Bipolar Depression Disorder Symptoms
Bipolar depression can lead to difficulties at work or in school, as well as tensions with family and friends. The risk of developing alcoholism and addiction to drugs is increased. Unmanaged symptoms may also cause feelings of anxiety or thoughts of suicide.
In addition to the periods of extreme "down" moods, some people have manic episodes. They can be characterized by seeing, hearing or smelling things that aren't there (hallucinations) and believing things that aren't (delusions).
1. Feelings of despair or hopelessness
Bipolar depression is characterised by feelings of despair and a sense of worthlessness. In a depressive episode a person may feel down and empty, or even hopeless and may also feel a sense of guilt or a sense of worthlessness. These symptoms can make it difficult to deal with daily life and can result in a loss of interest in activities that previously brought enjoyment. In severe cases, feelings of inadequacy can lead to thoughts of suicide or self-harm.
In addition to feeling worthless Some people with bipolar disorder have trouble connecting with their strengths and believe that they aren't worthy of being loved. This can be particularly difficult in relationships with close people, such as those with family members or romantic partners. It is important to seek assistance from a mental healthcare professional or call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for 24/7 assistance.
Sometimes, people with bipolar disorder experience both depression and mania at the same time. This is known as a mixed episode. During this time one may experience the negative feelings of depression and the high energy and false beliefs that are associated with mania simultaneously. Symptoms of mania include being happy and excited, spending lots of time laughing and talking, being too confident and ambitious, and experiencing hallucinations or delusions that include seeing or hearing things that aren't there.
A combination of medication and therapy can help treat these symptoms. A regular sleeping schedule along with a healthy diet and techniques for reducing stress can be beneficial. It is essential to adhere to the treatment plan your doctor prescribes, since abruptly stopping your treatment can trigger severe episodes. Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can help you work through the issues the cause of your mood swings.
2. You're no longer enjoying the activities you used take pleasure in
A loss of enthusiasm for activities you usually enjoy is one of the telltale signs of depression. This could be due to activities such as hobbies, work, or spending time with family members and friends. It's important to keep in mind that depression is a real illness and it can take some time to be able to feel better. It is still recommended to consult your doctor to manage your symptoms.
Bipolar disorder is characterised by extreme mood swings, changes in energy levels and activity levels. This can result in periods of feeling extremely "up," elated, angry, or excited (known as mania) to times of feeling "down" and sad (known as depression). Bipolar disorder can cause mood swings that can last for days, weeks or even months.
Major depression is the most well-known form of depression. It can be caused by a difficult event in your life, like losing a job or the loss of a family member. It's important to note that depression is not the same as the short-term negative feelings you may experience as a result of an incident. Depression is chronic, severe, and doesn't go away on its own.
Your doctor can treat your depression with medication or psychotherapy. Medicine can reduce your mood episodes, and even prevent them from occurring. But you must take your medication as prescribed by your physician. Treatments for depression include antidepressants as well as mood stabilizers, such as lithium. You can find more information about specific medications, including side effects and warnings on the FDA website. For some people brain stimulation therapywhich involves stimulating or inhibiting certain areas of the brain with magnetic waves or electricitycan also aid in treating depression.
3. signs and symptoms of postnatal depression is difficult to concentrate
Bipolar disorder is defined by a period of high energy and activity (manic episodes or "manic episodes"), which are followed by severe depression. This can make it hard to concentrate on work or other tasks. It can also cause issues at home or in relationships. Most often family members and friends are the first to observe changes in a person's behavior.
Concentration problems can be an indication of a medical condition such as a head injury or neurological issue. People who have these problems should talk to their health care provider and get an evaluation.
It is normal for people to experience difficulty concentrating, particularly when they are tired or stressed. But this is usually temporary and improves as the person is able to rest or becomes more relaxed. A mental illness such as anxiety or depression can cause problems with concentration. It is essential to obtain a correct diagnosis, as it will aid the doctor choose the most effective treatment.
In a study based on self-report measures as well as a diagnosed sample, researchers found that difficulty concentrating was linked with trait worry and the three indices of clinical severity. This is different from earlier studies that indicated that difficulty concentrating did not correlate with other GAD symptoms when depression was statistically controlled (Joormann and Stober 1999).
Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about your concentration. A combination of medication and therapy could assist. You may need to search for months or even years to find the right treatment strategy. Early treatment can decrease the severity and frequency of manic or depressive episodes. It also can prevent them from occurring again. Other prevention strategies include keeping a journal of your mood, so you can notice the first symptoms of an episode and avoid or reduce stress.
4. Feelings of guilt, shame or deprivation
The incredibly lows of depression can be coupled with feelings of self-doubt and despair. It is important to remember that these feelings aren't caused by you and that you don't deserve these feelings. If your mood gets too severe and you have thoughts of suicide, it's an emergency in your mental health and you should seek help immediately.
Bipolar disorder can trigger episodes of depression and mania. They are known as mixed episodes. During a mixed episode you might feel both high and low, however, the highs aren't as intense as the lows. There are also rapid mood swings, which can cause you jump from one state into another.
The signs of hypomania or mania include a surge in energy and excitement, increased irritability, increased levels of activity and impulsive behavior, false beliefs (delusions) or paranoid or irrational behaviour. During a hypomanic or manic period, you are more likely to take risks and spend money. If you're having trouble managing your finances, it's a good idea to create a permanent power of attorney to appoint someone to manage them for you.
Consult your physician when you've experienced mood swings for more than two weeks. They'll inquire about your symptoms and search for symptoms of bipolar disorder. They might suggest that you keep a mood diary or a chart to see whether there are any patterns. They might recommend you to your local NHS community mental health team (CMHT) when they suspect that you're having a serious manic or depressive episode, or if there are concerns about your security. Bipolar UK has a list with helpful contacts and resources.
5. Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
Bipolar depression can be difficult to diagnose. Tell your doctor if you feel hopeless, depressed or unworthy. It could take months or even years for you and your physician to come up with the most effective treatment plan.
Bipolar disorder is characterised by intense elation, excitement and energy (known collectively as manic episodes), and periods of extreme sadness, hopelessness, and indifference (known collectively as depression episodes). These mood swings can make it hard to perform everyday tasks. These mood swings can be accompanied by feelings of irritability and impulsiveness. They can also lead to trouble sleeping and a change in appetite.
These episodes can last for several weeks and may occur on a regular basis throughout your life. These episodes are often caused by alcohol or drugs or other life events. Stressful life events like moving, divorced or married, or even getting an entirely new job or losing an old one can trigger a psychotic episode. Cocaine, ecstasy and amphetamines are all drugs that can trigger an episode. Also, some over-the-counter cold medications, antidepressants, sleep aids, certain stimulant medications, and thyroid medication.
Bipolar disorder-related depression can be severe and is linked to a higher risk of suicide. Suicide is more frequent in people who have frequent depressive episodes, a mixed episode and a history of suicide, or early beginning. Other risk factors include previous attempts, a substance or alcohol history, as well as an extended family history of psychotic disorders.
There is no cure for bipolar disorder, but with proper medical treatment and a treatment plan that includes medication, therapy and lifestyle modifications, you can manage your symptoms and live a the life you want to live. It is essential to stay to your treatment plan even if you feel better.