Euthymic Mood Explained: What It Really Means
Euthymia is a state of inner peace. Learn about its connection to bipolar disorder.
If you have ever reviewed your psychiatrist or therapist’s notes, you might have noticed the words “euthymic mood” to refer to your mood state. So, what does this mean? How does it relate to bipolar disorder?
People with bipolar disorder don’t always experience mania or depression. They can also have long periods of normalcy between episodes. This is called euthymia. Let’s take a closer look at this mood state.
What Is Euthymia?
The Greek meaning of Euthymia means (eu) “well” and (thymus) “mind.” Combine the two and you get “well mind.” In psychiatry, euthymia refers to a mood state where depression, hypomania, and mania are absent. It’s often used to describe a stable mood in bipolar disorder. Your therapist or psychiatrist might also describe your mood as being euthymic with:
Reactive affect: This means that you respond appropriately to what’s around you.
Congruent affect: Your emotions are consistent with the situation.
In the context of bipolar disorder, mental health providers generally refer to someone with a euthymic mood as being in remission. However, this does NOT mean that a person is cured. Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition. It is normal for people to experience periods of euthymia.
If your mood is euthymic, it means that your mood is stable, and you aren’t showing signs of distress. You have more positive experiences like joy and calmness. You're not experiencing the extreme highs of mania or the lows of depression.
People who are in a euthymic mood state also experience emotions like irritability and sadness. However, these emotions are short-lived and situation-specific. They don’t interfere with your life to the degree that they would if you were manic or depressed episode.
The Benefits of Euthymia
Euthymia is associated with a significant reduction in symptoms of bipolar disorder. When your mood is euthymic, you feel happy or optimistic (but not hypomanic). You are more likely to sleep well. It’s easier to be positive and resilient in the face of stressful situations. You are also more likely to be interested and engaged in the world around you.
How Long Can a Euthymic Mood Last?
The amount of time that a person’s mood can be euthymic can vary greatly. One study, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, found that more than 40 percent of participants had a euthymic mood for two to five years. People who predominantly had mania had longer periods of euthymia.
What Can You Do
Thankfully, there are things people with bipolar disorder or other mood disorders can do to achieve and maintain euthymia.
Track moods: Journaling is a great way to track and better understand your mood states. There are several different apps specifically designed for mood tracking with bipolar disorder, including PolarUs and eMoods.
Don’t stop taking medications: Many people stop taking their medications when their mood is euthymic. There is currently no cure for bipolar disorder. You may be in “remission,” but that doesn’t mean that manic or depressive episodes won’t return. It’s important to continue to take medications (unless otherwise instructed by your doctor) even when you are experiencing a euthymic mood state.
Continue therapy: Like medications, therapy is also important — even when you are feeling well. A therapist can help you identify and avoid things that trigger mood changes.
Make healthy lifestyle changes: Following a consistent daily schedule, exercising on a regular basis, staying hydrated, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and making time in your day for mindfulness or meditation can all help with overall well-being.
Related: Can you manage bipolar without medications?
Let’s Recap
Euthymia is a mood state where you may feel optimistic and stable. You may be sleeping well, having better interactions with loved ones, and feeling like you can handle stress better. You may feel healed because of this mood state, but continuing to follow your treatment plan is very important.
