cognitive symptoms of depression of Mania and Depression
If you suffer from bipolar disorder, you will experience periodic lows and highs known as depression and mania. The frequency and severity of these mood swings can help your healthcare provider determine what type of bipolar disorder that you suffer from.
During a manic episode, you experience abnormally high levels of energy and activity which can affect your thinking and cause problems with relationships. These symptoms can be managed by mood stabilizers.
Mood swings
People experience mood shifts periodically, but if it happens often and is disruptive to 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, and travel. It could be triggered by medication or other health issues, and it's essential to consult a doctor in case your mood gets worse over time.
If someone is experiencing an episode of manic they may feel energized and excited. They may have grandiose ideas about their abilities and an overwhelming feeling of invincibility. They're likely to talk a lot, sleep very little, and are hyperactive. The symptoms may be so severe that hospitalization is necessary to ensure safety. They might be frightened or witness something that others cannot (hallucinations) and believe things which are irrational for other people (delusions).
During a depressive episode, people feel depressed, empty, or hopeless. They may lose interest in activities they usually enjoy and have difficulty thinking clearly. Depression can lead to suicidal thoughts or actions. It's important to get help if you notice these thoughts are happening.
Sometimes, a person may have both manic and depressive episodes at the same time. This is referred to as an episode that has mixed features. In this case, they'll have the same symptoms as someone who is depressed, but will feel more energetic at the same time.
Bipolar disorder is characterized by episodes of mania or
postpartum depression symptoms that happen very quickly, much like the rollercoaster that can go from low to high in a few hours. This is known as rapid cycling and is a significant warning sign that you should seek treatment.
If you're experiencing extreme and sudden 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. You can also use BetterHelp's free online service to connect with an experienced therapist who can help you manage your symptoms and enhance your quality of life.
Insomnia
Sleepiness is a typical symptom of
identifying depression symptoms, but it could be a sign of hypomania or mania. You may have difficulty sleeping during a manic episode due to hyperactivity and racing thoughts. A severe manic episode may also cause you to lose touch with reality (psychosis) which can lead to delusions and hallucinations.
Hypomania is less intense and can feel more like an normal high. It can be extremely happy and you're likely feel more productive than usual. But it can cause reckless behavior, like spending your savings on gambling or engaging in sexual activity that is not protected. You could also be angry and frustrated or even violent.
In severe episodes you may begin to think irrationally and believe things that aren't real or imagining things that do not exist (delusions or hallucinations). You may also act in a manner that's dangerous to yourself or others. These incidents may require hospital treatment to ensure your safety.
If you are suffering from depression or mania it is essential to seek treatment. Your doctor can help you manage your symptoms with medication and psychotherapy. In some cases they may recommend electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which involves an electrical shock to your brain. ECT is typically used for life-threatening, severe depressions that haven't been able to respond well to other treatments.
You can manage your mood swings by using the right treatment. Follow the prescribed dosage and discuss any concerns with your doctor. Talk to your doctor when you are taking other medications such as stimulants or antidepressants to make sure they will not interfere with treatment for bipolar disorder.
Sleep loss can trigger manic episodes however, you can reduce your risk by keeping a regular schedule and getting enough sleep. Try to sleep and rise at the same time each day. Avoid the use of caffeine or other substances that interfere with sleep. If you do experience an episode of manic, contact 911 or your local emergency services immediately. They will be able to check for signs of suicide or any other mental health problems.
Anxiety
Feeling anxious, agitated or tense may be an indication that you're suffering from mania or
Identifying Depression Symptoms. It is important to talk with your doctor in the event that you experience these symptoms. You could be referred for an evaluation of your mental health by a psychiatrist or prescribed medication to improve your mood.
A manic episode may cause a person's behavior to be irrational, impulsive 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 to ensure your safety. A manic episode can also be characterized by hallucinations, delusions, or disorganized thinking.
When you are in a moody episode, you might believe that you are all-powerful and unstoppable. You may feel elated or even creative. You could also be extremely active and sleep less. You might speak so fast, that others cannot follow you or switch topics in a hurry. People with bipolar disorder experience milder manic-like symptoms, called hypomania. These episodes can last for up to a week and make you feel great but they don't disrupt your daily life. They usually follow the signs of a depressive episode.
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 could also be diagnosed with unspecified bipolar disorder if you've had a few episodes of mania and depression, but the symptoms don't match into other categories.
People with bipolar disorder exhibit an erratic cycle that is, they can go from high to low and back in a single day or less. This can be dangerous, and it needs to be treated.
Your doctor may suggest electroconvulsive treatment, also known as ECT, as a way to treat your mania. During the procedure, your doctor applies general anesthesia to keep your sleeping while an electrical current is passed 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 suffer from depression and mania, but they also can experience episodes that are neither depressive or manic. The rapid cycle can be dangerous and should be avoided.
A manic episode occurs when you feel extremely happy, euphoric, and are filled with energy. It's a departure from your normal mood and typically lasts for at least a week, although it may last for longer. Other symptoms include racing thought, talking so fast it's impossible to follow the conversation, feeling like you're invincible, and reckless behavior.
It can be difficult to recognize the
recognizing signs of depression of manic episodes. You may appear to be on top of everything and be free to do whatever you want, but it can quickly spiral out of control. For example you could spend or gamble away large amounts of cash or drive recklessly.
