10 Life Lessons We Can Take From Signs And Symptoms Of Bipolar Depression
Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar Depression
People with bipolar disorder have extreme mood swings and downs that affect their mood, energy, performance, judgment, behavior, and sleep. These shifts can be severe and debilitating.
It is important to get treatment and keep it up for a while if you wish to feel better. Keep a journal of your mood to help you spot warning signs and monitor how your treatment is working.
1. Feelings of despair or hopelessness
Bipolar disorder can cause extreme changes in mood, that can include highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). They can cause disruption to your sleep, energy levels, activity levels and judgment. These changes can last for weeks, days or even months and interfere with daily activities. Depression can lead to feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness. This can be a challenge to overcome.
Consult your physician when you notice these signs. They will evaluate you and discuss treatment options. They may recommend psychotherapy, medication or lifestyle changes. Medicine can help stabilize your mood, stop depression or mania episodes, and decrease the duration and severity of depressive periods. Follow your doctor's treatment plan and promptly report any side effects. Also, be sure to read the most up-to-date medication warnings and patient medication guides on the Food and Drug Administration website.
There is no cure for bipolar disorder, but treatments can ease symptoms and improve your quality of life. The first line of treatment is usually medication. option for treatment. Your doctor might prescribe antidepressants or mood stabilizers. These medications may take some time to work. Don't stop taking these medications before consulting your physician.
Keeping regular medical and therapy appointments is crucial, especially when you're feeling depressed. You can also try lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising and getting enough sleep. Stress reduction can be beneficial, as can avoiding alcohol and other drugs. Some people find that certain supplements can help like omega-3, which research suggests may alleviate depression symptoms or Rhodiola rosea is a plant used to treat depression and anxiety.
It's normal to be disappointed when treatments do not work It's important to continue with your treatment. A combination of treatments can bring lasting relief. It is important to stay in contact with family and friends, and seek out assistance from bipolar disorder sufferers. You can also identify the signs of a depression episode and devise strategies to avoid triggers, such as maintaining an account of your thoughts. Self-compassion is a must. Keep in mind that your condition didn't happen by decision.
2. Feelings of emptiness or worthlessness
Feelings of desperation or emptiness are common symptoms and signs of bipolar depression. Bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings that can cause depression, mania or mixed symptoms. When they're experiencing an episode of depression they may feel hopeless and do not deserve to live. They might also lose enthusiasm for a variety of activities and experience difficulty sleeping. During a manic episode, they may feel high and high-energy. They may have trouble thinking clearly, talk too much or engage in dangerous behavior such as drug abuse and unsafe sex.
Bipolar disorder can lead to dangerous behavior because of impulsivity. When they experience a bout of depression, or mania, they could have trouble controlling their behaviors and may make risky decisions like quitting a job or engaging in sexually reckless activities. In the most severe instances, they may also experience hallucinations and illusions. They are also at a greater chance of taking their own life during a manic state.
Children who look to parents for stability may be confused and scared by the unpredictable behavior of a person suffering from bipolar disorder. Helping your partner get and keep on treatment to manage their symptoms can strengthen your relationship and help you determine the cause of their erratic behavior.
Even if you don't feel well, it's vital that people with bipolar disorder get treated. They should keep their appointments for therapy and medical appointments and work with their doctor to find the best treatment for them. Keep a daily journal to record how you feel. This will allow them to detect changes in their behavior and feelings and inform their doctor when they need to alter their medication.
A review of research on chronic feelings of lack of feeling in people suffering from BPD found that it's among the most difficult symptoms to treat. It took longer for this symptom to remit than some other symptoms, and also had more frequent repeating. This may be due to the fact that it is a temperamental symptom which lasts longer than other symptoms.
3. Feelings of guilt, shame and a sense of inadequacy
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt are common symptoms and signs of bipolar depression. This could be due to the way people feel about themselves or because of what they've said or done or even actions that are out of their control. People who suffer from this condition tend to dwell on it and devote lots of energy trying at making amends for what they believe they've done wrong.
People with bipolar disorder sometimes have a hard time connecting with others, and they might not enjoy the things that used to make them happy. They might lose interest in their hobbies and other pursuits as a result. They might also begin to believe that they don't have the right to be happy and that other people are better in their lives without them. If the feelings are associated with suicidal thoughts it's crucial to seek help immediately.
There are ways to treat this feeling. The good news is that there are methods to manage these feelings.
Antidepressants, SSRIs and ECT (electroconvulsive treatment) are some medications that can help with mood swings. You should always follow the directions on the prescription. Stopping abruptly from clinical depression symptoms can cause serious adverse side consequences.
It's important to keep a consistent sleeping schedule, engage in plenty of exercise and eat a balanced diet. Avoid stimulants and caffeine as they can disrupt sleep and increase your chances of having an attack.
You can also take supplements in your diet to improve your mood. Omega-3 for instance has been proven to be effective in a 2016 study. Rhodiola rosea was also suggested in a 2013 review as a possibility. It is best to consult your physician or therapist prior to trying any herbal remedy. They can give you more information on what may work for your specific situation and answer any questions you might have.
4. Feelings of devalued and unworthiness
The feelings of worthlessness that accompany bipolar depression can be troubling. It isn't easy to focus and engage in activities you enjoy such as work or hobbies. Anhedonia is a condition which makes it difficult to feel satisfaction from activities you used to enjoy. People with anhedonia are less likely to be sad and more likely to express their feelings through anger or irritation.
The feeling of not being worthy is particularly acute when you're in an euphoric or mixed feature episode, which means that you have lows and highs simultaneously. The highs can include an unusually high state of mind, increased levels of libido, or an increased level of activity. The lows might involve feeling overwhelmed, sad, or hopeless. You might feel angry, restless or have thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
It is very important to seek out help if you are feeling these types of overwhelming, intense feelings. 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 help immediately. You can support them by talking with their doctor or therapist and assist them with daily basics such as eating, sleeping, and exercise. You can also consider stress-reduction techniques, such as yoga or meditation.
Bipolar disorder symptoms and depression may come and disappear. The keeping of a mood journal can aid in identifying the signs that you may experience a depressive attack developing. It might be beneficial to inform your doctor about this so they can modify your medication accordingly.
Depression and other mental health issues are treatable, and you should always be aware of your symptoms. You should seek medical treatment for a thorough assessment that includes an examination for blood and a physical examination. This will help rule out other possible causes. Then, you can work with a mental health professional to develop a plan of treatment that may include medication and psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapies.