Bipolar Depression and Other Bipolar Symptoms

Bipolar depression is a mood disorder caused by unusual mood swings. Someone who experiences bipolar depression may experience periods of lows, and then swing in the opposite direction and feel highs with feelings of happiness and energy. Some people can have the swings in mood multiple times a day, whereas others may only have them a few times per year. The symptoms include mood swings of euphoric highs and lows. During the highs the person may show signs such as: a high self esteem; being very optimistic; increased sex drive; not sleeping very much .Also there are symptoms like being careless and not worrying about actions or consequences; more physically active.

When in  having a depressive episode these symptoms may appear; being sad all the time, or for extended periods; feelings of helplessness and hopelessness; not being able to sleep/sleeping excessively; poor appetite or overeating; thoughts of suicide

There are different types of Bipolar disorder: Bipolar I: someone suffering from this type of bipolar disorder has experienced at least one episode of mania in their life. Bipolar II this is similar to bipolar 1, but the person will most likely not have experienced a full manic episode during their high period which is called hypomanic. Most people also have one or more depressive moods.  Between episodes they usually live normal lives. Cyclothymic  This is a type where people have multiple episodes, possibly per year, but do not go into a full manic or depressive state. Even though they are having multiple episodes, they are not as severe as other types.

Depending on the symptoms you are suffering from there are different treatments that can be used. The most common is the use of medication and therapy. If the symptoms become extreme the person suffering may need to be hospitalized for a period of time. Even though the person may not have symptoms all of the time they need to continue to be treated. Bipolar disorder with depression is a serious illness and if you or someone you know has signs, a psychiatrist should be consulted immediately. If left untreated it could lead to serious problems for the person, and to people around them.

Other Facts about Bipolars

Becoming Bipolar is a myth.  It may seem like you can, but the fact is that you can not become a Bipolar.  Those who favor the genetic theory say that a person may carry the genes for Bipolar disorder all their life and suddenly become Bipolar later in life and become Bipolar when they are elderly.  Bipolar Disorder may become full blown if the person has been through a traumatic life event.  They may have been had a drastic change in their routine by: a move to a retirement community.  The stress may be make the latent symptoms to become active so that it may seem that the person has become Bipolar.  A heart or stroke or brain disease can look like Bipolar even though the person does not carry the genes.

Because there are episodes with Bipolars it can appear at any time when the stress of environmental changes is great enough. The person in reality has been Bipolar for life, however, the obvious symptoms may be triggered by a life even.  The Bipolar genes have been there all along but were triggered by the environment change and developed into a disorder.

Triggers which show genetic causes are any sort of trauma; substance abuse; biological illnesses; hormone changes and drastic changes in sleep habits can all be a triggers. Some women find that during menopause they experience Bipolar symptoms. Their hormonal balance is enough to trigger Bipolar symptoms. Trauma such as the sickness or death of someone close to you; violent crime become; traumatic enough to trigger Bipolar symptoms.  Soldiers coming from combat often become Bipolar after their traumatic experiences in combat.  Usually they are also suffering from post traumatic stress and need special treatment.  Reducing the post traumatic disorder can also reduce the bipolar symptoms.

Lack of sleep for a long period of time can be the biggest factor for making Bipolar disorder worse. People with Bipolar disorder should never stay awake all night; Midnight shifts at work should be avoided.  Bipolars should establish regular sleeping habits sleeping at regular times and waking up at the same time.  This alone is enough to counteract the Bipolar symptoms.  Changes in time zones can also trigger an episode for Bipolars and should be avoided as much as possible.

Avoiding triggers or lessening their severity makes it possible to thrive with Bipolar Disorder in life.