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Bipolar Depression Disorder Symptoms People with bipolar depression may be unable to stay at work or school, strained relationships with friends and family members, and an increased risk of alcohol and drug abuse. Unmanaged symptoms may also lead to feelings such as anxiety or thoughts of suicide. Certain people also have manic episodes in addition to extreme “down” moods. These can include seeing, hearing or smelling things that aren't there (hallucinations) and believing in things that aren't (delusions). 1. Feelings of hopelessness or despair Bipolar depression is characterized by feelings of despair and worthlessness. During a depressive episode, a person may feel down and empty, or even hopeless and may also feel a sense of guilt or a sense of worthlessness. These symptoms can make it difficult to cope with daily life and could lead to a lack of interest in activities that were enjoyable previously. In extreme instances, feeling unworthy may trigger thoughts of self-harm or suicide. In addition to feeling worthless Some people with bipolar disorder have trouble connecting to their good qualities and believe they aren't worthy of love. This can be particularly difficult when it comes to close relationships like those with families or romantic partners. When this happens, it's essential to seek out assistance from a mental health professional or call 911 or the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to talk to someone all hours of the day. Sometimes, people suffering from bipolar disorder experience both depression and mania at the same time. This is referred to as a mixed episode. During this time, a person may have depression-like feelings and the energy boost and false beliefs associated with mania at the same time. Mania is the state of being enthusiastic and happy as well as laughing and talking frequently, being confident and determined, as well as having hallucinations and thoughts of delusions. A combination of medication and therapy can ease the symptoms. A regular sleeping schedule along with a healthy diet and stress reduction techniques can also be helpful. It is crucial to adhere to the treatment plan that your doctor has prescribed since abruptly stopping treatment could trigger severe episodes. Additionally, psychotherapy (talk therapy) can help you work through the issues driving your mood swings. 2. A decrease in interest in activities you once enjoyed A decrease in interest in activities that you normally enjoy is one of the most obvious signs of depression. This can include work, hobbies or time spent with friends and family. Keep in mind that depression is a chronic illness and it can take time to feel better. However it is important to see your doctor and create an online support system to help you manage your symptoms. People suffering from bipolar disorder experience intense changes in mood as well as energy levels and activity levels. This can cause periods where you feel “up,” elated or very “up” (known by the term mania) in contrast to times when you feel “down,” sad, and “down.” The mood swings of bipolar disorder can last for weeks, days or even months. The most frequent form of depression is called major depressive disorder. It can be caused by a life-threatening occasion, like the death of a loved one, or losing your job. It is important to remember that depression is different from the normal negative feelings that can be experienced in response to a life event. Depression is persistent, severe, and doesn't disappear on its own. Your doctor can treat your depression with medication or psychotherapy. The use of medication can help you manage your mood and help prevent them from happening However, it's crucial to take your medications consistently as prescribed by your doctor. Antidepressants, mood stabilizers such as lithium and other medications are available for treating depression. You can find more information about specific medications that are used to treat depression, including side effects and warnings, on the FDA website. For some brain stimulation therapythat involves activating or inhibiting certain areas of the brain using magnetic waves or electricity- can also help with depression. 3. Difficulty concentrating A person suffering from bipolar disorder experiences periods of unusually high energy and activity (mania or “manic” episodes) that are followed by depression that is severe. This can make it difficult to focus on other tasks or work. It could also cause issues at home or in relationships. Friends and family members are often the first to detect a change in a person’s behavior. A head injury or neurological problem can also make it difficult to concentrate. If symptoms of extreme depression have these symptoms, it's crucial to talk to your doctor for a diagnosis. It is normal for people to experience trouble concentrating, especially when they are stressed or tired. However, this is usually temporary and improves as the individual gets rest or more relaxed. A mental illness such as anxiety or depression may cause problems with concentration. It is essential to obtain an accurate diagnosis since it can help the doctor select the appropriate treatment. Researchers discovered that the difficulty in concentrating was related to trait anxiety, and all three clinical severity indices. This is different than previous studies, which found that difficulty concentrating was not correlated with other GAD-related symptoms after depression had been statistically controlled (Joormann and Stober 1999). If you're concerned about your concentration, speak to your doctor. Combining medication with therapy could be beneficial. It may be necessary to search for months or even years to find the right treatment plan. Early treatment can lessen the severity and frequency of depressive or manic symptoms. It can also stop them from returning. Other prevention strategies include keeping a mood journal that allows you to notice the first signs of an episode and avoid or reduce stress. 4. Feelings of guilt or worthlessness The depressive lows that are so intense can be associated with feelings of self-doubt and deprivation. It is important to remember that these feelings aren't caused by you and that you don't deserve these feelings. If your mood becomes intense and you're thinking of suicide, it's an emergency in your mental health and you should seek treatment immediately. People who suffer from bipolar disorder experience bouts of mania and depression. These are called mixed episodes. In a mixed episode, you might feel both high and low, however the highs aren't quite as intense as the lows. There are also rapid mood fluctuations, causing you jump between states. Symptoms of mania or hypomania can include feelings of excitement and energy and irritability that is heightened, as well as heightened activity levels, false beliefs (delusions) and paranoid or irrational behaviors. In a manic or hypomanic phase, you are more likely to take risks and spend money. If you are having trouble managing your finances, consider appointing someone to manage them on your behalf. Speak to your doctor when you've experienced mood swings for more than two weeks. They'll ask you about your symptoms and look for the signs of bipolar disorder. They might suggest that you keep a mood journal or chart to look for patterns. They might refer you to your local NHS community mental health team (CMHT) in the event that they believe that you're suffering from serious depressive or manic episode or if there are concerns about your safety. You can find a list of helpful contacts and resources on the Bipolar UK website. 5. Feelings of hopelessness or a sense of worthlessness It is difficult to diagnose. Talk to your doctor if feel depressed, hopeless or unworthy. It could take a number of months or even years before you and your doctor find the right treatment plan for you. Bipolar disorder is characterized by periods of extreme elation, excitement, and energy (known collectively as manic episodes) as well as periods of extreme sadness, despair and indifference (known collectively as depressive episodes). These mood swings can make it hard to carry out daily tasks. These mood episodes can also be caused by feelings of irritability and impulsiveness as well as racing thoughts. They can also lead to trouble sleeping and a change in appetite. These episodes can last for a week or longer and occur on a regular basis in your daily life. These episodes can be caused by alcohol or drugs or other life events. For instance, stressful life events like moving, getting married or divorced, obtaining a job or losing one can cause an episode. Cocaine, ecstasy and amphetamines are also substances that can cause an episode. So can some over-the-counter cold medicines, antidepressants, sleep aids, some stimulant medications and thyroid medication. Depression in bipolar disorder can be severe and is associated with a higher risk of suicide. Suicide is more likely to occur in people who have frequent depressive episodes mixed episodes and the family history of suicide or an early development of the illness. Other risk factors are previous attempts, a drug or alcohol history, as well as a family history with psychotic disorders. There is no cure for bipolar disorder. However, with good medical care and a treatment plan that includes medication, therapy and lifestyle changes, you can manage your symptoms and live the life you want to live. It is important to stick with your treatment plan, even if you feel better.