A mood disorder is an illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts. It affects the way a person feels about him or herself and even eating, sleeping, and thinking.

It's important to remember people with a mood disorder, like others with a mental illness, cannot "pull themselves together" and make themselves better.

The right treatment to reduce or manage symptoms can help people with a mood disorder to recover so they can enjoy and participate fully in their lives.

The stigma directed at people with mood disorders can affect whether a person seeks treatment, takes their medication, or continues with counselling. Support and encouragement from friends, family and co-workers can help people with mood disorders feel more confident in finding the help they need.