Symptoms of Mania and Depression
If you have bipolar disorder, you will experience periodic lows and highs known as depression and mania. The severity and frequency of these mood changes can help your doctor determine the type of bipolar disorder that you have.
In a manic period, you may experience abnormally high levels of energy or. This could cause issues in your relationships and alter your thinking. Medications known as mood stabilizers can assist in controlling these symptoms.
Mood swings
People experience mood swings from time to time however, if it happens often and interferes with everyday life it could be an indication of mania or depression. Mood changes can be triggered by major events like stress at work, getting too little sleep, or travel. It could be triggered by medications or other health issues. If your mood fluctuates over time, it's advisable to consult a doctor.
A person may feel incredibly excited and energized during a manic episode. They may have grandiose notions about their capabilities, and may feel a sense of euphoria or invincibility. They're likely to be very talkative and sleep very little and be hyperactive. Sometimes symptoms are severe enough that they require hospital care to ensure their safety. They may experience paranoia, hear or see things that others don't (hallucinations) and believe in things that are irrational to other people (delusions).
When experiencing a depressive episode, a person feels depressed, empty, or depressed. They might lose interest and find it difficult to think clearly. Depression can trigger suicidal thoughts or actions. It's important to get help if you notice these thoughts are recurring.
Sometimes, a person can suffer from both depressive and manic episodes at the same time. This is known as an episode that has mixed characteristics. In this instance the patient will experience the same symptoms of someone who is depressed, but they will also feel more energetic.
Many people suffering from bipolar disorder experience episodes of depression and mania which occur extremely quickly, as a roller coaster moving from high to low in a matter of hours. This is called rapid cycling, and it's an important warning sign to seek treatment.
If you're experiencing sudden and drastic changes in your mood, it's a good idea to consult an expert in mental health for a diagnosis. There are plenty of treatments that can help stabilize your mood and allow you to live a happier, more productive life. BetterHelp's online service is free and will connect you with a licensed therapist who can assist you in managing your symptoms and improve the quality of your life.
Insomnia
Insomnia can be a sign of depression, but it could also be a sign of mania or hypomania. You may experience difficulty sleeping during a manic episode due to hyperactivity and racing thoughts. Manic episodes that are severe can cause you to lose your perception of reality (psychosis) and can cause delusions and apparitions.
Hypomania is less severe and is more of an normal high. It can be very happy and you're likely to feel more productive than usual. However, it could cause reckless behavior, like taking advantage of your savings and having unprotected sex. You may also become irritable and angry, or even aggressive.
In severe episodes, you could begin thinking irrationally, believing things that aren't the truth or seeing things that don't exist (delusions and hallucinations). You may also act in a way that is harmful to yourself or others. You may need hospital care for these incidents to ensure your safety.
If you are suffering from mania or depression, it's important to seek treatment. Your doctor will assist you to manage your symptoms with psychotherapy and medication. In some instances they may recommend electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which involves an electrical shock to the brain. ECT is most often used for acute life-threatening depression that hasn't been treated with other methods.
You can control your mood swings using the proper treatment. Be sure to take your medications as prescribed and speak with your doctor regarding any concerns you might have. If you're taking any other medications, such as antidepressants or stimulants, check with your doctor to make sure they won't interfere with your bipolar disorder treatment.
Sleep loss can trigger manic episodes, but you can lower the risk by ensuring an established schedule and getting enough sleep. Try to wake up and go to bed at the same time each day. Avoid alcohol and other substances that can interfere with your sleep. If you experience a manic episode contact 911 or your emergency services in your area immediately. They can look for symptoms of mental illness or suicide.
Anxiety
Feeling anxious, agitated, or tense could be an indication that you're suffering from mania or depression. It is important to talk to your doctor if you experience these symptoms. You may be referred for an evaluation of your mental health by psychiatrists or prescribed medication to improve your mood.
A manic episode can cause a person's behavior to be impulsive, uncontrolled and dangerous. You might spend money in reckless ways or engage in sexual activity that is reckless. If the mania is extreme, you may need to be hospitalized for your own safety. A manic episode can also be characterized by hallucinations, delusions, or disorganized thinking.
In a maniacal state it is possible to believe that you're all-powerful and unstoppable. You might feel euphoric or even creative. You might also sleep very little and be hyperactive. You could be so fast talking that people are unable to follow you or change topics rapidly. Hypomania is a milder version of manic symptoms that people suffering from bipolar disorder could be experiencing. These episodes can last for a week or two and make you feel very good, but they don't disrupt daily life. 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. Unspecified bipolar disorder may be identified if you've had episodes of both mania and depression but your symptoms don't fall into any other category.
People with bipolar disorder develop the pattern of rapid cycling which means they shift from low to high and back again several times within a day or less. This is a risk and needs to be treated.
Your doctor may suggest electroconvulsive treatment, also known as ECT as a method to treat your anxiety. During this procedure your doctor will make use of general anesthesia to keep you asleep as an electric current passes through your brain. The ECT treatment triggers an instant seizure and is very effective for patients suffering from severe mania or depression that does not respond to other treatments.
The following are the methods to reduce your risk:
People who suffer from bipolar disorder typically suffer from depression and mania but they can also experience episodes that are neither manic nor depressive. The rapid cycle can be dangerous and should be avoided.
A manic episode occurs when you feel extremely happy or excited and you have a surprising amount of energy. This is a change from your normal mood, and usually lasts for one week, but it can be longer. Other symptoms include racing thoughts, talking so fast that other people can't keep up with you, feeling like you're invincible confidence, self-esteem inflated reckless behavior, and delusions.
The beginning of a manic episode can be difficult to recognize. You may appear to be on top of everything and be capable of doing whatever you want, but it can quickly spiral out of control. For instance you could spend or gamble away large sums of cash or drive recklessly. It can also lead to trouble at school or at work, when you get angry and aggressive, start throwing a fit or blame others for your problems.
If your symptoms are severe enough, you might need to be hospitalized to avoid harm to others or yourself, or if you exhibit psychotic symptoms like hallucinations and delusions. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe antipsychotic medications such as ariprazole(Abilify) Latuda (Latuda) Ziprexa (Zyprexa) or seroquel (Quetiapine).
A depression episode is more serious than normal sadness and can last an extended period. It could be accompanied by physical symptoms like a fatigue, loss of appetite or difficulty in concentration or thinking. Other symptoms include feelings of hopelessness or guilt, physical pain and suicidal thoughts.
Depression can be triggered by things like the death of a loved one or relationship issues or financial issues, and also by medical conditions such as surgery or illness. It can also be caused by an imbalance in the chemical system of the brain or as a side effect of certain medications such as certain antidepressants. It can be exacerbated by stress or alcohol use, for example recreational drugs or alcohol. Symptoms can be relieved with talk therapy, such as psychotherapy, light exposure and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). If manic depression symptoms are experiencing depression you should ask your family and friends for assistance and seek treatment as quickly as you can to improve your condition.