Mood & Substance Use

When should I seek help?

• If you believe your moods are a problem or if you answer yes to any of the following

questions, you should seek professional assistance (see pages 15–16):

Are your symptoms very distressing?

Do they interfere with your home, work, study, relationships or social life?

Do you use alcohol, tobacco or other drugs to cope?

Have you thought about harming yourself or others?

How are mood disorders treated?

• Mood disorders can be treated effectively. Both psychological therapy and medication

can help people affected by mood disorders.

• Often by learning how to better manage their moods, a person can learn how to better

manage their substance use.

Psychological therapy

• Psychological treatments usually involve therapy that is focused on changing unhelpful

patterns of thinking, behaviours and beliefs.

• Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is commonly used in the treatment of depression and

bipolar disorder, and has the best evidence of improving these conditions. CBT is also

effective for managing substance use, so treatment can often be combined to target both

a person’s mood and substance use problems. This type of therapy is aimed at changing

patterns of thinking, behaviours and beliefs.

• If you’re interested in seeing a psychologist, your GP can help you by preparing a mental

health plan, and referring you to an appropriate psychologist.

Medication

• Medication may be helpful alongside psychological therapy. Anti-depressant medication

in particular can help depressive feelings, restore normal sleep patterns and appetite,

and reduce anxiety. Mood stabilisers can also help balance out the mood swings people

experience with bipolar disorder.

• Medications can be helpful in managing your moods; however, some people experience

unpleasant and distressing side effects. In most instances there is a choice of medication

available, but it may take time to establish which medication is best suited to your

needs. Tell your doctor about any side effects that are distressing you.

6 • Mood

substance use