Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar Depression
Bipolar disorder is characterised by extreme mood swings, which can affect sleep, judgment, activity, and mood. These changes can be extreme and debilitating.
Getting treatment and sticking with the treatment is essential to feel better. Keep a journal of your mood to help you identify warning signs and monitor the effectiveness of your treatment.
1. Feelings of despair or hopelessness
Bipolar disorder is defined by extreme mood swings that include highs (mania or hypermania) and lows(depression). These can affect your energy levels, sleep, activity level and judgment. These changes can last for a few days, weeks or even months, and cause disruption with your daily activities. Depression can cause feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness. This can be a difficult to overcome.
If you're experiencing these symptoms, talk to your health care provider. They will evaluate you and discuss your treatment options. They might recommend psychotherapy, medication or lifestyle modifications. Medication can stabilize your mood and stop depression or mania. It also helps reduce the duration and severity of depressive episodes. Follow your doctor's treatment plan and promptly report any side effects. You can also find the latest medical guides for patients and warnings on the Food and Drug Administration's website.
Bipolar depression isn't curable, but treatment can aid in easing symptoms and improve quality of life. The first step is usually medication treatment. Your doctor may prescribe mood stabilizers, antidepressants and antipsychotics. These medications take time to work therefore don't stop taking them without talking to your doctor first.
It is essential to make regular appointments with your therapist and doctor particularly if you're feeling depressed. You can also consider lifestyle changes like an exercise-based diet, a healthy diet and getting enough sleep. Reduce stress and avoid drinking alcohol or other substances can be beneficial. Some people find that certain supplements can be beneficial like omega-3, which is believed to relieve some depression symptoms, or Rhodiola rosea, a plant that's used to treat depression and anxiety.
It's normal to feel frustrated when treatments don't seem to be working, but it's important to continue your care and stick with it. Combining therapies can bring lasting relief. Iampsychiatry 's also essential to keep in touch with family members and seek out support from other sufferers of bipolar disorder. You can also learn to identify the symptoms of depression and develop strategies to avoid triggers, for example, maintaining journals. A small amount of self-compassion can go a long way as well. Keep in mind that your situation wasn't something you chose.
2. Feelings of inadequacy or emptyness
Feelings of desperation or emptiness are common symptoms and signs of bipolar depression. Bipolar disorder sufferers experience extreme mood swings, which can cause depression or mania or mixed symptoms (a combination of both). When they are in a depressive state they may feel defeated and feel that they don't deserve life. They may also lose their interest in many activities and have difficulty sleeping. During a manic phase, they may feel high-energy or euphoric. They might struggle to think clearly, become a bit talkative or engage in dangerous behavior like drug use and sexually unsafe.
People suffering from bipolar disorder experience problems with impulsivity, which can result in dangerous behaviors. They might have a difficult to control their behavior during a bout of depression or mania, and can make risky decisions such as abandoning their job or engaging in an uncontrollable sexual relationship. In the most severe cases, they may have hallucinations or illusions. They are at greater risk of suicide during the course of a manic episode.
Children who look to parents for stability could be frightened and confused by the erratic behavior of a person suffering from bipolar disorder. Your relationship can be strengthened by assisting your partner to get and keep taking medication for their symptoms. You will also better understand what triggers the unpredictable behavior.
It's important for people with bipolar disorder to seek treatment, even if they don't feel well. They should remember their medical and therapy appointments, and work with their physician to find the best treatment for them. Keep a daily journal to note your feelings. This can help them to detect changes in their behavior and emotions and notify their doctor if they require to alter their medications.
A review of research on chronic feelings of emptiness in people with BPD found that it's among the most difficult symptoms to treat. This symptoms took longer to be resolved than other symptoms, and was more likely to recur. This may be due to the fact that it is an irritable symptom that is more persistent than other symptoms.
3. Feelings of guilt, shame and a sense of inadequacy
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt are common signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder. This could be due to the way people feel about themselves or the things they've done or said, even things that are out of their control. People who suffer from this condition tend to dwell on it and devote a lot of energy trying to make up for the things they believe they've committed a mistake.
Bipolar patients may have difficulty connecting with others and enjoying the things they used to love. As a result, they might become less interested in hobbies and other pursuits. They may also start to think that they don't deserve to be happy and that others would be better off without them. If these thoughts are accompanied by suicidal thoughts it's crucial to seek help right away.
There are a variety of ways to combat this feeling. Medicines can help avoid episodes and decrease the severity of them, and psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy -- can help a person to identify the root of their issues and learn healthier ways to deal with them.
Some medications that can help with mood swings include lithium, antidepressants SSRIs, and ECT (electroconvulsive therapy). It's important to follow the directions on your prescription, since stopping a medication abruptly can result in severe adverse effects.
It's also a good idea to keep a consistent schedule for sleep, do plenty of exercise and eat a balanced diet. Avoid stimulants and caffeine since they can disrupt sleep and increase your chances of suffering an attack.
You can also use supplements in your diet to improve your mood. In a research from 2016 Omega-3 was found to be efficient. In a 2013 review, Rhodiola Rosea was also recommended as a possible alternative. It's best to consult your doctor or therapist before trying any herbal remedy. They can give you more information on what may be effective for your particular situation and answer any questions you have.
4. Feelings of devalued and unworthiness
The feelings of deprivation that accompany bipolar depression can be distressing. It isn't easy to think clearly and to perform activities you enjoy, such as work or hobbies. It can also make it harder to feel happy in activities you previously considered enjoyable, a condition known as anhedonia. Anhedonia is less likely cause sadness, but more likely to trigger anger or irritability.
The feeling of worthlessness is particularly acute when you are experiencing an euphoric or mixed feature episode, which means that you are experiencing lows and highs simultaneously. The highs can include an unusually high mental state, an increase in sexual desire or a greater level of activity. The lows can be overwhelmed, sad or depressed. You might feel angry and agitated, or even have thoughts of suicide or self-harm.
If you experience these overwhelming, intense emotions, it is important to seek out assistance. If you feel suicidal, call 911 or the Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255.
If you are worried about someone you love, encourage them to seek medical attention immediately. You can assist them by speaking with their doctor or therapist and assist them with the daily necessities like eating, sleeping, and exercise. You can also consider stress-reduction techniques, such as yoga or meditation.
Bipolar disorder symptoms and depression can come and disappear. Keeping a mood journal might help you notice when you are starting to feel a depressive episode developing. It could also be helpful to keep your doctor updated in order to alter your medication in the right way.
It is important to be aware of the signs of depression or other mental illnesses seriously. It's important to get a thorough evaluation by an expert medical professional, which includes a physical exam and a blood test to rule out any other possible causes. You can then work with a mental healthcare professional to develop an action plan which could include medication as well as psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapies.