline.org)