Bipolar Depression Disorder Symptoms
Bipolar patients may experience difficulty staying at school or work, strained relationships with family members and friends and an increased risk of alcohol and drug abuse. Unmanaged symptoms may also cause feelings of irritability or thoughts of suicide.
In addition, to periods of extreme "down" moods, some sufferers experience manic episodes. They can be characterized by experiencing, hearing or smelling things that aren't there (hallucinations) and believing things that aren't real (delusions).
1. Feelings of despair or hopelessness
Feelings of desperation or despair are a common symptom of bipolar depression. In a depressive state the person may feel hopeless, empty, or guilt-ridden. They may feel depressed or guilt-ridden. These symptoms can make it difficult to cope with everyday life and may cause the loss of interest in activities that previously brought enjoyment. In severe instances, feeling unworthy can cause thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
In addition to feeling worthless People who suffer from bipolar disorder are having trouble connecting to their good qualities and believe that they don't deserve to be loved. This can be especially difficult in relationships with close people, such as those with family or romantic partners. If this happens, it's essential to get help from a mental health professional or call 911 or the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to chat with a person 24/7.
Bipolar disorder can trigger depression and mania at the same time. This is referred to as a mixed episode. During this time it is possible for a person to experience depression-like symptoms and the energy boost and false beliefs associated with mania simultaneously. The signs of mania are feeling excited and happy and spending much of the time talking and laughing as well as being overly confident and ambitious, and having hallucinations or delusions that involve hearing or seeing things that aren't there.
Combining therapy and medication can be used to combat these ailments. Techniques to reduce stress, a healthy diet and a consistent sleep routine can also help. It is essential to adhere to the treatment regimen your doctor prescribes, since abruptly stopping can trigger severe episodes. Psychotherapy (talk therapy), on the other hand, can help you to deal with issues that could contribute to your mood fluctuations.
2. A decrease in interest in activities you used to enjoy
A decline in interest in activities that you normally enjoy is one of the indicators of depression. This could include things like hobbies, work or spending time with family and friends. Keep in mind that depression is a chronic illness and it may take a while to recover. However, you should still see your doctor and create a support network to help manage your symptoms.
People with bipolar disorder experience intense changes in mood, energy levels, and activity levels. This can cause periods of feeling extremely "up," elated, and energized (known as mania) to times of feeling "down" and sad (known as depression). The mood swings of bipolar disorder can be present for a few days, weeks, or even months.
The most frequent kind of depression is known as major depressive disorder. It can be triggered by a stressful life occasion, like the death of a loved one or losing your job. It is important to understand that depression is not the same as the temporary negative feelings that you might experience as a result of an incident. Depression is severe, persistent, and does not go away by itself.
Your doctor can treat your depression using psychotherapy or medication. Medicine can help manage your mood swings and help prevent them from happening however it is important to take your medication on a regular basis according to the instructions of your physician. Antidepressants, mood stabilizers, such as lithium and other medications are available for treating depression. There is more information about specific medications that are used to treat depression, including side effects and warnings on the FDA website. For some, brain stimulation therapy -- which involves activating or reducing certain areas of the brain by using electricity or magnetic waves -can help with depression.
3. Trouble concentrating
A person with bipolar disorder can experience periods of extreme energy and activity (mania or "manic" episodes) which are followed by severe depression. This can make it hard to focus on work or other activities. It can also cause issues at home, as well as in relationships. Family and friends are often the first to detect a change in a person’s behavior.
Difficulty concentrating can also be an indication of a medical issue, like a head injury, or neurological problem. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is essential to speak with your doctor for a diagnosis.
It is normal to have difficulties concentrating when you are stressed or exhausted. This is temporary and usually improves after a person rests or becomes more relaxed. It could also be a sign of mental illness, like depression or anxiety. It's important to get an accurate diagnosis because it will help the doctor select the appropriate treatment.
Researchers discovered that the difficulty in concentrating was related to trait anxiety, and all three clinical severity indicators. This is in contrast to previous findings that showed difficulties in concentrating were not associated with other GAD symptoms when depression was statistically controlled (Joormann and Stober 1999).
If you're concerned about your concentration, speak with your health care provider. Combining therapy and medication can be helpful. It could take months or even years to find the best treatment plan, and you'll have to follow it with care. But seeking treatment as soon as possible can reduce the severity of manic or depressive episodes. It also can prevent them from returning. Other methods to prevent them include keeping a mood diary, so you can notice the early signs of an episode and avoid 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 responsibility. If you're feeling depressed and are contemplating self-harm, you should seek immediate help.
Bipolar disorder can trigger episodes of depression and mania. depression symptoms physical are known as mixed episodes. In a mixed episode, you may feel both low and high, however the highs aren't quite as intense as the lows. You may also experience rapid changes in your mood, which can cause you to jump between states quickly.
Symptoms of mania or hypomania can include feelings of energy and excitement and irritability that is heightened, as well as heightened activity levels and false beliefs (delusions), and paranoid or irrational behavior. When you are in a hypomanic or manic period, you are more likely to gamble and spend money. If you are having trouble managing your finances, you should consider appointing someone to manage them on your behalf.
If you experience mood-related symptoms that last for two weeks or more, it's a good idea to speak to your doctor. They will ask you about your symptoms and look for symptoms of bipolar disorder. They may suggest keeping a mood diary or a chart to see if there are any patterns. They may recommend 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 safety. You can find a list helpful contacts and resources on the Bipolar UK website.
5. Feelings of despair or hopelessness
Bipolar depression is often difficult to diagnose. Talk to your doctor if feel hopeless, depressed or unworthy. It may take months or years for you and your physician to come up with the most effective treatment plan.
Bipolar disorder sufferers have distinct periods of very positive, elated and energized behavior (known as manic episodes) and also very depressed sad, indifferent, or hopeless phases (known as depression episodes). These mood changes can make it difficult to perform daily tasks. These mood episodes may also be accompanied with feelings of irritability and impulsiveness. They can also lead to trouble sleeping and an increase in appetite.
These episodes could last for more than a week and can occur at regular intervals throughout your life. These episodes are often caused by alcohol or drugs or other life events. For instance stress-inducing life events like moving or getting divorced, finding an employment or losing it can cause an episode. Drugs like cocaine, ecstasy and amphetamines can trigger an episode. As can certain over-the counter cold medications, antidepressants, sleep aids, certain stimulant medications, and thyroid medication.
Depression in bipolar disorder is severe and can increase the likelihood of suicide. Suicide is more likely in those who experience frequent depressive episodes or mixed episodes, a family history of suicide or a young development of the illness. Other risk factors are previous suicide attempts, a drug or alcohol history, and a family history with psychotic disorders.
Bipolar disorder isn't curable but you can manage the symptoms and live an active and healthy life with the assistance of a good medical treatment and a treatment program that includes therapy, medication and lifestyle changes. It is important to stick to your treatment plan even if you feel better.