Blog entry by Violet Cobbett
recognizing common signs of depression and Symptoms of Bipolar Depression
People suffering from bipolar disorder experience extreme mood swings and downs that affect their mood, energy, activity levels, judgment, behavior, and sleep. These changes can be extreme and life-threatening.
It is essential to seek treatment and stay on it in order to feel better. Keep a mood journal to help you spot warning signs and monitor how well your treatment is working.
1. Feelings of hopelessness or a sense of worthlessness
Bipolar disorder triggers extreme shifts in mood that may include highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These mood swings can impact your sleep, energy levels, activities and judgment. These fluctuations can last for a few days, weeks or even months, and cause disruption with your daily activities. Depression can trigger feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness. This can be difficult to overcome.
If you're experiencing any of these psychological symptoms of depression, talk to your health care provider. They will examine you and discuss treatment options. They may suggest therapy, medication or lifestyle adjustments. The use of medication can help stabilize your mood and stop mania or depressive episodes. It can also decrease the severity and length of depression-related episodes. Follow your doctor's treatment plan and immediately report any side effects. Also, make sure you read the latest medicine warnings and patient-specific medication guides on the Food and Drug Administration website.
There's no cure for bipolar depression, however treatments can help ease symptoms and improve your quality of living. The first step is usually medication treatment. Your doctor may prescribe antidepressants or mood stabilizers. These medications can take time to be effective therefore do not stop taking them without talking to your doctor first.
It is important to keep regular appointments with your therapist and doctor, especially if you are feeling depressed. It is also possible to try lifestyle changes like an exercise-based diet, a healthy diet and getting enough sleep. Stress reduction and avoiding the use of alcohol or other drugs could be beneficial. Certain people have found that certain supplements can help like Omega-3 which, according to research, can reduce depression symptoms. Rhodiola Rosea is a plant used for treating depression and anxiety.
It's normal to feel dissatisfied when treatments don't seem to be working, but it's important to maintain your treatment and adhere to it. Combining therapies can bring lasting relief. It's important to keep in contact with family members and acquaintances, and seek help from bipolar disorder sufferers. You can also learn to identify the signs of a depression episode and devise strategies to avoid triggers, such as keeping a journal. 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
Bipolar depression is characterised by feelings of desperation or emptiness. People with bipolar disorder have extreme mood swings that could cause mania or depression, or mixed early symptoms of depression of late-life depression (valetinowiki.racing) (a combination of both). When they're experiencing a depressive episode, they might think they're hopeless and do not deserve to live. They might also lose enthusiasm for a variety of activities and may have trouble sleeping. During a manic phase, they may feel high and high-energy. They may have a hard time thinking clearly or become excessively talkative. They may also engage in risky behaviors such as the use of drugs and unsafe sexual.
People with bipolar disorder have issues with impulsivity that can result in dangerous behaviors. They might have a hard managing their behavior during an episode of depression or mania. They can make risky decisions like abandoning their job or engaging in reckless sexual activity. In the most severe cases they may also experience hallucinations and delusions. They are at greater risk of suicide during the course of a manic episode.
The erratic behavior of someone suffering from bipolar disorder can be confusing and scary for children who rely on their parents for support and stability. Your relationship can be strengthened by helping your partner receive and maintain treatment for their symptoms. You will also better know what triggers the erratic behavior.
Even if you're not feeling well, it's crucial that people with bipolar disorder are treated. They should keep track of their appointments for therapy and medical appointments, and work with their physician to find the best treatment for them. It's also a good idea to keep a diary of how they feel from day to day. This can help them to notice changes in their behavior and feelings and notify their doctor if they need to change medication.
A study that reviewed research on chronic feelings of emptyness in people with BPD discovered that it's one of the most difficult symptoms to treat. It took longer for this symptom to disappear than other symptoms and also had an increased rate of repeating. It's thought that this may be due to the fact that it's an irritable condition that lasts longer than other.
3. Feelings of guilt or a sense of inadequacy
Bipolar depression is characterized by feelings of worthlessness and guilt. This could be due the way someone feels about themselves or what they have said or done. It may even be something that is beyond their control. People who have this symptom tend to focus on it and devote much energy to get over what they believe they've committed a mistake.
People with bipolar disorder may have a hard time connecting with others. They may not like the things that used to make them happy. As a result, they might lose interest in hobbies and other pursuits. They may also begin to believe that they don't deserve to be happy, and that others are better in their lives without them. If the feelings are accompanied by suicidal thoughts it is important to seek immediate help.
The good news is that there are solutions to deal with these feelings. The good news is that there are methods to treat these feelings.
Some medications that can help with mood swings include lithium, antidepressants, SSRIs, and ECT (electroconvulsive therapy). It's important to follow the instructions on your prescription, as stopping a medication suddenly could cause serious adverse effects.
It's also a good idea to stick to a regular sleep schedule, get plenty of exercise and eat well. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants because they can interfere with your sleep and increase the chance of having an episode.
You can also try dietary supplements to improve your mood. In a research from 2016 Omega-3 was found to be efficient. Rhodiola rosea was also suggested in a 2013 review as a possibility. However, it's always best to speak with your doctor or therapist first before trying any herbal remedies. They can give you more information about what might work for you and answer any questions you might have.
4. Feelings of devalued and unworthiness
Bipolar depression can cause feelings of emptiness and despair, which can be a source of distress. They can make it difficult to concentrate or perform activities that you enjoy, such as work or hobbies. Anhedonia is a condition that makes it difficult to take satisfaction in activities that you used to enjoy. Anhedonia sufferers are less likely to be sad and more likely to express their feelings through anger or irritation.
The feeling of being unworthy is often felt more acutely when you are in a manic or mixed feature episode, which means you are experiencing highs and lows simultaneously. The highs can include an unusually elevated state of mind, increased sexual desire or a greater intensity. The lows can include feeling hopeless, sad or even tears. You might feel angry or agitated. You may also be thinking of suicide or self-harm.
It is very important to seek professional help if you are feeling these kinds of overwhelming, intense feelings. You can get help by seeing your doctor or therapist immediately, and by calling 911 or the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Encourage your loved one to seek medical attention immediately if you are worried about them. You can help them by speaking to their therapist or doctor, and also by helping them with daily basics such as eating sleep, exercising, and eating. You can also try stress-reduction techniques, such as yoga or meditation.
The signs of sadness of depression and bipolar disorder are often temporary. Keep a mood journal to identify the signs of a depressive attack is coming on. It may be helpful to update your doctor so they can adjust your medication in accordance with.
Depression and other mental health conditions can be treated, so it is important to take your symptoms seriously. It is important to undergo an in-depth evaluation from medical professionals, which may include physical examination and blood test to rule out any other possible causes. Then you can work with a mental health professional to develop a treatment plan that might include medication and psychotherapy, including cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders.