Symptoms of Mania and Depression

If you suffer from bipolar disorder, you will experience episodes of highs and lows that are referred to as depression and mania. The intensity and frequency of these mood changes can help your healthcare provider determine what kind of bipolar disorder you have.

In a manic episode you experience abnormally high levels of energy and activity that can affect your thinking and cause issues with relationships. Medications called mood stabilizers can help control these symptoms.

Changes in mood

People experience mood shifts from time to time however if it occurs frequently and disrupts daily life, it could be a sign of mania or depression. These mood shifts could be caused by big events, stress, lack of sleep, or travel. It can also be caused by medications or other health issues, and it's important to see a doctor when your mood becomes more severe over time.

If someone experiences a manic episode, they can feel incredibly exuberant and energized. They may have grandiose notions about their abilities and experience a sense of euphoria. They may be very active and sleep very little. Sometimes the symptoms are serious enough that they require hospitalization to ensure their safety. They might experience paranoia, see or hear things that others don't (hallucinations) and believe things that are untrue to others (delusions).

During a depressive phase, a person may feel empty, sad or hopeless. They may lose interest in the activities they normally enjoy and have difficulty thinking clearly. Depression can lead to suicidal thoughts or actions. It is important to seek help if these thoughts are occurring.

Sometimes, a person may experience both depressive and manic ones simultaneously. This is known as an episode with mixed characteristics. In this case the patient will exhibit the same symptoms of those suffering from depression, but they will also feel more energized.

Bipolar disorder is defined by episodes of mania or depression that occur very quickly, much like an ebb and flow that changes from high to low in several hours. This is known as rapid cycling and is a crucial warning sign to seek treatment.

If you're experiencing extreme and sudden changes in your mood it's best to see an expert in mental health for an assessment. There are a variety of treatments available that can improve your mood and allow you to live a more pleasant, 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 is a typical sign of depression, but it can also signal mania or hypomania. You may have difficulty sleeping during a manic episode due to racing thoughts and hyperactivity. A severe manic episode can also cause you to lose the reality (psychosis) and may cause hallucinations and delusions.

Hypomania isn't as severe as a full-blown manic episode and is typically more of natural high. It can feel euphoric and you may feel more productive. It could also lead to reckless actions, like investing your savings in gambling or having sex without security. It is also possible to become angry and irritable or even violent.

In extreme episodes, you could begin to think irrationally and believe things that aren't real, or seeing things that do not exist (delusions, hallucinations). You could be prone to behavior that could may harm others or yourself. You may require hospitalization in these instances to ensure your security.

It is essential to seek treatment if you are suffering from mania or depression. Your doctor can help you manage your symptoms through medication and psychotherapy. In some cases they may recommend electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) which involves the application of a brief electrical shock to your brain. ECT is typically used for life-threatening, severe depressions that haven't responded well to other treatments.

You can manage your mood swings using the right treatment. Follow the prescribed dosage and discuss any concerns you have with your doctor. If you're taking other medicines such as antidepressants, or stimulants, consult your healthcare provider to ensure they won't interfere with the treatment you receive for bipolar disorder.

Manic episodes, but you can lower your risk by keeping the same routine and getting adequate rest. Try to get up and go to sleep at the same time every day. Avoid caffeine and other substances that interfere with sleep. If you experience a panic attack, call 911 or the emergency services of your local area immediately. They can look for signs of sadness of mental illness or suicide.

Anxiety

Feeling anxious, nervous or tense may be a sign that you are suffering from depression or mania. It is important to talk to your doctor if you experience these symptoms. You could be referred to a mental evaluation by a psychiatrist or prescribed medication to improve your mood.

A manic episode can cause someone's behavior to be irrational, impulsive and dangerous. You might make rash purchases or engage in a reckless sexual activity. You might need to be hospitalized if the manic episode is severe. A manic episode may also include hallucinations, delusions, or thoughts that are not organized.

When you are in a moody episode, you may think that you are super-powerful and unstoppable. You might feel extremely imaginative or euphoric. You might also be hyperactive and sleep less. You may talk so fast that others cannot follow you or switch topics in a hurry. Bipolar disorder sufferers may experience milder manic-like symptoms, known as hypomania. These episodes can last a week or two and make you feel extremely good, but they don't affect your daily routine. They typically occur in the aftermath of an extreme depression.

If you experience these mood swings, you may be diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Bipolar I disorder includes periods of depression and mania. Bipolar II is characterized by periods of hypomania that are followed by severe recognizing depression symptoms. You could also be diagnosed with an unspecified bipolar disorder if you've had several episodes of depression or mania, but the symptoms don't fit into other categories.

People with bipolar disorder develop a pattern of rapid cycling that is, they go from low to high and back in a day or less. This is a risk and should be treated.

Your doctor might recommend electroconvulsive therapy, also known as ECT to treat your mania. During this procedure, your doctor will use general anesthesia to make you sleepy while an electric current flows through your brain. The ECT treatment is effective in treating severe mania and depression that is not responding to other treatments.

Depression

People who suffer from bipolar disorder typically experience mania and depression however, 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 the time when you feel extremely joyful, euphoric, and are filled with energy. This is a change in your mood, which usually lasts at least several days, but may last for longer. Other Signs Of Depression In Adults include racing thoughts, talking so fast that others aren't able to keep up with you, feeling like you're invincible and self-confidence that is overinflated reckless behavior, and delusions.

It can be difficult to identify the beginning of manic episodes. You may feel on top of everything and be capable of doing whatever you want, but it can quickly spiral out of control. For instance, you might spend or gamble away large sums of money or even drive recklessly. It could also lead to problems at school or at work when you get angry and aggressive, or begin picking fights or blame other people for your problems.

If your mania is severe enough, you might require hospitalization in order to protect your family or friends or if you exhibit psychotic symptoms like hallucinations and delusions. In certain instances, your doctor might prescribe antipsychotic drugs like ariprazole (Abilify) and lurasidone (Latuda) and the 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 accompanied by physical symptoms such as a lack of appetite, fatigue or difficulty thinking or concentrating. Other symptoms include feelings of hopelessness or guilt physical pain, suicidal thoughts.

Depression can be triggered by events like the loss of loved ones, relationship problems or financial issues, and also by medical conditions such as illness or surgery. It could be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain or as a consequence of certain medications like certain antidepressants. Stress and abuse of substances, such as alcohol or recreational drugs can cause the condition to worsen. Talk therapy can help alleviate symptoms, such as psychotherapy, light therapy, and electroconvulsive treatment (ECT). Ask your family members and close friends for assistance when you're suffering from postpartum depression symptoms. Seek treatment as soon as you can to alleviate your symptoms.