(Image: https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/iampsychiatry-logo-wide.png)Symptoms of Mania and Depression
You may experience mania and depression if you suffer from bipolar disorder. The intensity and frequency of these mood changes can help your healthcare provider determine the type of bipolar disorder that you suffer from.
In a manic period it is possible to experience abnormally high levels or energy. This can cause problems with your relationships as well as affect your thinking. Medications known as mood stabilizers aid in reducing the symptoms.
Mood swings
People experience mood swings at times, but if it happens often and interferes with everyday life it could be an indication of mania, or depression. Changes in mood can be caused by major events, stress at work, getting too little sleep, and travel. It could be triggered by medication or other health issues, and it's important to see a doctor when your mood becomes more severe over time.
A person can feel incredibly enthusiastic and energized when they are in an extreme episode. They may have grandiose ideas about their capabilities and a sense of euphoria or invincibility. They're likely to be very talkative, sleep very little, and be hyperactive. Sometimes, the symptoms are severe enough that they require hospitalization to ensure their safety. They may be afraid or witness something that others do not (hallucinations), and believe things which are irrational for other people (delusions).
When going through a depressive period the person might feel sad, empty or hopeless. They may stop engaging in the things they enjoy and may have trouble thinking clearly. Depression can also lead to suicidal thoughts or even suicide attempts, but it's important to seek out help if you're experiencing these thoughts.
A person can sometimes have both manic and depressive ones simultaneously. This is known as an episode with mixed characteristics. In this case the patient will exhibit similar symptoms to depression sufferers however, they will feel more energetic.
Many people who have bipolar disorder experience bouts of depression and mania that occur extremely quickly, as the roller coaster that goes from low to high in a matter of hours. This is called rapid cycling, and it's an important early warning signs of depression sign that you should seek treatment.
If you're experiencing sudden and drastic changes in your mood it's best to see a mental health professional to get a diagnosis. There are many treatments that can help stabilize your mood and help you live a happier, more productive life. BetterHelp's online service is free and will connect you with a licensed professional to help you manage your symptoms and improve the quality of your life.
Insomnia
Insomnia is a common sign of depression, but it could be a sign of hypomania or mania. In a manic episode you may experience difficulty sleeping due to racing thoughts and hyperactivity. A manic episode that is severe can also cause you to lose contact with reality (psychosis) which can lead to delusions and hallucinations.
Hypomania isn't as severe as a full-blown manic episode and is typically more of natural high. It can be euphoric, and you may feel more productive. It can also lead to reckless behavior, like gambling your savings away or having sex without security. You may also become angry and frustrated, or even aggressive.
In the case of severe episodes, you might begin to think irrationally and believe things that aren't true or imagining things that don't exist (delusions, hallucinations). You could also behave in a way that's detrimental to you or others. You may need hospital care for these incidents to ensure your security.
It is crucial to seek treatment when you're suffering from depression or mania. Your doctor can help you manage your symptoms by using medication and psychotherapy. In some cases they may recommend electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) which involves an electrical shock to your brain. ECT is typically used to treat depression that is life-threatening and acute that hasn't been able to respond to other treatments.
You can control your mood swings with the proper treatment. Make sure you follow the prescriptions for your medication and speak to your doctor about any concerns you may have. Talk to your doctor if you are taking any other medications like antidepressants or stimulants to ensure they do not interfere with treatment for bipolar disorder.
Sleep deprivation can trigger a manic episode However, you can minimize the risk by maintaining an organized schedule and getting enough rest. Try to get up and go to sleep at the same time every day. Avoid the use of caffeine or other substances that can interfere with your sleep. If you experience a panic attack, contact 911 or local emergency services immediately. They can search for symptoms of mental illness or suicide.
Anxiety
The feeling of being in a state of alert, nervous or tense can be a sign of depression, or mania. It is important to talk to your physician when you notice these signs of Mental health problems. You could be referred to a psychiatrist for a mental health evaluation or given medication to help stabilize your mood.
A manic episode may cause someone's behavior to be impulsive, uncontrolled and dangerous. You might make rash purchases or engage in a reckless sexual activity. You might need to be hospitalized if the mania is severe. Manic episodes can include delusions, hallucinations or a disorganized mind.
During a manic phase, you may believe that you're all-powerful and unstoppable. You may feel elated or creative. You could also sleep a little and be very hyperactive. You may speak so fast, that people are unable to follow you or change topics rapidly. Hypomania is a milder form of manic symptoms that some people with bipolar disorder may suffer from. These episodes can last a few days or a couple of weeks, and make you feel very well, but they don't interfere with your daily routine. They usually follow severe depression.
If you experience these mood swings, then you could be diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Bipolar I disorder involves periods of both mania and depression and Bipolar II features alternating periods of hypomania and severe depression. Unspecified bipolar disorder may be diagnosed if you've experienced episodes of both mania and depression but your symptoms don't belong to any other category.
People with bipolar disorder develop an erratic cycle, which means that they go from high to low and back in a single day or less. This is dangerous and needs to be treated.
Your doctor may recommend electroconvulsive therapy, or ECT as a method to treat your anxiety. In this procedure, your doctor will use general anesthesia to ensure you are asleep as an electric current passes through your brain. The ECT treatment is effective in treating severe depression and mania that doesn't respond to other treatments.
Depression
Bipolar disorder can cause episodes of mania or depression however, it can also cause episodes that are neither manic or depressive. This is known as rapid cycling and it can be dangerous, so it is crucial to follow the treatment plan closely.
A manic episode is when you feel extremely happy, excited, and have a surprising amount of energy. It's a departure from your normal mood, and typically lasts for at least one week, but it may last for longer. Other signs include racing thoughts and talking at a speed that others can't follow, feeling invincible and reckless behavior.
The first signs of a manic episode can be difficult to identify. You might feel in control of everything and be able to do whatever you want, but this can quickly spiral out of control. For instance you may spend or gamble away large amounts of cash or drive recklessly. It could also lead to problems at school or at work, in the event that you become angry and aggressive, start throwing a fit or blame others for your troubles.
If your mental illness is severe enough, you may require hospitalization in order to protect your family or friends or if you have psychotic features such as hallucinations and delusions. In some cases the doctor might prescribe antipsychotic drugs like ariprazole(Abilify), latuda (Latuda) Ziprexa (Zyprexa), or seroquel (Quetiapine).
A depressive episode is more serious than normal sadness, and can last a long time. It may be accompanied by physical signs of depression symptoms, such as lack of appetite, fatigue or trouble with thinking or concentrating. Other symptoms include feelings like hopelessness or guilt and physical pain as well as suicidal thoughts.
Depression can be triggered by events such as the death of a loved one, relationship problems or financial difficulties, and sometimes by medical conditions such as illness or surgery. It can be caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain or as a side effect of certain medications such as certain antidepressants. Stress and substance abuse like alcohol or recreational drugs, can worsen the condition. The symptoms can be treated with therapy for talk, like light exposure, psychotherapy, and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Ask your family members and close friends for help if you are suffering from depression symptoms in males. Get treatment as soon as you can to alleviate your symptoms.