Symptoms of Mania and Depression

If you have bipolar disorder, you will experience episodes of highs and lows that are referred to as depression and mania. The frequency and severity of these mood swings can aid your healthcare professional determine what type of bipolar disorder that you have.

During a manic phase you might experience unusually high levels or energy. This can cause problems in your relationships and affect your thinking. Medications known as mood stabilizers help control these symptoms.

The mood swings

People experience mood shifts periodically however, if it happens often and interferes with everyday life it could be an indication of mania, or depression. Mood shifts can be caused by major events, stress, lack of sleep, or even travel. It can be caused by medications or other health issues. If your mood changes over time, it's recommended to seek out a physician.

A person can feel incredibly enthusiastic and energized when they are in an intense episode. They might have lofty expectations about their capabilities and feelings of euphoria or invincibility. They're likely to talk a lot and sleep a lot, and are hyperactive. The symptoms may be so extreme that hospitalization is needed to ensure safety. They may experience paranoia, see or hear things that others can't (hallucinations) and believe things that seem absurd to others (delusions).

When experiencing a depressive episode, a person feels depressed, empty, or hopeless. They may become less interested in the activities they normally enjoy and have difficulty thinking clearly. Depression can also lead to suicidal thoughts or attempts however it is important to seek help if you're experiencing these thoughts.

Sometimes, a person may have both manic and depressive episodes at the same time. This is called an episode with mixed characteristics. In this scenario, patients will exhibit the same symptoms as someone who's depressed, but they'll be feeling energized at the same time.

Many people who have bipolar disorder experience bouts of depression and mania which occur very quickly, similar to an ebb and flow of low to high in just a few hours. This is known as rapid cycling and it's an important early warning signs of depression sign that you should seek treatment.

It's important to consult an expert in mental health if you experience sudden and severe changes in your mood. There are plenty of treatments available that can improve your mood and allow you to live a healthier, more productive life. BetterHelp's online services are free and can match you with a licensed therapist to help you manage your symptoms and improve the quality of your life.

Insomnia

Insomnia could be a sign of depression but it could also be a sign of hypomania or mania. In a manic episode you may experience difficulty sleeping due to racing thoughts and hyperactivity. A manic episode that is severe could cause you to lose your perception of reality (psychosis) that can include illusions and apparitions.

Hypomania is less severe than a full-blown manic episode and typically feels more like a natural high. It can be euphoric, and you may feel more productive. It could also lead to reckless actions, like spending your savings or having sex without protection. It is also possible to become angry and frustrated or even violent.

In severe episodes, you could begin thinking irrationally, imagining things that aren't true or believing in things that don't exist (delusions and hallucinations). You may be prone to behavior that could harm yourself or others. You may need hospital care for these incidents to ensure your safety.

It's important to get treatment when you're suffering from mania or depression. Your doctor will help you manage your symptoms through medication and psychotherapy. In some instances, they might recommend electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) which is the process of applying an electrical shock to your brain. ECT is most often utilized for severe depression that hasn't been able to respond to other treatments.

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

Sleep loss can trigger a manic episode However, you can minimize your risk by maintaining a regular schedule and getting enough sleep. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Avoid the use of caffeine or other substances that can disrupt sleep. If you experience an anxiety disorder, call 911 or your local emergency services immediately. They will be able to check for early warning signs of depression of suicide or other mental health problems.

Anxiety

The feeling of being on edge or nervous can be a sign of depression or mania. If you experience these symptoms, it's important to talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. You may be referred a psychiatrist to conduct a mental health warning signs health assessment or given medication to help stabilize your mood.

A manic episode may cause someone's behavior to be impulsive, uncontrolled and risky. You might spend money recklessly or engage in reckless sexual activity. If the mania is extreme, you may require hospitalization for your own safety. Manic episodes can also include hallucinations, delusions, or disorganized thought.

In a manic state it is possible to think that you are all-powerful and unstoppable. You may feel elated or even creative. You may also sleep very little and be very hyperactive. You may be so fast talking that others aren't able to follow, or change topics very quickly. People with bipolar disorder experience milder manic-like symptoms, called hypomania. These episodes can last for several weeks and can make you feel good however they shouldn't interfere with your normal routine. They usually occur after severe depression.

If you experience these mood swings, you could be diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Bipolar I disorder includes periods of mania and identifying depression symptoms while Bipolar II is characterized by periods of hypomania, followed by severe depression symptoms in males. It is possible to be diagnosed with an unspecified bipolar disorder if you've had several episodes of mania and depression but the symptoms don't match into other categories.

Certain people suffering from bipolar disorder exhibit the pattern of rapid cycling which means they shift from high to low and back within a day or less. This is dangerous, and it needs to be treated.

Your doctor might recommend electroconvulsive therapy, or ECT as a method to treat your anxiety. During the procedure, your doctor will use general anesthesia to keep your sleeping while an electrical current is pushed through your brain. The ECT treatment is effective in treating severe depression and mania that does not respond to other treatments.

The following are some of the methods to reduce your risk:

Bipolar disorder sufferers typically experience mania and depression, but they also can have episodes that are not depressive or manic. This is known as rapid cycling. It is extremely risky, which is why it is crucial to adhere to your treatment plan carefully.

You are experiencing a manic episode if you feel extremely happy or exuberant and you have an unusually high level of energy. It's a shift in your mood, which usually lasts for a minimum of a few days, however it can last longer. Other symptoms include racing thought, talking so fast others can't follow the conversation, feeling like you're invincible, and reckless behavior.

The beginning of a manic phase can be difficult to identify. It may seem like you're in the top of the world and can do anything, however it can quickly become out of control, such as gambling or spending huge amounts of money or driving recklessly. It can also lead to trouble at school or at work, if you become angry and aggressive, start picking fights or blame others for your problems.

If your mania is severe enough, you might need to be hospitalized to avoid harm to others or yourself, or if you have psychotic symptoms like hallucinations and delusions. In some instances, your doctor might prescribe antipsychotic medication like ariprazole (Abilify) and lurasidone (Latuda) and Olanzapine (Zyprexa) or quetiapine (Seroquel).

A depressive episode is more severe than a normal sadness and can last for longer. Physical cognitive symptoms of depression can accompany it, like fatigue, a lack of appetite or difficulty concentrating or thinking. Other symptoms might be feelings of despair or guilt or suicidal thoughts, as well as physical pain.

Depression can be caused by a myriad of causes like the death of a close relative or relationship issue financial issues, or medical conditions, such as illness or surgery. It can also be a result of a chemical imbalance within the brain or as a result of a reaction to certain medications such as antidepressants. Stress and addiction to substances such as alcohol or recreational drugs can exacerbate the condition. Talk therapy can relieve symptoms, including psychotherapy, light therapy and electroconvulsive treatment (ECT). Ask your family and close friends for help when you're suffering from depression. Find treatment as quickly as you can to alleviate your symptoms.