Symptoms of Mania and Depression

If you suffer from bipolar disorder, you will experience periodic lows and highs called mania and depression. The frequency and severity of these mood swings can aid your healthcare professional determine what kind of bipolar disorder you suffer from.

In a manic period, you may experience abnormally high levels or energy. This can lead to problems in your relationships and affect your thinking. These symptoms can be controlled by mood stabilizers.

Mood swings

People experience mood changes at times, but if it happens often and interferes with everyday life, it could be an indication of mania or depression. The mood changes can be caused by major events or stress at work, getting too little sleep, or travel. It could be triggered by medication or other health issues. It's important to see a doctor in case your mood gets worse over time.

If someone experiences an episode of manic, they can feel incredibly enthusiastic and exuberant. They may have high expectations about their capabilities and experience a sense of euphoria. They could speak a lot and rest little. The symptoms may be so extreme that hospitalization is needed to ensure safety. They might be afflicted with paranoia, see or hear things that others can't (hallucinations) and believe in things that are untrue to others (delusions).

When going through a depressive period one may feel empty, sad or hopeless. They may lose interest in the things they enjoy and find it difficult to think clearly. Depression can lead to suicidal ideas or actions. It is crucial to seek help if these thoughts are recurring.

Sometimes, a person may experience both manic and depressive ones simultaneously. This is called an episode with mixed characteristics. In this scenario, patients will suffer from the same symptoms as someone who is depressed, but will feel more energetic at the same time.

Many people suffering from bipolar disorder experience episodes of depression and mania that occur very quickly, similar to a roller coaster moving from low to high in a matter of hours. This is called rapid cycling and it's a serious warning signs of mental health issues (Learn Additional Here) sign that you should seek treatment.

If you're experiencing sudden and drastic changes in your mood, it's a good idea to consult a mental health professional to get a diagnosis. There are a myriad of methods that can help you to stabilize your mood and help you live a more pleasant life. BetterHelp's online services are 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

Sleepiness is a typical symptom of depression, but it can also signal mania or hypomania. It is possible to have trouble sleeping during an episode of mania because of hyperactivity and racing thoughts. A severe manic phase can cause you to lose your sense of reality (psychosis) and can cause delusions and apparitions.

Hypomania isn't as severe as the full-blown manic phase and is typically more of a natural high. It can be extremely positive and you're likely to feel more productive than usual. However, it can also cause reckless behavior, such as taking advantage of your savings and engaging in sexual activity that is not protected. You may also become irritable and angry, or even aggressive.

In severe episodes, you could begin thinking irrationally, imagining things that aren't real or experiencing things that aren't real (delusions and hallucinations). You could also act in ways that can harm you or others. These instances may require hospital treatment to ensure your security.

When you suffer with depression or mania, it's important to seek treatment. Your doctor will help you manage your early symptoms of depression with psychotherapy and medication. In some cases, your doctor may recommend electroconvulsive treatment (ECT) which is a short electric shock that is administered to the brain. ECT is typically used to treat depression that is life-threatening and acute that hasn't been treated with other methods.

You can manage your mood swings with the proper treatment. Take your medication as prescribed and discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you're taking any other medications such as antidepressants, or stimulants, you should consult your healthcare provider to make sure they won't interfere with the treatment for bipolar disorder.

Sleep loss can trigger manic episodes, but you can lower the risk by ensuring an established schedule and getting enough sleep. Make sure you go to bed and rise at the same time every day. Avoid caffeine and other substances that can interfere with sleep. If you do develop an episode of manic, contact 911 or your local emergency services immediately. They can look for symptoms of mental illness or suicide.

Anxiety

Feeling anxious, nervous, or tense could be a sign that you are suffering from mania or depression. It is essential to speak to your physician in the event that you experience these symptoms. You may be referred a psychiatrist for a mental health evaluation or prescribed medication to help stabilize your mood.

A manic episode can cause an individual to become irrational and impulsive and may cause dangerous behaviour. You might make rash purchases or engage in reckless sexual activity. If the manic episode is severe, you might need to be hospitalized for your own security. Manic episodes can also include hallucinations, delusions, or thoughts that are not organized.

In a manic episode you might believe that you are powerful and unstoppable. You might feel extremely imaginative or euphoric. You might also be hyperactive and sleep little. You may speak so fast, that others are unable to follow or change topics rapidly. Hypomania is a milder version of manic symptoms that some people with bipolar disorder may suffer from. These episodes can last for several weeks and make you feel great but they don't disrupt your routine. They usually occur after severe depression.

If you are experiencing 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. You might also be diagnosed with unspecified bipolar disorder if you've experienced a few episodes of mania and depression but the symptoms don't fall into other categories.

Certain people suffering from bipolar disorder experience an irregular pattern of cycles, which means that they cycle from high to low frequently throughout the day. This is a risk and must be treated.

Your doctor may suggest electroconvulsive treatment, or ECT, as a way to treat your anxiety. During this procedure the doctor will apply general anesthesia to keep you asleep while an electric current flows through your brain. The ECT treatment causes an instant seizure and is very effective for people with severe mania or depression that isn't responding to other treatments.

Depression

Bipolar disorder can trigger episodes of mania or depression However, it can also cause episodes that are not depressive or manic. This is known as rapid cycling. It can be dangerous, so it's important to adhere to your treatment plan carefully.

A manic episode is the time when you feel extremely joyful, euphoric, and are filled with energy. It's a change in your mood, which usually lasts for a minimum of several days, but may last for longer. Other signs of mild depression include racing thoughts, talking so fast that others can't keep up, feeling like you're invincible and self-confidence that is overinflated and reckless behavior. It can also be a sign of falsehoods.

It isn't always easy to spot the beginning of manic episodes. It can feel like you're on top of the world and ready to do anything, however it's possible to spiral out of control, for example, gambling or spending large sums of money or driving recklessly. You may also cause trouble at work or at school if you are angry and irritable, engage in fights or blame others for the issues.

If your mental illness is severe enough, you might require hospitalization to avoid harm to others or yourself, or if you have psychotic symptoms like hallucinations and delusions. In some cases doctors may prescribe antipsychotic medications like ariprazole(Abilify) Latuda (Latuda) ziprexa (Zyprexa) or seroquel (Quetiapine).

A depressive episode may last for a long period of time and is more serious than normal sadness. It could be accompanied by physical symptoms of severe depressive episode, such as fatigue, loss of appetite or difficulty concentration or thinking. Other symptoms might be feelings of hopelessness or guilt, suicidal thoughts and physical pain.

Depression can be triggered by a myriad of causes such as the loss of a loved one, relationship issues financial issues or 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 addiction to substances such as alcohol or recreational drugs, can cause the condition to worsen. Talk therapy can relieve symptoms, such as psychotherapy light therapy, and electroconvulsive treatment (ECT). Ask your family members and close friends for support in case you suffer from depression. Find treatment as quickly as you can to improve your health.