Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar Depression

People with bipolar disorder have extreme fluctuations in mood and behavior that affect their mood, energy levels, activity levels and behavior, judgment, and sleep. These changes can be extreme and life-threatening.

It is important to get treatment and stick with it in order to feel better. Keep a journal of your mood to help you identify warning signs and keep track of the effectiveness of your treatment.

1. Feelings of despair or hopelessness

Bipolar disorder is known for its extreme mood swings that include highs (mania or hypermania) and lows(depression). These can disrupt your sleep, energy levels, activity levels and judgment. These fluctuations can last for a few days, weeks or even months, and cause disruption with your daily activities. Depression can lead to feelings of hopelessness or despair. This can be a challenge to overcome.

Consult your physician if you experience these symptoms. They'll evaluate your health and discuss possible treatments. They may recommend psychotherapy, medication or lifestyle adjustments. A medication can improve your mood and help prevent depressive or mania-like episodes. It can also decrease the severity and length of depression-related episodes. Follow your doctor's recommended treatment plan, and report any adverse effects to your doctor right away. You can also read the most current medical 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 living. Medications are usually the first treatment. Your doctor may prescribe mood stabilizers, antidepressants, or antipsychotics. These medications may take some time to work. Do not stop using these medications without first talking to your doctor.

It is essential to make regular appointments with your doctor and therapist, especially if you are experiencing depression. You can also consider making lifestyle changes like eating a healthy diet and exercising. Reduced stress can be helpful, as can the avoidance of alcohol and other drug. Some people find that certain supplements can help, such as omega-3, that research suggests could help reduce depression symptoms or Rhodiola rosea, a plant that's used to treat anxiety and depression.

It's normal to be frustrated if treatments don't work However, it's essential to keep pursuing your treatment. Combining therapies can bring lasting relief. It's important to keep in touch with family and friends, and seek support from bipolar disorder sufferers. You can also recognize early symptoms of depression and devise strategies to avoid triggers, such as maintaining a journal. A little self-compassion can go a long way as well. Remember, your situation didn't happen by choice.

2. Feelings of inadequacy or emptyness

Feelings of emptiness or worthlessness are common signs and symptoms of bipolar depression. Bipolar disorder sufferers experience extreme mood swings that could cause mania or depression, or mixed symptoms (a combination of both). When they are experiencing a depressive episode they may feel defeated and that they don't deserve life. They may be unable to engage in many activities and experience trouble sleeping. In a manic state, they may feel euphoric or high-energy. They might have difficulty thinking clearly, talk too much or engage in dangerous behavior like drug use and sexually unsafe.

Bipolar disorder can lead to dangerous behavior because of the impulsivity. They might have a difficult time controlling their behavior during a bout of depression or mania, and may make risky choices like abandoning their job or engaging in an uncontrollable sexual relationship. In the worst cases they may have hallucinations or illusions. They also have a higher risk of taking suicide during a manic phase.

Children who look to parents for stability may be confused and fearful of the unpredictable behavior of a person suffering from bipolar disorder. Your relationship can be strengthened by assisting your partner receive and maintain treatment for their symptoms. You'll also understand what triggers the unpredictable behavior.

Even if you don't feel well, it's vital that those with bipolar disorder get treated. They must attend their medical and therapy sessions and work with their doctor to come up with a treatment plan that works for them. It's important to keep a diary of how they feel from day to day. This will allow them to notice changes in their behavior and feelings and notify their doctor if they need to change medications.

One study that reviewed the research on chronic feelings devoidness among people who suffer from BPD found that it's one of the most difficult symptoms to treat. It took longer for this symptom to go away than other symptoms, and also had more frequent recurrence. This could be due to the fact that it is an irritable symptom that lasts longer than other psychological symptoms of depression.

3. Feelings of guilt and feeling unworthy

Bipolar depression is characterized by feelings of worthlessness and guilt. It could be due to the way a person feels about themselves, or the things they've said or done. It could also be outside their control. People who have this symptom tend to dwell on it and expend much energy trying at making amends for the things they believe they've done wrong.

People with bipolar disorders might find it difficult to connect with others and enjoy the things that they used to love. As a result, they might become less interested in hobbies and other pursuits. They might also begin to believe that they don't deserve to be happy, and that everyone else would be better off without them. If these thoughts are accompanied by suicidal thoughts it is important to seek help immediately.

The good news is that there are ways to treat these feelings. Medications can help prevent episodes and lessen the severity of them and psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy -- can help people to identify the root of their issues and discover healthier ways to cope with them.

Antidepressants, SSRIs and ECT (electroconvulsive treatment) are some of the medications that can help with mood changes. You should always follow the directions on the prescription. Stopping abruptly a medication could cause serious side consequences.

You should also adhere to a regular sleeping schedule and exercise regularly. You should also consume a balanced diet. Avoid stimulants and caffeine because they can interfere with your sleep and increase your chances of having an episode.

You can also take nutritional supplements to boost your mood. Omega-3 for instance, was shown to be effective in a study from 2016. Rhodiola rosea was also mentioned in the 2013 review as a possibility. It is recommended to consult with your therapist or doctor prior to attempting any herbal remedies. They will be able to provide more details on what might be effective for you and answer any questions that you may have.

4. Feelings of worthlessness or worthlessness

Bipolar depression can trigger feelings of emptiness, which can be distressing. They can make it difficult to concentrate or perform activities that you like, such as working or enjoying hobbies. You may also find it harder to feel pleasure in activities you used to find pleasurable, a condition known as anhedonia. Anhedonia is less likely cause sadness, but more likely to trigger anger or irritation.

If you are experiencing an agitated episode or a mixed feature episode (highs and lows simultaneously) you might feel depressed. The highs could include an unusually high mood, increased libido, or a faster-paced activity level. The lows could be characterized by feeling angry, tearful or hopeless. You might feel angry or restless and experience thoughts of suicide or self-harm.

It is crucial to seek help if you are feeling these types of intense, overwhelming emotions. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, call 911 or the Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255.

Encourage your loved ones to seek help immediately if you're concerned 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 working out. You can also employ methods to reduce stress, like yoga or meditation.

Bipolar disorder symptoms and depression can come and go. A mood diary can help you recognize when you begin to notice a depressive episode is developing. It could be beneficial to update your doctor so they can adjust your medication to suit.

Depression and other mental health disorders can be treated, so you should be aware of your symptoms of severe depressive episode. It is important to seek medical attention for a thorough evaluation that includes the results of a blood test and a physical signs of being depressed exam. This will help identify other possible causes. You can then consult with a mental healthcare specialist to devise a treatment plan that may include medication and psychotherapy such as cognitive behavior therapies.