“I was in my early twenties when my family started to notice changes in my moods and behavior. I was under a lot of pressure working part-time and keeping up with my college school work. Some days I would stay up all night studying and barely sleep, racing thoughts keeping me awake. Other times, I only wanted to sleep and not leave my room. I was isolating myself from family and friends, just going through the motions of everyday life. I no longer wanted to do the hobbies I love or hang out with friends. And when I did hang out with friends or family, they commented about how miserable and negative I had become. Some of them even suggested I might have depression.
At first, I thought I was just going through life changes and things would eventually get back to normal. But my family helped me to see that I did not have to suffer in silence and could take my life back. We talked to a mental health provider to determine a diagnosis and treatment plan that worked for me. I was diagnosed with Bipolar disorder. I had to learn how to take better care of myself, like getting enough sleep at night and consistently taking medication to stabilize my mood. Now, I am back to enjoying the things I love to do, sleeping better, and no more racing thoughts at night. My psychiatry team regularly checks in to ensure I stay on track. I’m so glad we are working together to help me enjoy my life again!”
This is the story of Jasmine (name changed for privacy), a busy college student who courageously reached out for help with her mental health. Jasmine learned how to manage her symptoms with her psychiatrist’s care, resulting in her ability to live a normal life again. If you identify with Jasmine’s story, you may have a condition such as depression or bipolar. You may be wondering what is the difference between the two. Here’s what you need to know.
Depression: Symptoms And Statistics
Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness. It can also cause a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed and changes in lifestyle habits, such as eating and sleeping. There are different types and forms of depressive disorders. It’s important to note that we all experience sadness and grief over life events such as the loss of a loved one, divorce, job loss, and more. However, depression is different in that it persists practically every day for at least two weeks. Depression also involves other symptoms that interfere with daily living.
The symptoms of depression can include changes in mood and behavior, as well as physical symptoms. Some of the more common symptoms of depression are:
- Feeling sad, irritable, and hopeless. You may also feel anxious, frustrated, negative, and pessimistic.
- Becoming withdrawn and isolated. You may no longer enjoy doing activities and hobbies you enjoy.
- Greater impulsivity, engaging in high-risk activities, increased use of alcohol or drugs.
- Inability to meet work and family responsibilities, difficulty thinking and concentrating, and memory problems.
- Some may experience suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harm.
- Physical symptoms can include headaches, aches and pains, digestive problems, and problems with sexual desire and function.
- Weight change (noticeable weight loss not related to diet or weight gain), change in appetite (eating much less or much more than usual).
- Sleeping too little or too much.
Depression is usually treated with medication and/or psychotherapy, or “talk therapy”. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most common and effective forms of psychotherapy for treating depression.
Bipolar Disorder: Symptoms And Statistics
Bipolar disorder is a chronic mood disorder that is associated with intense changes in a person’s mood, energy, and ability to function. People living with bipolar disorder can experience intense emotional states called mood episodes. These mood episodes usually last for days to weeks. There is a key difference between depression and bipolar disorder. People living with bipolar disorder also experience mood episodes that are called manic, or hypomanic episodes (abnormally happy or irritable mood) or depressive episodes (sad mood). They also experience periods of normal mood, called euthymia.
These mood fluctuations can disrupt normal daily routines, making it difficult to attend school or work. They can also impact social interactions and cause difficulties in relationships with loved ones.
The average age of onset for bipolar disorders is 25 years old, but it can also start as early as childhood and as late as age forties and fifties. People assigned female at birth (AFAB) with bipolar disorder may switch moods more quickly and experience “rapid cycling”. This is due to sex hormones and thyroid hormones.
Symptoms of Bipolar I Disorder
Manic episodes can cause symptoms such as decreased need for sleep, increased and faster speech, racing thoughts, and increased activity. For example, a person having a manic episode may wake up very early feeling energized and ready to tackle many projects and activities. They may also experience increased risky or impulsive behavior, such as reckless driving, overspending (shopping sprees), and sexual promiscuity. These behaviors are usually a change from the person’s usual behavior and are clear to friends and family. Symptoms of a manic episode often cause the person to require hospital care to ensure their safety. During severe manic episodes, the person may have hallucinations, known as psychotic features. The risk of suicide is higher among people with Bipolar I Disorder.
Hypomanic episodes, or hypomania, are similar but less severe than manic episodes. They usually last less than a week and do not lead to major problems in daily living.
A major depressive episode is a period of at least two weeks of intense sadness or despair. During this type of episode, people may experience increased or decreased sleep and/or appetite, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, and frequent thoughts of death or suicide.
Symptoms of Bipolar II Disorder
People with Bipolar II Disorder experience depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes. However, they do not experience a full manic episode such as those with Bipolar I Disorder. They may also experience other mental disorders, such as anxiety disorders, substance abuse disorders, and ADHD.
Treatment For Bipolar Disorders
When treated properly, most people with bipolar disorders can live a full and productive life. Talk therapy (psychotherapy) is an important part of the treatment plan to help with accountability to adhere to medications, as well as provide support and monitor mood episodes. Medications and mood stabilizers must be taken consistently to ensure there are less severe mood episodes that disrupt your daily functions, school, and work.
In addition to consistency with medications, it’s important to maintain healthy habits of getting enough sleep. Stress management, exercise, and avoiding alcohol and drugs can also help keep mood episodes at bay.
In Conclusion
If you or a loved one are experiencing suicidal thoughts, it’s important to seek immediate care. Please call 911 or the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. Someone will be available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Find the support and compassionate care you want with Becoming Behavioral Health & Wellness. We offer convenient online counseling appointments to help you focus on your well-being. We also offer plant-based wellness options, such as herbs, supplements, and essential oils to use either alongside or instead of psychotropic medications. To learn more, call 708-441-9240 today!
