Bipolar disorder is also called as ‘manic depression’ or ‘manic depressive disorder’! One of phases in bipolar disorder is depressive episodes. Another contrasting phase is manic episodes. People with this illness have extreme changes in poles (moods) from ‘depression (low energy) to mania (high energy)’ or on the other hand from ‘mania to depression’. And between these changes (mood swings), bipolar sufferers may have normal moods. Let’s focus to the bipolar depression symptoms!
You may also like to read about what are causes of bipolar disorder and bipolar symptoms in women and men, before continuing!
You may also like to read about what are causes of bipolar disorder and bipolar symptoms in women and men, before continuing!
When in the episodes of mania, bipolar sufferers may have full of energy or feel euphoric. On the other hand, when their mood shifts become depressed then they may loss pleasure or interest in many activities. In the episodes of depression, the patient are more likely to feel hopeless or sad (low energy).
Check the image below to clearly understand the mood shifts in manic depressive disorder!
These mood shifts can occur once a year or a few times a year, depending on the type of manic depression and other factors. In several cases, bipolar depression symptoms and mania symptoms can occur together at the same time (in rapid sequence) -- this condition is often linked to mixed bipolar (one of bipolar disorder types).
Bipolar depression symptoms
The dramatic mood swings of manic depression don’t follow a set pattern. This means mania symptoms are not always followed by depression symptoms. An individual with this illness may have the same mood state for weeks, months, or even years before having a change in mood. And the level (mild or severe) of symptoms of each episode (mania or depression) can be different from person to person.
The depression episodes can be equally intense. Anxiety and sadness can affect a lot of aspects of life, which may include performance at work (productivity), eating & sleeping, feelings & thoughts, relationships, or even physical health.
If you have been diagnosed with only depression, and if this disorder is not properly treated then it can cause severe depression symptoms, or even you have a chance to also have bipolar disorder (your depression is followed with mania symptoms) -- talk with a doctor for more in-depth information!
You may also like to read can depression be cured?
There are some bipolar depression symptoms, which may include:
- Changes in sleeping (oversleeping or insomnia) and loss of energy or apathy (low energy), which then may cause poor coordination, more fatigue (weakness), or even slow speech.
- Irritability, sadness, anxiety, and feelings of worthlessness (hopelessness). These conditions may cause uncontrollable crying.
- Being uncomfortable to certain things that can be enjoyed before. Or loss interest to certain things!
- Problems to have a good concentration and make a decision.
- Changes in eating (higher or lower appetite), which then may lead to gain or weight loss.
- Some patients may also experience chronic with unknown cause.
- Decreased productivity in many activities (at work, school, etc).
- Having thoughts to attempt suicide. People with bipolar disorder in depression episodes may have more thoughts of death!
Note: you should not make a diagnosis on your own! See your doctor to get more advices, clearly diagnosis, the right treatments, and more depth-in information about any bipolar depression symptoms that you experience!
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Reference: MayoClinic and WebMD
Image credit to ‘shutterstock’ for illustration
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Reference: MayoClinic and WebMD
Image credit to ‘shutterstock’ for illustration
