Depression/Bipolar



Depression is a biological disorder involving brain chemicals, called neurotransmitters. It is not a sign of weaknees, not a character flaw. It's an illness. You can't just "snap out of it". You will probably require some kind of treatment. It does run in families, but you can't just "catch" it from someone, like you can with a cold. As for the causes of the disorder, "The direct causes of the illness are unclear, however it is known that body chemistry can bring on a depressive disorder, due to experiencing a traumatic event, hormonal changes, altered health habits, the presence of another illness or substance abuse."

Signs of depression:

  • Prolonged sadness or unexplained crying spells
  • Significant changes in appetite and sleep patterns
  • Irritability, anger, worry, agitation, anxiety
  • Pessimism, indifference
  • Loss of energy, persistent lethargy
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness
  • Inability to concentrate, indecisiveness
  • Inability to take pleasure in former interests, social withdrawal
  • Unexplained aches and pains
  • Recurring thoughts of death or suicide

If you have 5 or more of these symptoms, seek help.

Bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme highs and lows. One day you might feel like you're on top of the world, and the next, you may feel a depression so cold, so deep, so severe that you don't know if you can feel at all. I have lived with bipolar a huge chunk of my short life. A lot of times if you don't take proper care of yourself, you can be utterly miserable. That's why it is important to get assessed for bipolar if you think you have it. And if you do have it, it's crucial to your health and sanity to make sure you comply with a healthy treatment plan. It is often very hard to function with bipolar disorder if you attempt to function without medication.

Symptoms of mania:
  • Increased physical and mental activity and energy
  • Heightened mood, exaggerated optimism and self-confidence
  • Excessive irritability, aggressive behavior
  • Decreased need for sleep without experiencing fatigue
  • Grandiose delusions, inflated sense of self-importance
  • Racing speech, racing thoughts, flight of ideas
  • Impulsiveness, poor judgment, distractibility
  • Reckless behavior
  • In the most severe cases, delusions and hallucinations

Symptoms of depression:

  • Prolonged sadness or unexplained crying spells
  • Significant changes in appetite and sleep patterns
  • Irritability, anger, worry, agitation, anxiety
  • Pessimism, indifference
  • Loss of energy, persistent lethargy
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness
  • Inability to concentrate, indecisiveness
  • Inability to take pleasure in former interests, social withdrawal
  • Unexplained aches and pains
  • Recurring thoughts of death or suicide

Links:
All About Depression
Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance
Walkers In Darkness
Depression.com
DepressioNet (Australia)
Depression @ About.com
Depression Alliance (UK)
Depression-Screening.org
Wing of Madness
Pendulum Resources (bipolar)
Child & Adolescent Bipolar Foundation
Bipolar @ About.com
Bipolar World
The Bipolar Child
Bipolar Focus
Bipolar Brain

As Waters Passing By > Aftermath Info > Depression & Bipolar