Keep track of your moods

Journaling is an often used tool to spot health trends, like identifying mood issues. Find out how the practice can better help your doctor diagnose and treat your mood disorder with Robin Miller, MD.

Transcript

00:00

Even a change of season can affect your mood. Keeping a journal in which you jot down your mood and what's happening at the time can help you and your doctor

00:08

spot patterns. And that can help you manage your symptoms. [ROCK MUSIC]

00:22

Hi. I'm Dr. Miller. Doctors often encourage patients to use a diary to keep track of everything from eating patterns to asthma and allergy symptoms.

00:30

It's a great way for you and your doctor to spot patterns in your behavior and symptoms. A detailed diary can provide important clues

00:36

for your doctor to determine the best treatment for you. In fact, a journal can be especially helpful if you have a mood disorder, such as bipolar

00:43

disorder or depression. Bipolar disorder is characterized by mood swings. Sometimes, those mood swings fit a predictable pattern.

00:51

But they're often more erratic, or they can change over time. And other factors can trigger mood swings, including medications, thyroid disorders, poor sleep,

00:59

and stressful events. Even a change of season can affect your mood. Keeping a journal in which you jot down your mood

01:05

and what's happening at the time can help you and your doctor spot patterns. And that can help you manage your symptoms.

01:12

It's a simple, yet powerful way to take charge of your treatment. I'm Dr. Miller. For more ways to boost your well-being,