Bipolar Depression Disorder Symptoms Tools To Simplify Your Daily Life

Bipolar Depression Disorder Symptoms

People with bipolar depression may be unable to stay at school or work and have trouble establishing relationships with family members and friends and an increased risk of drug and alcohol abuse. Untreated symptoms can result in feelings of anger and thoughts of suicide.

In addition to periods of extreme "down" moods, a few people experience manic episodes. These include delusions and hearing, seeing or smelling something that's not actually there.

1. Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness

Bipolar depression is characterised by feelings of despair and worthlessness. During a depressive episode, a person may feel down, empty, or hopeless and may also feel a sense of guilt or desperation. These symptoms can make it difficult to manage daily life and could result in an absence of interest in activities that once brought enjoyment. In extreme cases, feeling worthless can cause thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

Certain people suffering from bipolar disorder are also prone to feeling devalued and believing they don't deserve love, also have a difficult time connecting with their positive characteristics. This can be particularly challenging in close relationships like those with family members or romantic partners. If this happens, it's important to get assistance from a mental health professional or contact 911 or the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to speak with someone all hours of the day.

Sometimes, people suffering from bipolar disorder suffer from depression and mania at the same time. This is known as a mixed episode. During this time it is possible for a person to experience the negative feelings of depression and the energy boost and false beliefs that are associated with mania simultaneously. Mania is characterized by feeling enthusiastic and happy as well as laughing and talking frequently, being confident and determined, as well as having hallucinations and delusions.

Combining medication and therapy can be used to alleviate these ailments. Stress reduction techniques including a healthy diet, and a regular sleeping schedule can also aid. It is important to stick to the treatment regimen your doctor prescribes, because abruptly stopping can trigger severe episodes. Psychotherapy (talk therapy) however can assist you to resolve issues that could contribute to your mood fluctuation.

2. You don't want to participate in the activities that you used to take pleasure in

A loss of interest in activities you normally like is one of the most obvious signs of depression. This can include work, hobbies or spending time with family and friends. Remember that depression is an illness and it may take some time to feel better. In spite of this you should continue to visit your doctor and establish a support network to help manage your symptoms.

Bipolar disorder is characterized by intense mood swings, changes in energy and activity levels. This can trigger periods when you feel "up," elated or exuberant, or even "up" (known by the term mania), to periods when you feel "down," sad, and "down." Bipolar disorder mood swings can last for weeks, days or even months.

The most prevalent kind of depression is known as major depression. It can be caused by a stressful life occasion, like the death of a loved one or losing your job. However, it's important to be aware that depression is different from the normal negative emotions you might temporarily have in response to an event in your life. Depression is a long-lasting, severe condition and doesn't disappear by itself.

The use of psychotherapy or medication is prescribed by your physician to combat depression. The medication can help you manage your mood episodes and can even stop them from happening. But you must take your medication according to the instructions of your physician. Treatments for depression include antidepressants and mood stabilizers, like lithium. There is more information about specific medications with regard to side effects, as well as warnings on the FDA website. Some people can benefit from brain stimulation therapy, which involves using electrical or magnetic waves to stimulate or inhibit specific brain areas.

3. Trouble concentrating

A person suffering from bipolar disorder has periods of extremely high energy and activity (mania or "manic" episodes) that are followed by a severe depression. This can make it difficult to concentrate on work or other activities. It can also create problems in relationships at home and at work. Family and friends are usually the first to detect the change in someone's behavior.

A head injury or neurological condition can also cause difficulty concentrating. Patients suffering from these issues need to talk to their physician and get an assessment.

It is normal for people to have trouble concentrating, especially when they are tired or stressed. However, this usually lasts for a short time 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 help the doctor determine the best treatment.

In a study based on self-report measures and an actual sample of patients, researchers found that difficulty concentrating was linked with trait anxiety and all three indices of severity. This is different from previous studies that found that difficulty in concentrating was not associated with other GAD symptoms once depression was statistically controlled (Joormann and Stober, 1999).

If you're concerned about your concentration, speak with your health care provider. A combination of medication and therapy can assist. You may need to look for months or years to find the most effective treatment plan. However, seeking treatment as early as you can could reduce the severity of manic and depressive episodes. It also can prevent them from returning. Other strategies for prevention include keeping a mood diary that allows you to notice the symptoms of an episode and prevent or minimize stress.

4. Feelings of guilt, shame and a sense of inadequacy

Depression can cause feelings of self-loathing or feeling devalued.  depression symptoms  is important to remember that these feelings aren't your fault and that you don't deserve these feelings. If your mood becomes intense and you're thinking of suicide it's an emergency in your mental health and you should seek help immediately.

Certain people with bipolar disorder have episodes of both depression and mania. These are called mixed episodes. During a mixed episode you might experience both low and high, but the highs aren't as intense as the lows. It is also possible to experience rapid mood fluctuations, causing you jump from one state to another.

The symptoms of hypomania or manic include a surge in energy and excitement and irritability, as well as increased levels of activity, false beliefs (delusions) or paranoid or irrational behavior. In a manic or hypomanic period, you're more likely to gamble and spend money. If you're having trouble managing your finances, it's a great idea to establish a long-lasting power of attorney that appoints someone to manage them for you.

Talk to your doctor If you've been experiencing mood-related symptoms for more than two weeks. They'll ask about your symptoms and search for symptoms of bipolar disorder. They might suggest you keep an account of your mood or a chart to see if there are any patterns. If they feel that you are having a serious manic or depressive episode or if you are concerned about your safety, they can refer you to the local NHS community mental health team (CMHT). You can find a list of useful contacts and resources on the Bipolar UK website.

5. Feelings of hopelessness or despair

Bipolar depression is often difficult to diagnose. Talk to your doctor if feel depressed, hopeless or apathetic. It may take months or even years for you and your doctor to come up with the most effective treatment plan.

People with bipolar disorder have distinct periods of very positive energetic, exuberant and happy behavior (known as manic episodes) and also very depressed sad, depressed, or hopeless phases (known as depression episodes). These mood changes can make daily tasks more difficult. These mood changes can be accompanied by feelings of irritability or impulsiveness, as well as racing thoughts. These mood-related episodes can lead to difficulty sleeping and a change in appetite.

These episodes can last for up to a week and may occur at regular intervals throughout your life. These episodes can be triggered by drugs or alcohol, as well as certain life events. Stressful life events like moving, divorced or married, or even getting a new job or losing one can cause a psychotic attack. Drugs like amphetamines, cocaine and ecstasy can trigger an episode. Certain over-the-counter medicines like antidepressants and sleep aids, may cause an episode.

Bipolar disorder-related depression can be severe and is correlated with a higher risk of suicide. Suicide is more likely for those who experience frequent depressive episodes or mixed episodes, an extended family history of suicide or an early development of the illness. Other risk factors are previous suicide attempts, a drug or alcohol history, as well as a family history with psychotic disorders.

Bipolar disorder is not curable but you can manage the symptoms and lead a healthy lifestyle with help of good medical care, a treatment plan including therapies, medications, and lifestyle changes. It is important to stick to your treatment plan even when you feel better.