WHAT IS BIPOLAR DEPRESSION?

WHAT IS BIPOLAR DEPRESSION?

According to WebMD.com, bipolar disorder affects around 5.7 MILLION American adults in the US. You may have heard those around you making jokes, such as “I’m so bipolar!” and referring to their changing moods. However, bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness and should not be taken so lightly. It’s important to know what bipolar disorder truly is and how to help yourself or those around you that may be suffering from bipolar disorder.

Due to its episodic nature, the bipolar depression cannot be diagnosed so easily, and in some of the cases, the disease can be mistaken for other conditions such as ADHD. Bipolar disorder leads to extreme lows and highs. For instance, when you are experiencing a low, you may become extremely depressed and even have suicidal thoughts. When you are in a high state, you may be extremely alert and energized.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar depression symptoms can be categorized into two groups: one for the highs and the other for the lows. When you are in a manic state, you can experience:

  • Aggressiveness
  • Exaggerated thoughts
  • Delusions or hallucinations
  • Compulsiveness and impulsiveness
  • Rash judgments
  • Sudden idea changes
  • Too much optimism and confidence

When you are in a depressed state, you can experience:

  • Anxiety, agitation, or panic
  • Body aches, for instance in the shoulders, neck, and back
  • Bowel movement changes
  • Change in sleeping habits and appetite
  • Extended periods of sadness
  • Lack of concentration
  • Lethargy
  • Pessimism
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Isolation or withdrawal

Coping With Bipolar Depression

Bipolar disorder, while difficult to live with, is not impossible to treat. If you or a loved one may be suffering from bipolar disorder, there are a few things you can do to help treat the symptoms of bipolar disorder.

Admit That You Have an Issue

This is the very first step that you must take. In some of the instances, you might not even realize your own mood changes. However, until you learn to recognize that something is wrong, you will not be able to start your treatment.

Get Diagnosed

Once you finally accept, they there is something which is not right, you can start getting the right treatment for your condition. Many professionals out there will be able to offer a sufficient amount of help in this case. It is very easy for psychiatrists to be able to tell whether you are facing an episode of manic depression or not.

Be Involved

Make sure that you cooperate well with the professionals and the treatment you are receiving because without your cooperation, you will not be able to improve your condition. You can speak to your doctor in detail, share with them all the concerns that you may have, and even suggest strategies that you may think will work in your condition.

Empower Yourself

You need to have a change of perspective to be able to deal with your condition in a better manner. If it requires certain lifestyle changes, then incorporate such changes so that you can ensure a better way of living.

Treatment for Bipolar Depression in Naples, Florida

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that can be treated with the proper care. At the David Lawrence Centers in Naples, Florida, we can provide the proper treatment steps with excellent care to ensure you’re well on your way to recovery.

Our team of behavioral healthcare professionals are trained extensively to treat symptoms of bipolar depression. From the initial assessment to diagnoses to treatment, our staff is there each and every step of the way. We make it our mission to help our patients to the best of our abilities by providing top-notch bipolar depression treatment.

To learn more about our mental health services in Naples, contact us here or call us at (239) 354-1428 – we’re available to help 24/7.

Jun 25, 2015 | Mental Health

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