What Are the Symptoms of Depression?
Depression is a mental health issue that makes you feel depressed, sad, empty or despairing. It can also cause you to lose interest in the things you once enjoyed. In severe cases, it may lead to thoughts of suicide or self-harm.
A doctor diagnoses depression based on your symptoms and medical history. They may order tests in order to rule out any conditions that resemble depression.
Mood swings
Mood swings could be an indication of depression especially when they interfere with daily activities and relationships. They can also trigger an energy loss and a change of appetite. If you're experiencing these signs, it's important to see an expert as soon as possible. They might suggest treatment or psychotherapy.
There are various types of mood disorders, that vary in intensity and duration of the episodes. Some people have only one episode of depression during their lifetime while others have many. Mood disorders affect men and women in different ways. Women are more likely to experience depression-related episodes than men.
A history of depression or manic episodes lasting for two weeks or more is required to diagnose depression or bipolar disorder. These episodes should be separated by periods of normal mood. In a depression episode, you will feel immense sadness or emptyness. When you're in a manic stage you'll experience feelings of extreme excitement or irritability. In both episodes, you'll experience difficult to sleep and be unable to think clearly. In some cases you may experience hallucinations and delusions.
In addition to mood swings, depression may also result in feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. Some people may have suicidal thoughts or ideas and others may feel like they can't go on living.
Other signs of depression include difficulty sleeping, a loss of enthusiasm for hobbies and activities, and changes in appetite. If you see these signs on someone you know, it's important to speak to them and offer assistance.
You could also keep a journal of your mood to keep track of changes in your mood. This will assist you and your physician to better understand the symptoms and identify triggers. There are numerous tools available to help manage your symptoms, such as support groups and self-help online services.
It is crucial to seek help as soon you can in case you're suffering from a depression disorder. You can talk to your GP who will refer you to a mental health team if necessary. In the UK it will typically be your local community mental health team (CMHT). Some GPs may prescribe a particular medication, such as lithium, to help manage depression and mania.
Depression
Depression is a serious mental disorder that affects the way you think, feel and behave. It can range from mild and temporary to severe and persistent. It can affect your relationships, work and it can make it difficult to manage your day. If you have symptoms of depression, speak to your doctor. They can assist you in selecting the best treatment.
It is possible to try various treatments before you discover what is most effective for you. You should let your doctor know how long the symptoms have been present and how often they occur. They may also ask if any of your symptoms are similar to those caused by certain medical or pharmaceutical ailments, such as a thyroid disorder or viral infections.
The most typical sign of depression is feeling depressed or sad. You may also have an absence of pleasure or interest in most activities, and feel unimportant or even hopeless. You may have difficulty getting your attention or sleeping and your appetite may change. You may have suicidal feelings or thoughts, or feel empty or depressed.
The signs of depression may be different for men and women, and they may vary depending on age. Children may show depression symptoms when they are unable to attend school or are uneasy. They might also be clinging to their parents. People suffering from depression symptoms in their 50s, 60s and older are more likely to resort to alcohol and drugs as a way to cope with their feelings as opposed to those who are younger.
There are a variety of possible causes of depression, such as genetics brain chemistry, major life changes, stress and illnesses. Depression can also be triggered by hormonal changes that occur during menstrual cycle and pregnancy, menopausal and perimenopausal. People who have an ancestral history of depression are at higher risk for the condition.
Depression is treatable and most people who seek treatment improve with psychotherapy or antidepressant medication or an amalgamation of both. You should consult your doctor to get a diagnosis if have symptoms of depression that last for more than two weeks. They will want to know about your symptoms, your family history of depression as well as any other mental or physical ailments you may have. They may also request tests on your lab to rule out medical ailments.
Bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder (formerly known as manic depression) is characterised by extreme mood swings. They can trigger emotional highs, known as hypomania or mania, and depression-like episodes, or lows which are usually more severe than normal depression. These episodes can impact the patterns of sleep, energy levels, levels of activity and judgment. Bipolar disorder can also cause guilt and irritability, as well as feelings of restlessness.
When you are in a state of manic, you might feel euphoric and feeling energized. You could also be productive and creative. You may talk a lot and sleep a lot. You might also have racing thoughts that make it difficult to think clearly. This can lead to an impulsive behavior, such as spending money on unnecessary things or quitting your job with no notice. In a depressive episode you might feel sad or hopeless, and lose interest in all activities. You might experience suicidal thoughts.
If you suspect that you are experiencing a depressive or manic episode, it is crucial to consult your GP as soon as you can. Your GP will ask you about your symptoms and medical history. They will conduct an examination of your body and conduct tests for blood to look for any medical conditions that may affect your mood. They will refer you to a psychiatrist in your local NHS community mental health team (CMHT) when they suspect that you have bipolar disorder.
It is important to discuss any adverse effects with your physician. You can prevent manic or depression-related episodes by following the prescribed medication. Do not stop taking your medication unless your physician has advised you to.
Psychotherapy or talking therapy can offer support, education and coping strategies for those with bipolar disorders. It can also assist people with depression associated with bipolar disorder. Treatment options include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) as well as family therapy, and inter-personal therapy. There are also self-help groups that provide assistance and information to those suffering from bipolar disorder and their families. They can offer assistance and information during episodes, and also aiding people in recognizing early signs.
Treatment
During a bipolar episode, you may feel hopeless or very depressed. Other signs include changes in appetite, or trouble sleeping. You might also experience extreme irritability, or guilt. In the most severe depression, suicidal thoughts and feelings may occur. A mental health professional can provide you with coping strategies and develop a treatment plan to help you manage these symptoms.
You can improve your mood with medications. Many people suffering from bipolar disorder are successful with antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as sertraline and fluoxetine. These drugs may not be appropriate for all. Your doctor will recommend the appropriate medication for you based on your medical history and symptoms. Even in times of good health it is important to continue taking your medication. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, your symptoms are likely to return.
Talk therapy (psychotherapy) is also an essential component of managing your bipolar depression. Psychotherapy can teach you to recognize the early warning signals of a mood-related episode that is about to occur. It can also teach your loved ones how to manage your illness. Psychotherapy can be conducted individually or in group therapy with others who suffer from bipolar disorder.
symptoms of depression bipolar suffering from bipolar disorder suffer from mania-like episodes or high-energy moods. These episodes are often caused by hallucinations or delusions that are false beliefs or perceptions that aren't true. If you experience a manic episode that includes these symptoms, it's considered an illness that is serious and you must visit the emergency room as soon as possible.
If you have an underlying history of mania, your physician can prescribe an antidepressant to help prevent manias from occurring again. They may prescribe an antipsychotic drug such as quetiapine or Aripiprazole, to decrease the chance of having an mania attack. They might also recommend electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which can help relieve severe depression. Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a non-invasive therapy that uses an electromagnet to send electrical impulses directly to the brain. It has been shown that it can treat depression resistant to medication, but it does not require general anesthesia.