15 Inspiring Facts About Bipolar Depression Disorder Symptoms That You Didn't Know About

Bipolar Depression Disorder Symptoms Bipolar depression can cause difficulties at work or in school and can cause difficult relationships with family and friends. The risk of developing alcoholism and addiction to drugs is increased. Unmanaged symptoms can also lead to feelings of irritability and thoughts of suicide. In addition to the periods of extreme “down” moods, a few people have manic episodes. They can experience delusions, as well as hearing, seeing, or smelling something that's not actually there. 1. Feelings of hopelessness or despair Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness are a common sign of bipolar depression. In a depressive episode one may feel down, empty, or hopeless and may also feel a sense of guilt or a sense of worthlessness. These symptoms can make it hard to manage daily life and may cause a loss of interest in past activities. In severe cases, feelings of inadequacy can lead to thoughts of suicide or self-harm. Some people with bipolar disorder are also prone to feeling devalued and believing they aren't worthy of love, also have a difficult time connecting with their positive qualities. This can be especially challenging when it comes to relationships that are intimate, such as those with friends or romantic partners. If this happens, it's important to get help from an expert in mental health, or contact 911 or the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to talk to someone 24 hours a day. Bipolar disorder can cause both depression and mania at the same moment. This is referred to as a mixed episode. A person may feel both the negative emotions that are associated with depression as well as the high levels of energy and false belief that are associated with mania, all at the same time. Symptoms of mania can include feeling excited and happy, spending much of the time laughing and talking as well as being overly confident and ambitious, and having hallucinations or delusions, which involve seeing or hearing things that aren't there. A combination of medication and therapy can help treat these symptoms. A regular schedule of sleep as well as a healthy diet and stress reduction techniques can be beneficial. It is important that you adhere to the treatment program prescribed by your doctor because abruptly stopping it can cause severe episodes. Psychotherapy (talk therapy), however, can help you to resolve issues that could be contributing to your mood swings. 2. You don't want to participate in the activities you used enjoy Depression is characterized by a loss of interest in the activities that you usually like to do. This could be due to activities like hobbies, work or time spent with friends and family members. It is important to remember that depression is a real condition and it can take a while to get better. However you should continue to visit your doctor and create an online support system to help manage your symptoms. Bipolar disorder is characterised by extreme mood swings, changes in energy levels and activity levels. It can lead to 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.” The mood swings of bipolar disorder can be present for a few days, weeks, or even months. Major depressive disorder is the most common form of depression. It is often caused by a difficult event in your life, such as losing a job or the death of a family member. It is important to understand that depression isn't like the temporary negative feelings you may feel in response to an event. Depression is chronic, severe, and does not go away on its own. Psychotherapy or medication can be prescribed by your doctor to combat depression. The use of medication can help you manage your mood episodes and stop them from happening However, it's crucial to take your medications consistently as prescribed by your doctor. The medications for depression include antidepressants as well as mood stabilizers, like lithium. On the FDA website you can find more about specific medications including side effects and warnings. Some people can benefit from brain stimulation therapy, which involves using electrical or magnetic waves to stimulate or inhibit certain brain regions. 3. It is difficult to concentrate A person suffering from bipolar disorder can experience periods of unusually high energy and activity (mania or “manic” episodes) which are followed by depression that is severe. This can make it difficult to concentrate on work or other activities. It can also cause issues in relationships at home and at work. In many cases family members and friends are the first to notice changes in someone's behavior. A head injury or neurological problem can also make it difficult to concentrate. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it's important to consult your doctor and get an assessment. It is normal for people to have difficulties concentrating, especially when they are stressed or tired. However, this is usually temporary and improves as the individual gets rest or calmer. Difficulty concentrating may also be a sign of mental illness, like depression or anxiety. It is crucial to get 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 in concentrating was associated with trait worry and all three indicators of severity. This is in contrast to previous findings that showed difficulties in concentrating were not associated with other GAD symptoms after depression was statistically controlled (Joormann and Stober, 1999). If you're concerned about your concentration, speak with your health care provider. Combining medication with therapy can be beneficial. You may need to search for months or years to find the best treatment strategy. But seeking treatment as soon as you can will lessen the severity of manic and depressive episodes. It can also stop the occurrence from happening again. Other prevention strategies include keeping a journal of your mood to identify the symptoms of an episode and prevent or minimize stress. 4. Feelings of guilt and feeling unworthy The incredibly lows of depression can be coupled with feelings of self-loathing and worthlessness. It's important to remember that these feelings aren't the fault of you and that you don't deserve these feelings. If you're feeling depressed and have thoughts of self-harm, you should seek immediate help. Bipolar disorder can trigger episodes of depression and mania. These are known as mixed episodes. You might experience both lows and highs, but the highs are less intense than the lows. There may be rapid changes in your mood, causing you to change between states very quickly. The signs of hypomania or mania can include feelings of energy and excitement as well as increased irritability, higher activity levels and false beliefs (delusions) and paranoid or irrational behaviors. In a hypomanic or manic phase, you're more likely to spend money and take on risky behavior. If you're having difficulty managing your finances, you should consider appointing a person to manage them on your behalf. If you experience mood-related symptoms that last for two weeks or more, it's a great idea to talk to your doctor. They'll ask about your symptoms and look for the signs of bipolar disorder. They may suggest keeping an account of your mood or a chart to determine whether there are any patterns. They might refer you to your local NHS community mental health team (CMHT) when they suspect that you're experiencing an extreme manic or depressive episode or if there are concerns regarding your security. Bipolar UK has a list of useful contacts and information. 5. Feelings of despair or hopelessness Bipolar depression is often difficult to recognize. It is essential to inform your doctor about any feelings of sadness, hopelessness or a sense of worthlessness you feel. It may take months or even years for you and your physician to come up with the most effective treatment plan. People with bipolar disorder have distinct periods of very up, elated and energized behavior (known as manic episodes) and also very depressed, sad, indifferent or hopeless phases (known as depressive episodes). These mood changes can make it hard to complete daily tasks. These mood changes can be accompanied by feelings of irritability and impulsiveness. These mood episodes can also cause sleeplessness and a change in appetite. These episodes can last for several weeks and can occur on a regular basis throughout your life. They may be triggered by certain events, as well as alcohol or drugs. Stressful life events like moving, divorced or married, or even getting a new job or losing one can cause a psychotic attack. Cocaine, ecstasy, and amphetamines are also drugs that can trigger an episode. Also, some over-the-counter cold medicines, antidepressants sleep aids, some stimulant medication and thyroid medications. postnatal depression symptoms can cause depression that is severe and increases the likelihood of suicide. Suicide is more frequent among people with frequent depressive episodes, a mixed episode, the history of suicide or early onset. Other risk factors are previous attempts, a substance or alcohol history, and a family history with psychotic disorders. There is no known cure for bipolar disorder, but with proper medical treatment and a treatment plan that includes therapies, medications and lifestyle changes, you can manage your symptoms and live an active and healthy life. Even when you feel better, it is essential to stick to your treatment plan.