Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar Depression
Bipolar disorder sufferers experience extreme ups and downs that affect their mood, energy, level of activity as well as their judgment, behavior and sleep. These shifts can be debilitating and severe.
It is important to get treatment and keep it up if you want to feel better. Keep a mood diary to help you identify warning signs of mental health issues signs and keep track of how well your treatment is working.
1. Feelings of hopelessness or despair
Bipolar disorder triggers extreme shifts in mood, which can include highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These mood swings can impact your energy, sleep, activity and judgment. These changes can last for weeks, days or even months and can cause disruption with your daily activities. Depression can lead to feelings of despair or a sense of inadequacy. This can be difficult to overcome.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, consult your doctor. They’ll evaluate you and discuss the options for treatment. They might recommend medication, psychotherapy, or lifestyle modifications. Medication can stabilize your mood and stop depressive or mania-like episodes. It can also reduce the severity and length of depression-related episodes. Follow your doctor’s suggested treatment plan, and report any side symptoms to your doctor right away. Also, be sure to read the most up-to-date medication warnings and patient medication guidelines on the Food and Drug Administration website.
Bipolar depression isn’t cureable, but treatment may alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatments are typically the first treatment. Your doctor might prescribe mood stabilizers or antidepressants. These medications can require a few weeks to take effect. Do not stop taking these medications without first speaking with your doctor.
It’s important to keep regular appointments with your therapist and doctor, especially if you are experiencing depression. You can also make lifestyle changes such as eating healthy and working out. Stress reduction can also be helpful, as can abstaining from alcohol and other substances. Some people find that certain supplements can help, such as omega-3, which is believed to reduce young adult depression symptoms 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 keep up with your care and stick with it. Combining treatments can provide lasting relief. It is important to stay in contact with family members and friends, and seek out assistance from bipolar disorder sufferers. It is also possible to learn to recognize early signs and devise strategies to avoid triggers. For instance, keep a journal. Self-compassion is another important aspect. Be aware that your condition isn’t something you made up.
2. Feelings of worthlessness or emptiness
Emptiness or feeling of worthlessness are common symptoms and signs of bipolar depression. People with bipolar disorder have extreme mood swings that could result in mania or depression or mixed features (a combination of both). When they are in a depressive phase, they may feel hopeless and that they don’t deserve life. They might also lose enthusiasm for a variety of activities and experience difficulty sleeping. In a manic period they might feel high-energy or euphoric. They might have a hard to concentrate and may become a bit talkative or engage in risky behavior such as drug misuse and unsafe sex.
Bipolar disorder can cause dangerous behavior because of an impulsive nature. In the course of a depressive episode or mania, they may have trouble controlling their behaviors and may make risky decisions like quitting a job or engaging in sexually reckless behavior. 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.
The erratic behavior of someone who suffers from bipolar disorder may be a source of confusion and anxiety for children who rely on their parents for support and stability. Your relationship can be strengthened by assisting your partner get and maintain treatment for their symptoms. You will also understand what triggers the unpredictable behavior.
It is crucial for people suffering from bipolar disorder to seek treatment even if they don’t feel well. They must attend their therapy and medical sessions and consult with their physician to come up with the best treatment plan for them. Keep a daily journal to note how you feel. This will allow them to observe changes in their behavior and feelings, and alert their doctor when they need to alter their medication.
A review of research on the chronic feeling lack of feeling in people suffering from BPD found that it’s among the most difficult symptoms to manage. This symptom took longer to resolve than other symptoms of moderate depression, and was more likely to recur. This may be due to the fact that it’s an irritable symptom that is more prolonged than other symptoms.
3. Feelings of guilt and worthlessness
Bipolar depression is characterized by feelings of worthlessness and guilt. This could be due the way a person feels about themselves, or what they’ve done or said. It could also be something that is outside their control. People who experience this symptom tend to focus on it and devote much energy to at making amends for the things they believe they’ve committed a mistake.
People who suffer from bipolar disorder often have a hard time connecting with others, and they may not like the things that used to make them happy. They may lose interest in their hobbies and other pursuits as a result. They may also start to believe that they don’t deserve to be happy and that other people would be happier without them. If the feelings are associated with suicidal thoughts, it’s vital to seek immediate help.
There are ways to deal with this feeling. The good news is that there are ways to manage these feelings.
Some medications that can help with mood swings include lithium, antidepressants, SSRIs and ECT (electroconvulsive therapy). Always follow the instructions on the prescription. Stopping abruptly from a medication can cause devastating adverse side consequences.
It’s important to maintain a consistent schedule for sleep, do plenty of exercise, and eat healthy. Avoid stimulants and caffeine since they can disturb sleep and increase the likelihood of suffering from an attack.
You can also use supplements in your diet to improve your mood. Omega-3, for example, was shown to be beneficial in a research study conducted in 2016. Rhodiola rosea was also suggested in a 2013 review as a possibility. It is best to consult your therapist or doctor prior to attempting any herbal remedies. They will be able to provide more information on what may work for you and answer any questions you may have.
4. Feelings of worthlessness or worthlessness
Bipolar postpartum depression symptoms can lead to feelings of worthlessness and despair, which can be a source of distress. They can make it difficult to concentrate or do the things you like, such as work and hobbies. Anhedonia is a condition which makes it difficult to feel satisfaction in activities that you used to enjoy. People with anhedonia are less likely to feel sad and more likely to display their feelings through anger or irritability.
If you’re experiencing an intense episode or mixed feature episode (highs and lows at the same time) you might feel particularly worthless. The highs could include a heightened mood, a higher libido, or a higher-intensity activity. 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 types of depression of overwhelming, intense feelings. You can do this by visiting your doctor or therapist right away and by calling 911 or the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts.
If you are concerned about your loved one’s health urge them to seek treatment right away as well. You can help them by speaking with their doctor or therapist and by helping them with the daily necessities such as eating sleep, exercising, and eating. You can also try stress reduction methods, like yoga or meditation.
The symptoms of bipolar disorder and depression can appear and go. The keeping of a mood journal can help you recognize the signs that you may feel a depressive episode developing. It could be beneficial to update your doctor so they can adjust your medication accordingly.
Depression and other mental health conditions are treatable, and you should be aware of your symptoms. It is essential to have an in-depth evaluation from an expert medical professional, which includes an examination of the body and a blood test to rule out any other possible causes. Then, you can collaborate with a mental health professional to create a treatment plan that might include medication and psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy.