Understanding Mood Disorders

Mood disorders, which primarily affect a person’s emotional state, are prevalent in the Greater Ontario area, where nearly 1 in 6 adults experience frequent mental distress due to stressors like economic challenges and social pressures. These conditions, characterized by persistent or fluctuating changes in mood, can disrupt daily life but are manageable with timely intervention. At Urgent Care Plus, our walk-in mental health clinic, staffed by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), provides same-day support for mild to moderate mood disorder symptoms through rapid assessments and brief therapy, stabilizing clients for release or referring them to appropriate care, such as a hospital emergency department for severe cases.

Major Depressive Disorder

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) involves intense, persistent sadness or loss of interest in activities for at least two weeks, often accompanied by symptoms like fatigue, hopelessness, or changes in sleep and appetite. In the Inland Empire, where urban and economic stressors are common, MDD can significantly impair work and relationships. Urgent Care Plus offers walk-in crisis counseling and solution-focused strategies to alleviate acute depressive symptoms, helping clients stabilize for same-day release or referring those with severe symptoms for further evaluation.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder is marked by extreme mood swings, including manic episodes (elevated energy, impulsivity) and depressive episodes (low mood, lethargy), which can disrupt daily functioning. In Ontario’s diverse communities, these fluctuations may be exacerbated by cultural or financial stressors. At Urgent Care Plus, our LCSW provides rapid assessments and calming techniques during walk-in visits to manage acute symptoms, particularly during milder episodes, with referrals to emergency departments for severe mania or suicidal ideation requiring immediate medical attention.

Persistent Depressive Disorder

Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD), also known as dysthymia, involves chronic, low-grade depression lasting two years or more, often with symptoms like low energy, poor self-esteem, or difficulty concentrating. In the Inland Empire, where stigma may delay help-seeking, PDD can quietly affect quality of life. Urgent Care Plus addresses mild PDD symptoms through walk-in services, offering brief cognitive strategies to improve coping, and refers clients needing ongoing treatment to appropriate providers or hospital emergency departments for comprehensive care.

If you or a loved one are experiencing mood disorder symptoms that feel overwhelming, don’t wait to seek help. Visit Urgent Care Plus in Ontario for immediate, walk-in mental health support. Our Licensed Clinical Social Worker provides rapid assessments and brief interventions to stabilize your symptoms, helping you get back on track or guiding you to the right care. Walk in today. No appointment needed, to take the first step toward feeling better.