Bipolar Depression Disorder Symptoms

Bipolar depression can trigger difficulties at work or school and strained relationships with friends and family. The risk of developing alcoholism and abuse of drugs is increased. Untreated symptoms can also result in feelings of anger and thoughts of suicide.

In addition, to periods of extreme "down" moods, some people have manic episodes. They can be characterized by seeing, hearing or smelling things that aren't there (hallucinations) and believing in things that aren't real (delusions).

1. Feelings of despair or hopelessness

Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness are a common symptoms of depression symptom of bipolar depression. In a depressive state one may feel depressed, hopeless or even guilty. They might feel depressed or guilt-ridden. These symptoms can make it hard to deal with everyday life and may lead to a lack of interest in activities that were enjoyable previously. In extreme instances, feeling unworthy could trigger thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

In addition to feeling worthless People who suffer from bipolar disorder have difficulty connecting to their good qualities and believe they aren't worthy of love. This can be especially challenging when it comes to relationships that are intimate, such as those with loved ones from the family or romantic partners. When this happens, it's important to seek assistance from an expert in mental health, or dial 911 or the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to talk to someone 24/7.

Sometimes, people with bipolar disorder experience both depression and mania simultaneously. This is referred to as a mixed episode. A person may feel both the negative emotions associated with depression and high levels of energy and false beliefs that are associated with mania simultaneously. Symptoms of mania can include feeling happy and joyful and spending a lot of time laughing and talking and being excessively confident and ambitious and experiencing hallucinations or delusions that involve seeing or hearing things that aren't there.

A combination of medication and therapy can help treat these symptoms of major depressive disorder. A regular sleeping schedule, healthy diet, and stress reduction techniques can also be helpful. It is essential to stick to the treatment plan that your doctor has prescribed, as abruptly stopping it could trigger severe episodes. Psychotherapy (talk therapy), however can assist you to resolve issues that could contribute to your mood swings.

2. You're no longer enjoying the activities that you used to take pleasure in

Depression is characterized by a loss of interest in the activities that you usually are interested in. This could be related to activities, hobbies, or spending time with family and friends. Be aware that depression is a serious illness and it can take a while to recover. It is still recommended to consult your doctor for treatment of your symptoms of major depression.

People with bipolar disorder are prone to extreme changes in mood levels, energy levels, and levels of activity. This can cause periods where you feel "up," elated or energized, or extremely "up" (known by the term mania) in contrast to times when you feel "down," sad, and "down." Bipolar disorder mood swings can last days, weeks or even months.

The most prevalent kind of depression is known as major depressive disorder. It can be caused by a stressful life incident, such as the loss of a loved-one or losing your job. It is important to be aware that depression is not the same as the normal negative emotions you might temporarily have in reaction to a life event. Depression is chronic, severe, and does not go away on its own.

Psychotherapy or medication may be prescribed by your doctor to combat depression. Medication can control your mood swings, and even prevent them from occurring. However, you must take your medication according to the instructions of your physician. Antidepressants, mood stabilizers such as lithium, and other medications are available for treating depression. You can find more details about specific medications, including side effects and warnings on the FDA website. Some people can benefit from a treatment called brain stimulation, which involves using electrical or magnetic waves to activate or inhibit certain brain regions.

3. It is difficult to concentrate

Bipolar disorder is characterized by periods of excessive energy and activity (manic episodes or "manic episodes"), then severe depression. This can make it difficult to focus on work or other activities. It can also cause problems at home, as well as in relationships. Family and friends are usually the first to observe a change in a person’s behavior.

A head injury or neurological problem can cause problems with concentration. People who have these problems need to talk to their physician and seek an evaluation.

It is normal for people to experience difficulty concentrating, particularly when they are stressed or tired. This is temporary and usually improves when the person rests or becomes more relaxed. It could also be a symptom of mental illness, such as anxiety or depression. It is crucial to get an accurate diagnosis as it will allow the doctor to select the appropriate treatment.

In a study based on self-report measures and a diagnosed sample researchers discovered that difficulty in concentrating was associated with trait worry as well as all three indicators of severity. This is different from previous findings that showed difficulty concentrating did not correlate with other GAD symptoms after depression was statistically controlled (Joormann and Stober 1999).

Talk with your doctor if you are concerned about your concentration. Combining therapy with medication can be helpful. You may need to search for months or even years to find the right treatment plan. Early treatment can reduce the frequency and severity of depressive or manic episodes. They can also prevent them from recurring. You can also avoid stress by keeping a mood diary. This will allow you spot early signs of anxiety and depression and reduce or avoid stress.

4. Feelings of guilt or worthlessness

Depression can trigger feelings of self-loathing and despair. It's important to remember these feelings aren't caused by you and that you aren't worthy of these feelings. If you're depressed and are contemplating self-harm you must seek immediate help.

Certain people with bipolar disorder have episodes of both Teenage Depression Symptoms and mania. These are known as mixed episodes. You may 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 jump from one state to another rapidly.

The symptoms of hypomania or manic include increased energy and excitement and irritability, as well as increased levels of activity and false beliefs (delusions) or paranoid or irrational behavior. When you're in a manic or hypomanic phase it is more likely that you spend money and take on dangerous behaviors. If you're having difficulty managing your finances, consider appointing a person to manage them on your behalf.

Consult your physician If you've been experiencing mood-related symptoms for more than 2 weeks. They'll inquire about your symptoms and search for the symptoms of bipolar disorder. They may suggest keeping a mood diary or a chart to determine whether there are any patterns. They may refer you to your local NHS community mental health team (CMHT) in the event that they believe that you're having serious depressive or manic episode or if they have concerns regarding your security. Bipolar UK has a list with helpful contacts and information.

5. Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness

Bipolar depression is often difficult to recognize. Inform your doctor if you feel hopeless, depressed or worthless. It may take several months or even years before you and your physician find the right treatment plan for you.

People suffering from bipolar disorder experience distinct periods of very positive energetic, exuberant and happy behavior (known as manic episodes) and very down, sad, indifferent or hopeless phases (known as depressive episodes). These mood fluctuations can make everyday tasks difficult. These mood episodes can also be associated with feelings of anger or impulsiveness, as well as racing thoughts. These mood-related episodes can cause sleeplessness and a change of appetite.

These episodes can last for a week or longer and occur at regular intervals throughout your life. They may also be triggered by certain events, as well as alcohol or drugs. For example, stressful life events like moving or getting divorced, finding an occupation or losing one can trigger an episode. Cocaine, ecstasy, and amphetamines are all substances that can cause an episode. Certain prescription medications, such as antidepressants and sleep aids, may cause an episode.

Depression in bipolar disorder 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 or mixed episodes or an extended family history of suicide or an early development of the disorder. Other risk factors include previous suicide attempts to commit suicide, a history of substance or alcohol abuse, as well as the family history of psychotic disorders.

There isn't a cure for bipolar disorder. However, with the right medical care and an effective treatment plan that incorporates therapies, medications and lifestyle changes you can manage your symptoms of persistent depressive disorder and live a the life you want to live. Even when you feel better, it is important to stick to your treatment plan.