Author: jewelsangels

Bipolar disorder affects approximately 5.7 million people in the United States over the age of 18 years old every year.  There are three different types of bipolar disorder, but in general the symptoms consist of unusual shifts in mood, energy levels, activity, and ability to complete everyday tasks.  Also, switching off from feeling really up to feeling extremely down is a typical symptom.

Bipolar 1 is the most severe case, and what is common with this disorder is experiencing manic episodes that last for at least seven days, or having such severe mania that the person requires medical care.  In most cases, a severe depression will follow the manic periods, and the depression lasts for about two weeks.  So one will experience extended periods of intense mood fluctuations of extreme high and extreme low.

Bipolar 2 is similar to bipolar 1, however it is less severe in terms of the length of manic and depressive episodes as well as severity of these.

Cyclothymic disorder is similar to bipolar disorder 2 because of the mood swings of intense highs and lows.  However, this disorder is much less severe.  The highs never fully reach mania and the lows never fully reach depressive states.  Someone who has cyclothymic disorder has mood swings that are classified as abnormal, but they are not severe enough to be considered full-blown bipolar disorder.  In order to be diagnosed with this disorder, the mood swings would need to be present for at least 2 years for adults, and at least 1 year for children & adolescents.

An obvious symptom of a manic episode is someone acting more energetic than they normally would.  They may feel like their thoughts are racing and they may have a bunch of ideas but are too antsy to actually form and complete them.  They also may be irritable or “touchy”.  Another common symptom when manic is to have trouble sleeping and eating, usually too little.  It is also common to engage in risky behaviors that are not thought out, such as spending a bunch of money.

When someone is having a depressive episode, they are more “down” than they usually are, and may be withdrawn from activities that usually interest them or isolate themselves from family/friends.  It is also common for one to feel hopeless, sad, or empty, and even think about death or suicide.  They may have little energy, over sleep, and have trouble concentrating on tasks.

People with severe episodes of mania or depression, usually bipolar disorder 1, may experience some psychotic symptoms such as delusions and/or hallucinations.  There is also some comorbidity (two disorders that are likely to occur together) with schizophrenia, anxiety, attention-defecit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and substance abuse.

As with most disorders; there is no one specific reason why someone will get bipolar disorder.  There are several risk factors that possibly play into the development of bipolar disorder such as family heritage/genetics, and brain structure/functioning.

The most beneficial treatment for bipolar disorder is medication.  Unfortunately, bipolar disorder is a life-long disease that is not curable.  However on the bright side, it is completely treatable and can be kept under control with the right medications.  The most important concept is to continue to take the medication prescribed, so as not to risk having a manic or depressive episode.

Source: National Institute of Mental Health

An important distinction to make when talking about depression, is the difference between Clinical Depression (sometimes called Major Depressive Disorder or Major Depression) and Situational Depression (sometimes referred to as Adjustment Disorder).

Symptoms of both can be identical; the main difference between the two is the time component and the treatment component.

Situational depression is when one becomes depressed after some trauma or tragic event.  This can range from experiencing the death of a loved one, losing one’s job or house, experiencing a major natural disaster, divorce, or bankruptcy just to name a few.  If a person does not know how to cope with a major change in their life, they can develop situational depression.  Situational depression should not last for longer than about six months, or the person’s diagnoses should be re-evaluated.

Treatment for situational depression usually does not require medication or a professional therapist’s counseling, unless severe.  Treatment options include eating a healthy diet, engaging in regular exercise, talking about your feelings to close others, and joining a formal support group.  Situational depression should go away on its own with the help of these suggestions.

Clinical depression is more severe, and the symptoms experienced can be the same as situational depression (anger, feelings of hopelessness, withdrawal from family members, sad mood) but more severe.  These people’s lives are more impacted by their depression such as everyday tasks and interactions with family or friends.

Symptoms found in Clinical Depression but not situational: development of abnormal sleeping patterns, increased use of drugs/alcohol, and hallucinations, delusions, and other forms of psychotic disturbances.  People with Clinical Depression often have chemical brain imbalances; meaning that an outside factor (such as experienced with Situational Depression) does NOT need to be present in order for one to be clinically depressed.

Another difference of Clinical Depression is that the person is experiencing AT LEAST five symptoms of depression all at one time.  This factor does not have to be present for one to be diagnosed with Situational Depression.

Treatment for clinical depression may involve either psychotherapy/cognitive behavioral therapy, medication (anti-depressant) or a mix of both.  Another treatment option is to temporary stay in a controlled facility.

Source: Elements Behavioral Health: Creating Extraordinary Lives

For more information on their treatment options, call their facility at (888) 387-0717

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“Grief is tremendous, but love is bigger. You are grieving because you loved truly. The beauty in that is greater than the bitterness of death. Allowing this into your consciousness will not keep you from suffering, but it will help you survive the next day.”

-Cheryl Strayed’s book of quotes: BRAVE ENOUGH