Manic Depression – Ups and Downs, Highs and Lowshow does bipolar depression feel

Bipolar Disorder, also known as Manic Depression, is characterized by mood swings between mania and a feeling of despair. Some describe this phenomenon as a pendulum between ‘highs and lows’. Despite many people’s misconceptions, the individual has no control over whether they experience a mood swing and is often unable to detect that their state is abnormal.

New Frontiers Psychiatry does not recommend self-diagnosis, but sometimes it’s helpful to know the symptoms of different indications. This is especially true if you’re trying to decide whether you need to reach out for help. It’s important to remember that every patient experiences different symptoms but we’ve summarized some common ones below (in no particular order).

 

Five Symptoms of ‘Mania’ – the Highs of Manic Depression

  1. Engaging in Spontaneous, Risky Behavior – gambling, seeking adrenaline rushes, spending sprees, etc.
  2. Insomnia – perceiving a decreased need for sleep or experiencing an inability to fall asleep.
  3. Racing Thoughts, Quick Speech – often paired with feelings of restlessness and fidgeting.
  4. Overconfidence – bursts of arrogance or miscalculated self-reliance.
  5. Distracted – also described as having racing thoughts, and flightiness.

Five Symptoms of ‘Depression’ – the Lows of Manic Depression

  1. A Feeling That Life is Meaningless
  2. Withdrawing From Social Interactions
  3. Increased or Decreased Appetite
  4. Extreme Fatigue
  5. Difficulties with Memory, Attentiveness, and Decision Making

Not Always an Easy Disorder to Detect: Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II

There are two levels of manic depression or Bipolar Disorder  – Bipolar I and Bipolar II. Bipolar I is usually easier to detect in people and it’s easier for patients to detect in themselves. Bipolar II is more challenging on both these fronts as the ‘mania’ the patient experiences is more subtle and therefore more difficult to perceive.

Healthline put out the most interesting gallery of quotes from real patients struggling with Bipolar Disorder. Flip through them below to get a better understanding of what it’s like to live with Manic Depression or either level of Bipolar Disorder.

Bipolar Disorder Diagnosis and Treatment

If you think you or a loved one may have Bipolar I or Bipolar II, an experienced bipolar therapist near you can assist in diagnosing bipolar disorderThough bipolar disorder is not curable, it can be diagnosed and treated quite effectively with evidence-based psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy. If you suspect that you or a loved one has bipolar disorder, please talk to us about the latest treatment options. Request an Appointment online.

 

Bipolar Disorder Quote Gallery

New Frontiers Psychiatry offers a range of treatments for Manic Depression: Bipolar I and II. Contact us today for more information.

how does bipolar depression feel?

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