Symptoms of Mania and Depression
You may experience mania and depression if you suffer from bipolar disorder. Your healthcare provider can determine the kind of bipolar disorder you suffer from by assessing the intensity and frequency of your mood swings.
In a manic state it is possible to experience abnormally high levels or energy. This can cause problems in your relationships and affect your thinking. These symptoms can be managed by mood stabilizers.
The mood swings
People experience mood changes from time to time however if it occurs frequently and disrupts daily life it could be an indication of mania or depression. Changes in mood can be caused by major events, stress at work, getting too little sleep, or travel. It could be triggered by medications or other health problems. If your mood is changing over time, it's best to talk to a doctor.
If someone experiences an episode of manic they may feel energized and excited. They might have lofty expectations about their capabilities and feel a sense of euphoria. They're likely to talk a lot and sleep a lot, and are hyperactive. Sometimes symptoms are severe enough to warrant hospitalization to ensure their safety. They might be afflicted with anxiety, experience or perceive things that others do not (hallucinations) and believe in things that are untrue to other people (delusions).
During a depressive episode, people feel sad, empty, or hopeless. They may lose interest and struggle to think clearly. Depression can also lead to suicidal thoughts or attempts, but it's important to seek help if experiencing these thoughts.
A person can sometimes have both manic and depressive ones at the same time. This is known as an episode that has mixed characteristics. In this case, the person will have similar symptoms to depression sufferers, but they will also feel energized.
Many people who have bipolar disorder get episodes of depression and mania which happen very rapidly, like an ebb and flow of low to high within a matter of hours. This is known as rapid cycle and is a warning sign that you require treatment.
If you're experiencing sudden and extreme changes in your mood it's a good idea to see a mental health professional for an assessment. There are a myriad of methods that can help you to stabilize your mood and lead to a happier life. BetterHelp's online services are free and will match you with a licensed professional to assist you in managing your symptoms and improve the quality of your life.
Insomnia
Insomnia could be a sign of depression but it can also indicate hypomania or mania. You may experience difficulty sleeping during an episode of mania because of racing thoughts and hyperactivity. A severe manic phase can cause you to lose your sense of reality (psychosis) and can cause illusions and apparitions.
Hypomania is less severe and feels more like an normal high. It may feel euphoric and you might feel more productive. But it can lead to reckless behavior, like gambling away your savings or sexually abused without protection. You may also become angry and irritable, or even aggressive.
In the case of severe episodes, you might start thinking irrationally, believing things that aren't real or believing in things that don't exist (delusions and hallucinations). You could also behave in ways that can harm you or others. You may need hospital care for these episodes to ensure your security.
It is essential to seek treatment when you're suffering from mania or depression. Your doctor will assist you in managing your symptoms by prescribing medication and psychotherapy. In some instances they may suggest electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) which is the process of applying a brief electric shock to your brain. ECT is usually 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 right treatment. Use your medication according to the instructions and discuss any concerns you have with your doctor. Talk to your doctor if you are taking any other medications such as stimulants or antidepressants to make sure they will not interfere with treatment for bipolar disorder.
Sleep loss can trigger a manic episode however, you can lower the risk by maintaining an established schedule and getting enough rest. Try to get up and fall asleep at the same time every day. Avoid the use of caffeine or other substances that can disrupt your sleep. If you experience a manic episode contact 911 or your emergency services of your local area immediately. They will check you for symptoms of suicide or other mental health issues.
Anxiety
The feeling of being in a state of alert, nervous or tense can be a sign of depression, or mania. It is important to talk with your doctor if you experience these symptoms. You could be referred to an evaluation of your mental health by a psychiatrist or prescribed medication to improve your mood.
A manic episode could cause someone's behavior to be unpredictable, impulsive and risky. You might spend money in reckless ways, or engage in sexual activity that is reckless. If the manic episode is severe, you might need to be hospitalized to ensure your safety. A manic episode could include hallucinations, delusions or disorganized thought.
During a manic phase it is possible to think that you are all-powerful and unstoppable. You might feel extremely imaginative or elated. depression and symptoms may also sleep very little and be extremely active. You may speak so fast that others can't follow you, or change topics very quickly. Hypomania is a milder form of manic symptoms that some people with bipolar disorder may be experiencing. These episodes can last for several weeks and make you feel great but they don't disrupt your normal routine. They typically occur in the wake of severe depression.
If you experience these mood swings, then you could be diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Bipolar I disorder includes periods of mania and depression while Bipolar II is characterized by periods of hypomania that are followed by severe depression. You could also be diagnosed with unspecified bipolar disorder when you've had a few episodes of mania and depression however, the symptoms don't fit into other categories.
Certain people suffering from bipolar disorder have the characteristic of having rapid cycles, which means that they cycle from high to low often throughout the day. This can be dangerous and must be treated.
Your doctor might recommend electroconvulsive treatment, also known as ECT as a method to treat your anxiety. During this procedure, your doctor will use general anesthesia to keep you asleep as an electric current passes through your brain. The ECT treatment causes an instant seizures and is very efficient for those suffering from severe depression or mania that does not respond to other treatments.
Here are a few of the ways to reduce your risk:
Bipolar disorder can trigger episodes of depression or mania however, it can also cause episodes that are neither manic or depressive. This rapid cycling is dangerous and should be avoided.
Manic episodes occur if you feel extremely happy or enthusiastic and feel an unusually high level of energy. It's a change in your mood that typically lasts for a minimum of several days, but may last for longer. Other signs include racing thoughts speaking so fast that other people can't keep up with you, 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 signs of manic episodes. It may seem as if you're at the top of the world and ready to do anything, however it can quickly become out of control, like gambling or spending large amounts of money, or driving recklessly. You can also cause problems at work or in school if you are angry and irritable, engage in fights or blame others for the issues.
If your symptoms are serious enough, you may need to be hospitalized to avoid harm to yourself or others or if you suffer from psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. In some instances, your doctor might prescribe antipsychotic drugs like ariprazole (Abilify), Lurasidone (Latuda), the olanzapine (Zyprexa) or quetiapine (Seroquel).
A depression episode is more serious than a normal sadness, and can last longer. It could be associated with physical symptoms like a fatigue, loss of appetite or difficulty concentration or thinking. Other signs could include feelings of guilt or hopelessness or suicidal thoughts, as well as physical discomfort.
Depression can be caused by a myriad of causes such as the death of a loved one relationship, financial problems, or medical conditions, like surgery or illness. It could be caused by an imbalance in the chemical system of the brain or as a result of certain medications like some antidepressants. It can be exacerbated by stress and alcohol use, for example recreational drugs or alcohol. Talk therapy can alleviate symptoms, such as psychotherapy light therapy, and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). If you are experiencing depression, ask your family and friends for assistance and seek treatment as soon as possible to improve your health.