Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar Depression
People with bipolar disorder have extreme mood swings and downs that affect their mood, energy levels, level of activity as well as their judgment, behavior and sleep. These changes can be extreme and destructive.
Getting symptoms of depression in women and sticking with it is key to feeling better. Keep a mood journal to help you spot warning signs and track the effectiveness of your treatment.
1. Feelings of despair or hopelessness
Bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings, which include highs (mania or hypermania) and lows(depression). These mood swings can affect your sleep, energy, activities and judgment. These changes can last for weeks, days or even months and can cause disruption in daily activities. Depression can trigger feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness. This can be a difficult to overcome.
Speak to your doctor if you experience these symptoms. They will assess you and discuss your treatment options. They may suggest medication or psychotherapy, or lifestyle changes. The use of medication can help you maintain your mood, stop mania or depression episodes and reduce the duration and severity of depressive periods. Follow your doctor's treatment plan and report any side symptoms to your doctor right immediately. You can also check out the most current medication guides for patients and warnings on the Food and Drug Administration's website.
There's no cure for bipolar disorder, but treatments can ease symptoms and improve the quality of your life. Medications are usually the first treatment. Your doctor may prescribe antidepressants or mood stabilizers. These medications can take time to be effective therefore don't stop taking them without talking to your doctor first.
Keeping regular medical and therapy appointments is essential, particularly when you're depressed. You can also consider making lifestyle changes such as eating healthy and working out. Stress reduction and avoiding alcohol or other substances can be helpful. Certain people find that certain supplements can be beneficial like Omega-3 that, according to research, may help alleviate depression symptoms. Rhodiola Rosea is a plant that can be used to treat anxiety and depression.
It's normal to be frustrated if treatments do not work It's important to continue with your treatment. Combining therapies can provide long-lasting relief. It is also essential to stay connected to family members and seek out support from other bipolar disorder sufferers. It is also possible to learn to spot early warning signs and devise strategies to avoid triggers. For instance, keep a journal. Self-compassion is another important aspect. Keep in mind that your situation wasn't something you made up.
2. Feelings of emptiness or worthlessness
Feelings of emptiness or worthlessness are common signs and symptoms of bipolar depression. Bipolar disorder is characterised by extreme mood swings, which can result in depression, mania, or other mixed symptoms. If they're suffering from a depressive episode, they might think they're hopeless and aren't worthy of being alive. They might also lose enthusiasm for a variety of activities and experience difficulty sleeping. In a manic episode they may feel high and energetic. They may have a difficult time thinking clearly or become excessively talkative. They may also engage in risky behavior such as drug misuse and unsafe sex.
Bipolar disorder sufferers have problems with impulsivity, which can lead to dangerous behavior. During an episode of depression or mania, they could have trouble controlling their behavior and make dangerous choices like quitting a job or engaging in reckless sexual activity. In the most severe instances, they may have hallucinations or illusions. They are also at greater risk of committing suicide during a manic phase.
The unpredictable behavior of a person suffering from bipolar disorder can be confusing and scary for children who rely on their parents for stability. Your relationship can be strengthened by assisting your partner get and keep taking medication for their symptoms. You will also be aware of the causes for the unpredictable behavior.
It is essential for those suffering from bipolar disorder to get treatment even if they aren't feeling well. They must attend their medical and therapy sessions and work with their physician to come up with the best treatment plan for them. Keep a daily journal to record the way you feel. This will allow them to notice changes in their mood as well as behavior, and alert their doctor in the event that they need to change their medication.
One study that examined the research on chronic feelings of emptyness among those suffering from BPD found that it's one of the most difficult symptoms to treat. It took longer for this symptom to remit than some other symptoms and had more frequent recurrence. It's thought that this may be because it's an irritable condition that lasts longer than other.
3. Feelings of guilt, shame or deprivation
Feelings of guilt or insecurity are typical signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder. This could be due to the way someone feels about themselves or what they have said or done. It could be outside their control. People who have this symptom tend to be focused on it, and spend much of their time trying to cover up the things they believe they've done wrong.
Bipolar patients might find it difficult to connect with others and pursuing the things that they used to enjoy. In the process, they may lose interest in hobbies and other activities. They might also begin to believe that they don't deserve to be content and that other people are better than them. If these feelings are accompanied with suicidal thoughts it's crucial to seek out help immediately.
There are ways to deal with this feeling. Medicines can help avoid episodes and reduce the severity of them and psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy -- can help a person identify troubling emotions and beliefs and develop healthier strategies to manage them.
Certain medications that may help with mood swings are antidepressants, lithium, SSRIs and ECT (electroconvulsive therapy). You should always follow the instructions on a prescription. Stopping a medication abruptly can have devastating adverse side effects.
Also, you should keep a regular schedule for sleep and exercise regularly. You should also eat a healthy diet. Avoid stimulants and caffeine because they can interfere with your sleep and increase your chances of suffering from an episode.
You can also try dietary supplements to improve your mood. In a research from 2016, Omega-3 was proven to be effective. Rhodiola rosea was also mentioned in an article from 2013 as a possibility. However, it's best to speak with your therapist or doctor first before attempting any herbal remedies. They can provide you with more information on what may be effective for you and answer any questions you may have.
4. Feelings of devalued or unworthiness
Bipolar depression can lead to feelings of worthlessness, which can be distressing. It can be difficult to concentrate and perform activities you enjoy, such as work or hobbies. You may also find it harder to feel happy in activities you used to enjoy which is a condition called anhedonia. Anhedonia is less likely cause sadness and more likely anger or irritability.
The feeling of not being worthy can be especially acute when you're in an euphoric or mixed feature episode, which means you have lows and highs simultaneously. The highs may include an unusually high mood, a higher libido, or a higher-intensity activity. The lows could include feeling hopeless, sad, or tears. You might be agitated or anxious and experience thoughts of suicide or self-harm.
If you feel these overwhelming, intense emotions It is crucial to seek assistance. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts contact 911 or the Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255.
Encourage your loved ones to seek treatment immediately if you are worried about them. You can assist them by talking to their doctor or therapist and also by helping them with daily basics like eating, sleeping, and exercising. You can also try stress-reduction methods, like yoga or meditation.
The symptoms of bipolar and depression disorder are often temporary. Keep a journal of your mood to identify the signs of a depression attack is brewing. It may be helpful to inform your doctor about this so they can adjust your medication to suit.
It is important to be aware of the signs of depression or other mental illnesses seriously. It is important to undergo an in-depth evaluation from a medical professional, including an examination of the body and a blood test to rule out other possible causes. You can then consult with a mental health expert to create a treatment plan which could include medication as well as psychotherapy such as cognitive behavior therapies.