Bipolar Depression Disorder Symptoms

People with bipolar depression may be unable to stay at school or work, strained relationships with family members and friends and an increased risk of alcohol and drug abuse. Untreated symptoms can lead to feelings of irritability and thoughts identifying signs of depression suicide.

Some people also experience manic episodes in addition to extreme "down" moods. These can include delusions, seeing, hearing, or smelling something that isn't really there.

1. Feelings of despair or hopelessness

Bipolar depression is characterized by feelings of despair and worthlessness. During a depressive episode, one may feel down and empty, or even hopeless and may also feel a sense of guilt or worthlessness. These symptoms can make it difficult to cope with everyday life and may cause the loss of interest in activities that previously brought pleasure. In extreme cases, the feeling of inadequacy can lead to thoughts of suicide or self-harm.

Certain people suffering from bipolar disorder are also prone to feeling worthless and believing that they aren't worthy of love, also have trouble connecting with their positive characteristics. This can be especially difficult in relationships with close people, such as those with families or romantic partners. If this happens, it's essential to get assistance from an expert in mental health, or dial 911 or the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to chat with a person all hours of the day.

Sometimes, those with bipolar disorder have depression and mania at the same time. This is known as a mixed episode. During this time, a person may have depression-like feelings and the high energy and false beliefs associated with mania concurrently. Mania is the state of being happy and excited as well as laughing and talking a lot, being overconfident and ambitious, and having hallucinations or thoughts of delusions.

A combination of medication and therapy can alleviate these symptoms. A regular sleeping schedule as well as a healthy diet and stress reduction techniques can also be helpful. It is important that you adhere to the treatment program that your doctor has prescribed, as abruptly stopping it could trigger severe episodes. Psychotherapy (talk therapy) however, can help you to deal with issues that could be contributing to your mood fluctuation.

2. A decrease in interest in activities you used to enjoy

A decrease in interest in activities that you normally enjoy is one of the indicators of depression. This could include things such as hobbies, work, or spending time with family and friends. It's important to remember that depression is a real disease, and it can take a while before you get better. In spite of this you should continue to visit your doctor and create an alliance of support to help manage your symptoms.

Bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings, changes in energy and levels of activity. This can cause periods where you feel "up," elated or energized, or extremely "up" (known by the term mania) and then periods where you feel "down," sad, and "down." Bipolar disorder can cause mood swings that can last for weeks, days, or even months.

The most prevalent type of depression is major depressive disorder. It can be triggered by a difficult event in your life, such as losing a job or the loss of a close family member. But, it's important to remember that depression is different from the normal negative feelings that you might temporarily have in reaction to a life event. Depression is chronic, severe, and doesn't disappear on its own.

Psychotherapy or medication can be prescribed by your physician to combat depression. Medicine can help manage your mood swings and help prevent them from happening However, it's crucial to take your medications consistently as prescribed by your doctor. Antidepressants, mood stabilizers such as lithium, and other medications are available for treating depression. You can find more details about specific medications with regard to side effects, as well as warnings, on the FDA website. Certain people may benefit from brain stimulation therapy that uses electrical or magnetic waves to stimulate or inhibit certain areas of their brain.

3. Difficulty concentrating

Bipolar disorder is characterised by periods of excessive energy and activity (manic episodes or "manic episodes"), which are followed by severe depression. This can make it difficult to concentrate on work or other tasks. It can also create problems in relationships at home and at work. Most often family and friends are the first to notice changes in someone's behavior.

A head injury or neurological condition can cause problems with concentration. People who have these problems should consult their doctor and seek an evaluation.

It is normal for people to experience trouble concentrating, especially when they are stressed or tired. But this is usually temporary and improves as the person gets rest or more calm. Mental illness like depression or anxiety can also result in difficulty concentrating. It is important to get the right diagnosis, as it will help the doctor determine the most effective treatment.

In a study that used self-report measures as well as an actual sample of patients researchers discovered that difficulty in concentrating was associated with trait worry as well as all three indices signs of depression returning severity. This is in contrast to previous studies that found that difficulty concentrating did not correlate with other GAD symptoms when depression was statistically controlled (Joormann and Stober 1999).

If you're worried about your concentration, talk to your health care provider. Combining therapy with medication can be helpful. It may take months or even years to find the right treatment plan, and you'll have to follow it carefully. However, seeking treatment as early symptoms of major depression as you can could reduce the severity of manic and depression-related episodes. It can also prevent them from occurring again. Other strategies for prevention include keeping a mood diary that allows you to notice the first symptoms of an episode and prevent or reduce stress.

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

Depression can lead to feelings of self-loathing or feeling devalued. Keep in mind that these feelings do not originate from you, and they are not your fault. If you're feeling depressed and have thoughts of self-harm, you should seek immediate help.

People who suffer from bipolar disorder experience bouts of mania and depression. These are called mixed episodes. In a mixed episode, you may feel both high and low, however the highs aren't quite as intense as the lows. There may be rapid changes in your mood, which can cause you to jump between states very quickly.

The subtle Signs of depression of hypomania or mania can include feelings of excitement and energy, heightened irritability, increased activity levels, false beliefs (delusions) and paranoid or irrational behaviour. In a manic or hypomanic period, you are more likely to gamble and spend money. If you're having difficulty managing your finances, you should consider appointing someone to manage them on your behalf.

If you have mood symptoms of major depression that last for 2 weeks or longer, it's a good idea to consult your doctor. They'll ask you about your symptoms and look for internal signs of depression of bipolar disorder. They might suggest that you keep a chart or mood journal to identify patterns. They may refer you to your local NHS community mental health team (CMHT) in the event that they believe that you're having an extreme manic or depressive episode or if there are concerns regarding your security. Bipolar UK has a list with useful contacts and resources.

5. Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness

Bipolar depression can be difficult to recognize. It is crucial to inform your doctor about any feelings of despair, sadness or worthlessness that you experience. It may take months or years for you and your physician to come up with the most effective treatment plan.

Bipolar disorder is characterized by intense elation, excitement and energy (known collectively as manic episodes) as well as periods of extreme sadness, despair and indifference (known collectively as depressive episodes). These mood changes can make daily tasks difficult. These mood episodes can also be associated with feelings of anger, impulsiveness and racing thoughts. These mood-related episodes can cause sleeplessness and a change in appetite.

These episodes can last for up to a week and occur on a regular basis throughout your life. They can be triggered by certain events and drugs or alcohol. For example stressful life events such as moving or getting divorced, finding an employment or losing it can trigger an episode. Cocaine, ecstasy, as well as amphetamines are other drugs that can cause an episode. Certain over-the-counter medicines like antidepressants and sleep aids, may trigger an episode.

Depression in bipolar disorder can be severe and is correlated with an increased risk of suicide. Suicide is more likely for people who suffer from frequent depressive episodes or mixed episodes or a family history of suicide or a young development of the disorder. Other risk factors include previous suicide attempts, a drug or alcohol history, and a family history with psychotic disorders.

There is no known cure for bipolar disorder, but with proper medical treatment and an effective treatment plan that incorporates medication, therapy and lifestyle changes you can manage your symptoms and lead a an active and healthy life. It is essential to stay with your treatment plan, even when you feel better.