Symptoms of Mania and Depression

If you suffer from bipolar disorder, you experience periodic lows and highs that are referred to as depression and mania. Your healthcare provider can identify the kind of bipolar disorder you suffer from by assessing the severity and frequency of mood changes.

During a manic episode, you have abnormally high levels of activity and energy that can affect your thinking and cause issues with relationships. Medications known as mood stabilizers can assist in controlling these symptoms.

Changes in mood

Some people experience mood changes periodically. However if they are frequent and affect your daily routine it could be a sign you're suffering from depression or mania. These mood shifts could be caused by big events, stress, lack of sleep, or travel. It can be triggered by medications or other health issues, and it's crucial to seek out a physician if your feelings get worse over time.

One can feel extremely exuberant and energetic when they are in an intense episode. They may have grandiose notions about their abilities and feel a sense of happiness. They're likely to talk a lot and sleep very little and are hyperactive. Symptoms can be so that hospitalization is required to ensure their safety. They might experience anxiety, experience or perceive things that others don't (hallucinations) and believe things that are irrational to other people (delusions).

When experiencing a depressive episode, people feel depressed, empty or hopeless. They may lose interest in the things they enjoy and find it difficult to think clearly. Depression can also trigger suicidal thoughts or even suicide attempts however it is important to seek help if having these thoughts.

Sometimes, a person can suffer from both depressive and manic episodes simultaneously. This is known as an episode that has mixed characteristics. In this case the patient will experience similar symptoms to someone who is depressed however, they will feel energized.

Bipolar disorder is characterised by mania-like episodes or identifying depression symptoms that happen very quickly, similar to a rollercoaster that goes from high to low in just a few hours. This is known as rapid cycling, and it's an important warning sign to seek treatment.

If you're experiencing sudden and extreme shifts in your emotions it's a good idea to see a mental health professional for an assessment. There are a variety of treatments available that can bring your mood back to normal and help you live a happier, more productive life. You can also use BetterHelp's free online service to get matched with an accredited counselor who can help you manage your symptoms and improve your level of living.

Insomnia

Sleepiness is a typical symptom of depression, but it can also signal mania or hypomania. In a manic episode you may have trouble sleeping due to racing thoughts and hyperactivity. A severe manic episode can also cause you to lose the reality (psychosis), including delusions and hallucinations.

Hypomania is less severe than an extreme manic episode, and typically feels more like an unnatural high. It can be very happy and you're likely to feel more productive than usual. It can also trigger reckless behavior, like spending your savings or having sexual relations without protection. You could also be angry and irritable, or even aggressive.

In severe episodes you may start thinking irrationally and believing things that aren’t true, or imagining things that don't exist (delusions or hallucinations,). You might also behave in a way that is dangerous to yourself or others. You may need hospital care for these incidents to ensure your security.

It's important to get treatment when you're suffering from mania or depression. Your doctor will assist you to manage your symptoms by using medication and psychotherapy. In certain situations they may recommend electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) which is the process of applying a brief electrical shock to the brain. ECT is most often used for acute life-threatening depression that hasn't been able to respond to other treatments.

Your mood swings are likely to return after a while However, with treatment, you can keep them under control. Use your medication according to the instructions and discuss any concerns with your doctor. Talk to your doctor for any other medications such as stimulants or antidepressants to ensure they do not interfere with treatment for bipolar disorder.

Sleep loss can trigger manic episodes However, you can lessen your risk by keeping a regular schedule and getting enough rest. Try to wake up and go to sleep at the same time each day. Avoid alcohol and other substances that affect sleep. If you experience a manic episode call 911 or the emergency services of your local area immediately. They will be able to check for signs of suicide or any other mental health problems.

Anxiety

The feeling of being in a state of alert, nervous or tense can be an indication of depression or mania. It is important to talk to your doctor in the event that you experience these symptoms. You could be referred to psychiatrists for a mental health evaluation or given medication to stabilize your mood.

A manic episode may cause someone's behavior to be impulsive, uncontrolled and risky. You might spend money recklessly or engage in a reckless sexual activity. If the manic episodes are severe, you might require hospitalization for your own security. A manic episode could include hallucinations, delusions or unorganized thoughts.

In a maniacal state it is possible to believe that you're powerful and unstoppable. You may feel extremely creative or elated. You may also sleep very little and be extremely active. You could speak so fast, that others are unable to follow or switch topics in a hurry. Hypomania is a milder variant of manic symptoms which some people suffering from bipolar disorder could be experiencing. These episodes can last for several weeks and make you feel great however they shouldn't interfere with your normal routine. They usually occur after severe depression.

If you experience these mood swings, then you could be diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Bipolar I disorder includes periods of depression and mania. Bipolar II is characterized by periods of hypomania, followed by severe depression. Bipolar disorder that is not defined can be identified if you've experienced episodes of both mania and depression however your symptoms of moderate depression do not belong to any other category.

Some people with bipolar disorder experience an irregular pattern of cycles, meaning they fluctuate from high to low frequently throughout the day. This is a risk and should be treated.

Your doctor may recommend electroconvulsive therapy, also known as ECT, to treat your anxiety. During the procedure, your doctor uses general anesthesia to keep you sleeping while an electrical current is passed through your brain. The ECT treatment is effective in treating severe depression and mania that doesn't respond to other treatments.

Depression

People who suffer from bipolar disorder typically experience mania and depression however, they can also have episodes that are neither depressive or manic. This type of rapid cycle is risky and should be avoided.

Manic episodes occur if you feel extremely happy or enthusiastic and feel an unusually high amount of energy. It's a change in your mood that usually lasts at least a few days, but may last for longer. Other recognizing early signs of depression (Source Webpage) include racing thoughts, talking so fast you can't be heard the conversation, feeling like you're invincible, and reckless behavior.

It can be difficult to recognize the onset of manic episodes. It can feel like you're in the top of the world and can do anything, however it's possible to spiral out of control, like gambling or spending large amounts of money or driving recklessly. You can also cause problems at work or in school when you're aggressive and angry, pick fights, or blame others for your issues.

If your symptoms of depression and anxiety are severe enough, you might require hospitalization to avoid harm to yourself or others or if you suffer from psychotic symptoms of major depression like hallucinations and delusions. In some instances, your doctor might prescribe antipsychotic medications like ariprazole (Abilify) or lurasidone (Latuda), olanzapine (Zyprexa) or quetiapine (Seroquel).

A depressive episode may last for a long period of time and is more severe than normal sadness. It may be associated with physical symptoms like a fatigue, loss of appetite or difficulty thinking or concentrating. Other signs could include feelings of hopelessness or guilt or suicidal thoughts, as well as physical discomfort.

Depression can be caused by a variety of things like the death of loved ones, relationship problems or financial issues, and also due to medical conditions like illness or surgery. It can also be a result of a chemical imbalance in the brain or as a result of a reaction to certain medications like antidepressants. Stress and abuse of substances, such as alcohol or recreational drugs, can worsen the condition. Symptoms can be relieved with talk therapy, such as psychotherapy, light exposure and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). If you are experiencing depression, ask your family and friends for assistance and seek treatment as soon as you can to improve your health.