Bipolar Depression Disorder Symptoms
Bipolar depression can trigger difficulties at work or in school, as well as difficult relationships with family and friends. The risk of developing alcoholism and addiction to drugs is increased. Unmanaged symptoms can also result in feelings like irritability or thoughts of suicide.
In addition to the periods of extreme "down" moods, a few people experience manic episodes. They can experience delusions, as well as seeing, hearing, or smelling something that isn't real.
1. Feelings of hopelessness or a sense of worthlessness
Bipolar depression is characterised by feelings of despair and desperation. During a depressive episode, a person may feel down, empty, or hopeless and may also experience feelings of guilt or worthlessness. These symptoms can make it hard to cope with daily life and could result in a loss of interest in activities that were enjoyable previously. In extreme cases, feelings of worthlessness can lead to thoughts of suicide or self-harm.
Certain people suffering from bipolar disorder as well as feeling worthless and believing that they don't deserve love, also have trouble connecting to their positive qualities. This can be especially challenging in relationships with close people, such as those with friends or romantic partners. It is essential to seek help from a mental healthcare professional or contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for 24/7 support.
Bipolar disorder can cause both depression and mania at the same time. This is known as a mixed episode. In this case, a person may have the negative feelings of depression and the energy boost and false beliefs associated with mania simultaneously. Symptoms of mania include being happy and excited, spending lots of time talking and laughing as well as being too confident and ambitious, and having hallucinations or delusions that involve seeing or hearing things that aren't real.
A combination of medication and therapy can ease the symptoms. Stress reduction techniques such as a healthy diet and a consistent sleep schedule can also aid. It is crucial to adhere to the treatment plan that your doctor has prescribed since abruptly stopping treatment can trigger severe episodes. Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can help you work through the issues the cause of your mood swings.
2. Decreased interest in activities you once enjoyed
A loss of enthusiasm for activities you usually like is one of the most obvious signs of depression. This could include things like work, hobbies, or time spent with friends and family members. Remember that depression is an illness that can take some time to feel better. You should consult with your doctor to manage your symptoms.
Bipolar disorder is characterized by intense mood swings, changes in energy levels and levels of activity. This can trigger periods when you feel "up," elated or very "up" (known by the term mania) in contrast to times when you feel "down," sad, and "down." Bipolar disorder can cause mood swings that can be present for a few days, weeks or even months.
The most frequent form of depression is called major depression. It can be caused by a stressful event in your life, for example, losing your job or the loss of a close family member. It's important to note that depression is not like the temporary negative feelings you may experience in response to an incident. Depression is persistent, severe, and does not go away on its own.
Your doctor can treat your depression using psychotherapy or medication. Medicine can help manage your mood episodes and prevent them from occurring However, it's crucial to take your medications consistently according to the prescriptions of your doctor. Treatments for depression include antidepressants as well as mood stabilizers such as lithium. There is more information about specific medications that are used to treat depression, including side effects and warnings on the FDA website. Certain people may benefit from brain stimulation therapy that uses electrical or magnetic waves to stimulate or block certain areas of their brain.
3. Trouble concentrating
A person with bipolar disorder can experience periods of extreme energy and activity (mania or "manic" episodes) that are followed by severe depression. This can cause difficulty in focusing on other tasks or work. It can also create problems at home and in relationships. Most often family and friends are the first to notice changes in a person's behavior.
The difficulty in concentrating could be an indication of a medical condition, like a head injury, or neurological issue. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it's important to consult your doctor for a diagnosis.
It is normal to experience trouble concentrating during times when you are tired or stressed. depression symptoms for men is usually temporary and improves after a person rests or becomes calmer. Mental illness like depression or anxiety can also cause problems with concentration. It is crucial to get a correct diagnosis, as it will help the doctor decide on the most effective treatment.
In a study that utilized self-report assessments and a sample with a diagnosis researchers discovered that difficulty in concentrating was associated with trait anxiety and all three indicators of severity. This is different from earlier studies that indicated that difficulty concentrating did not correlate with other GAD symptoms after depression was controlled statistically (Joormann and Stober 1999).
If you're concerned about your concentration, speak to your doctor. A combination of medications and therapy may help. It can take months or even years to come up with the most effective treatment plan and you'll need to follow it carefully. But seeking treatment as soon as you can could reduce the severity of manic or depressive episodes. It can also stop them from returning. You can also avoid stress by keeping a mood journal. This will allow you to notice early signs and help you to reduce or eliminate stress.
4. Feelings of guilt or a sense of inadequacy
Depression can cause feelings of self-loathing or worthlessness. Be aware that these feelings don't originate from you and they are not your fault. If your mood becomes extreme and you are contemplating of suicide, it's a mental health emergency and you should seek medical attention immediately.
Bipolar disorder can trigger episodes of depression and mania. These are referred to as mixed episodes. During a mixed episode you might experience both high and low, but the highs aren't as intense as the lows. There may be rapid changes in your mood that cause you to switch from one state to another quickly.
The signs of hypomania or mania can include feelings of excitement and energy as well as increased irritability, higher activity levels and false beliefs (delusions) and paranoid or irrational behaviour. When you are in a hypomanic or manic period, you're more likely to make mistakes and spend money. If you're having difficulty managing your finances, you should think about appointing someone to handle them on your behalf.
If you have mood symptoms lasting for 2 weeks or more, it's a good idea to speak to your doctor. They'll ask you about your symptoms and look for signs of bipolar disorder. They might suggest that you keep a diary of your mood or chart to determine if there are any patterns. They may recommend 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 about your safety. Bipolar UK has a list with useful contacts and resources.
5. Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
Bipolar depression is difficult to diagnose. It is important to tell your doctor about any feelings of sadness, hopelessness or feelings of utter despair that you are experiencing. It could take a few months or years for you and your doctor to find the best treatment plan.
Bipolar disorder sufferers have distinct periods of very positive energy, euphoric and exuberant behavior (known as manic episodes) and very down, sad, indifferent or hopeless phases (known as depression episodes). These mood changes can make daily tasks difficult. These mood changes can be caused by feelings of irritability, impulsiveness and racing thoughts. They can also cause trouble sleeping and an increase in appetite.
These episodes may last more than a week and occur at regular intervals in your daily life. They may be triggered by certain events, as well as alcohol or drugs. For example stress-inducing life events like moving, getting married or divorced, finding an occupation or losing one can cause an episode. Cocaine, ecstasy, as well as amphetamines are all drugs that can cause an episode. Certain over-the-counter medicines, such as antidepressants and sleep aids, can also cause an episode.
Bipolar disorder-related depression can be severe and is linked to the risk of suicide being higher. Suicide is more likely to occur in those who experience frequent depressive episodes mixed episodes, the family history of suicide or a young onset of the disease. Other risk factors include previous attempts or a history of drug or alcohol abuse, as well as the family history of psychotic disorders.
Bipolar disorder is not curable however, you can manage the symptoms and lead a healthy lifestyle with aid of a medical professional and a treatment program that includes therapies, medications and lifestyle modifications. Even even if you feel better it is important to stick to the treatment plan you have chosen.