Have you ever felt like you’re on a rollercoaster of emotions, where one minute you’re soaring high and the next you’re plummeting down? Feeling sad, grumpy, or anxious for longer than usual can be tough, and sometimes it’s hard to pinpoint why. If you’re experiencing these confusing mood swings, you might be wondering, “What’s going on with me?”

Well, there’s a chance you might have something called a mood disorder. But don’t worry, it’s not a scary monster under the bed – it’s just a way of describing how our brains sometimes handle emotions. Just like when your body gets the sniffles, sometimes our minds need a little extra care too.

One type of mood disorder you might hear about is called “Mood Disorder NOS.” NOS stands for “Not Otherwise Specified,” which basically means that even though you might be having some mood swings, they don’t exactly fit into the neat boxes of other mood disorders like depression or anxiety. Think of it like a puzzle with some missing pieces – it’s still a puzzle, but it looks a little different than the ones on the picture on the box.

So, what are some signs that you might have a Mood Disorder NOS?

• Feeling down and blue most of the time, or easily irritated and grumpy. It’s okay to feel sad or frustrated sometimes, but if these feelings stick around for weeks or months and start messing with your daily life, like sleeping, eating, or hanging out with friends, it might be a sign of something more.

• Changes in sleep patterns, like sleeping too much or not enough, can also be a clue.

• Feeling tired all the time, even after getting enough sleep. We all have days where we feel like slugs, but if this becomes a regular thing, it’s worth checking in with your doctor or a mental health professional.

• Having trouble focusing or concentrating, or feeling restless and fidgety.

• Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy, like hobbies, sports, or hanging out with friends.

• Changes in appetite, like eating too much or not wanting to eat at all.

• Feeling hopeless or worthless, or even having thoughts about hurting yourself. This is a serious sign, and if you’re experiencing it, please reach out to a trusted adult immediately.

Remember, these are just some examples, and everyone experiences Mood Disorders NOS differently. Some kids might have just a few of these symptoms, while others might have more. The important thing is to pay attention to how you’re feeling and talk to someone you trust if things don’t feel right.

So, what can you do if you think you have a Mood Disorder NOS?

The good news is, there are lots of things you can do to feel better! Just like when you break your arm, you go to the doctor to get it in a cast, if you’re struggling with your mood, there are people who can help.

1. Talk to your parents or a trusted adult. They can support you and help you get the help you need.

2. See your doctor or a mental health professional. They can talk to you about what’s going on and suggest different treatment options.

Treatment for Mood Disorders NOS can include:

• Therapy: Talking to a therapist can help you understand your emotions and develop coping mechanisms.
• Medication: In some cases, medication can help regulate your mood and make it easier to manage your symptoms.
• Lifestyle changes: Getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and spending time with loved ones can all make a big difference in how you feel.

Community resources and referrals:

It’s important to remember that you’re not alone. There are lots of people who care about you and want to help. Here are some resources that can offer support:

• The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
• The Jed Foundation: https://jedfoundation.org/
• The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386
• The Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

Remember, feeling out of sorts doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you. It just means your brain needs a little extra TLC. With the right support, you can manage your mood disorder and live a happy and healthy life. So don’t be afraid to reach out for help – you