Bipolar Depression Disorder Symptoms
People suffering from bipolar depression might have difficulty staying at school or at work, strained relationships with family members and friends, and an increased chance of consuming alcohol and drugs abuse. Unmanaged symptoms can also result in feelings of anger and thoughts of suicide.
There are also those who experience manic episodes in addition to extreme "down" moods. They can be characterized by being able to sense, hear or smell things that aren't there (hallucinations) and believing things that aren't (delusions).
1. Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
Feelings of desperation or despair are a typical symptom of bipolar depression. In a depressive phase, people may feel depressed, empty, empty, or hopeless and may also experience feelings of guilt or worthlessness. These symptoms can make it difficult to cope with daily life and may result in a loss of interest in activities that were enjoyable previously. In extreme instances, feeling unworthy can cause thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
In addition to feeling unworthy Some people who suffer from bipolar disorder have difficulty connecting with their strengths 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. When this happens, it's essential to seek out help from an expert in mental health, or contact 911 or the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to speak with someone 24 hours a day.
Bipolar disorder can trigger depression and mania at the same time. This is referred to as a mixed episode. A person can feel both the negative emotions associated with depression and the high levels of energy and false beliefs that are associated with mania simultaneously. Mania is characterized by feeling joyful and exuberant and laughing often, feeling confident and ambitious, as well as having hallucinations and thoughts of delusions.
A combination of medication and therapy can ease the symptoms. Stress reduction techniques such as a healthy diet and a regular sleep schedule can also help. It is essential to adhere to the treatment regimen your doctor prescribes, since abruptly stopping treatment can trigger serious episodes. Psychotherapy (talk therapy) on the other hand can assist you to work through issues that may contribute to your mood fluctuations.
2. You no longer enjoy the activities you used enjoy
Depression is caused by a decline in enthusiasm for the activities you usually are interested in. severe depression physical symptoms could include hobbies, work or spending time with your family and friends. Be aware that depression is a serious illness and it can take some time to feel better. You should still consult your physician to address your symptoms.
People with bipolar disorder experience intense changes in mood as well as energy levels and levels of activity. This can cause periods of feeling extremely "up," elated, and exuberant (known as mania) to times of feeling "down" and sad (known as depression). Bipolar disorder mood swings can last days, weeks or even months.
The most common form of depression is called major depression. It is often caused by a difficult event in your life, like losing a job or the loss of a family member. It is important to remember that depression is not like the temporary negative feelings that you might experience as a result of an event. Depression is persistent and severe, and it doesn't go away on its own.
Psychotherapy or medication can be prescribed by your doctor to treat depression. Medicine can help manage your mood episodes and help prevent them from happening However, it's crucial to take your medication on a regular basis as prescribed by your doctor. Antidepressants, mood stabilizers such as lithium, and other medications can be prescribed for depression. There is more information about specific medications, including side effects and warnings, on the FDA website. Certain people may benefit from a treatment called brain stimulation, which involves using electrical or magnetic waves to activate or inhibit specific brain areas.
3. Difficulty concentrating
A person with bipolar disorder has periods of extremely high energy and activity (mania or "manic" episodes) that are followed by a severe depression. This can cause difficulty in focusing on work or other activities. It can also cause issues in relationships at home and at work. Family and friends are usually the first to detect changes in a person's behavior.
Difficulty concentrating can also be an indication of a medical condition, such as a head injury or neurological issue. People who have these problems should consult their health care provider and receive an assessment.
It is normal to experience trouble concentrating during times when you are stressed or tired. This is a temporary issue and typically improves as the person rests or becomes calmer. Difficulty concentrating may also be a sign of mental illness, like anxiety or depression. It's important to get an accurate diagnosis since it can help the doctor choose the right treatment.
In a study based on self-report measures as well as a sample with a diagnosis, researchers found that difficulty in concentrating was associated with trait worry and all three indices of severity. This is in contrast to previous findings, which revealed that difficulties in concentrating were not associated with other symptoms of GAD after depression had been statistically controlled (Joormann & Stober 1999).
If you're concerned about your concentration, speak to your health care provider. A combination of medication and therapy may help. You may have to look for months or years to find the right treatment strategy. However, seeking treatment as early as possible can reduce the severity of manic and depression-related episodes. They can also stop them from recurring. Other prevention strategies include keeping a mood journal that allows you to notice the early signs of an episode and prevent or reduce stress.
4. Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
The depressive lows that are so intense can be coupled with feelings of self-doubt and despair. It's important to remember these feelings aren't your fault and that you aren't worthy of these feelings. If you're experiencing depression and you're thinking of self-harm You should seek immediate help.
Bipolar disorder can cause episodes of depression and mania. These are called mixed episodes. There are times when you experience both lows and highs, but the highs will be less intense than the lows. You may also experience rapid mood changes, causing you to jump from one state into another.
Symptoms of hypomania or mania include an increase in energy and enthusiasm, increased irritability, increased levels of activity, false beliefs (delusions), or paranoid or irrational behaviour. In a manic or hypomanic period, you are more likely to gamble and spend money. If you're having trouble managing your finances, consider appointing a person to manage them on your behalf.
Speak to your doctor If you've been experiencing mood-related symptoms for more than two weeks. They'll ask you about your symptoms and look for the symptoms of bipolar disorder. They might suggest keeping an account of your mood or chart to check for patterns. They might refer you to your local NHS community mental health team (CMHT) in the event that they believe that you're experiencing a serious manic or depressive episode, or if there are concerns regarding your safety. You can find a list of useful contacts and information on the Bipolar UK website.
5. Feelings of hopelessness or a sense of worthlessness
Bipolar depression can be difficult to diagnose. It is essential to inform your doctor about any feelings of despair, sadness or worthlessness that you experience. It could take a few months or even years before you and your physician determine the best treatment plan for you.
People with bipolar disorder have distinct periods of extremely up energetic, exuberant and happy behavior (known as manic episodes) and also very depressed, sad, indifferent or hopeless times (known as depressive episodes). These mood fluctuations can make it hard to perform everyday tasks. These mood episodes may also be accompanied by feelings of irritability and impulsiveness. They can also cause trouble sleeping and an increase in appetite.
These episodes can last for a week or more and may occur on a regular basis throughout your life. They can be triggered by specific events and drugs or alcohol. Stressful life events such as moving, getting divorced or married, or getting new work or losing one can trigger a psychotic episode. Drugs like amphetamines, cocaine and ecstasy can also cause an episode. Also, some over-the-counter cold medicines, antidepressants sleep aids, stimulant medications, and thyroid medication.
Bipolar disorder depression can be severe and is associated with an increased risk of suicide. Suicide is more likely to occur in those who experience frequent depressive episodes or mixed episodes and a family history of suicide or early development of the disease. Other risk factors include previous attempts, a substance or alcohol history and the family history of psychotic disorders.
Bipolar disorder is not curable however, you can manage the symptoms and live an active and healthy life with the help of good medical care and a treatment program that includes therapies, medications and lifestyle changes. Even if you feel better, it is crucial to adhere to your treatment plan.