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INFOBITS
20.9 million American adults age 18 years and older in a given year are affected by a depressive illness18
About 18.8 million adults are affected by clinical depression, also known as major depression.19 Though major depression can occur at any age, the first episode is usually in the 20’s. Women are about twice as likely to develop major depression as men.20 Although the reasons behind this are still unclear, this may be due to hormonal changes women experience during menstruation, pregnancy, after childbirth and menopause.
Major depression is a common mental health illness that is very treatable. More than 80% of those who seek treatment demonstrate improvement.21
More than 2 million American adults are affected by bipolar. Onset is typically in the early 20’s but symptoms can appear in early childhood or even late in life.22 |
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Bipolar Disorder
Used to be called manic depressive disorder, bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme mood changes alternating between 2 opposites or poles: extreme highs (mania) and extreme lows (depression).
Being in the manic state includes the following symptoms:
- Excessive happiness, hopefulness, excitement, feelings of euphoria, “feeling on top of the world”
- Markedly, increased energy, activity, and restlessness
- Easily distracted
- Unusual irritability, shifting suddenly from being joyful to being angry and hostile
- Decreased need for sleep, may last for days with little or no sleep without feeling tired
- Racing thoughts, jumping from one idea to another
- Increased talking, rapid talk
- Grandiose notions, tendency to make grand and unattainable plans, delusions of grandeur, false ideas of one’s intelligence, greatness and powers
- Increased sexual desire, high sex drive
- Uncharacteristically poor judgment such as spending sprees, quitting the job, foolish business ventures
- Increased risky behaviors such as impulsive sexual indiscretion, drug abuse particularly cocaine, alcohol and sleeping medications
Mania is diagnosed if the person experiences 3 or more of the above symptoms, and they last most of the day, almost everyday for at least 1 week.
Being in the depressed state includes the following symptoms:
- Persistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood
- Sleeping too much or too little, insomnia, middle of the night or early morning waking
- Reduced appetite or weight loss, or increased appetite or weight gain
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed, including sex
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions
- Decreased energy, fatigued
- Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, helplessness
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Agitation, restlessness, irritability
- Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders and chronic pain
Thoughts of death, dying or suicide – with or without a plan, suicide attempts.
Major depression is diagnosed if the person experiences 5 or more of the above symptoms, and they last most of the day, almost everyday for at least 2 weeks. See Major Depression.
In many cases of bipolar disorder, the symptoms impair the social, occupational, and personal functioning of the individual.
The number of symptoms experienced and the severity of each will vary with individuals and varies over time.
Bipolar disorder is difficult to diagnose since people in a manic state can be very productive. For instance, a writer in this state may write prolifically, causing him to avoid treatment to risk a spiral for his work. The high levels of energy and state of euphoria may feel too good to the individual, which may lead to a denial that there is an illness.
The changes in moods occur in cycles. As the person affected by bipolar gets older, the mood swings become closer together. In between poles, people with bipolar disorder can perform normal activities, such as hold a steady job, stay in school or completing their daily routines.
Although not as prevalent as major depression, bipolar disorder also causes chaos in the lives of the family and friends who care about the individual affected by the disorder. Loved ones may find it difficult to adjust and accept that an individual who was once very productive and energetic may shift into an individual who is depressed and cannot perform even normal daily tasks and responsibilities.
Depression is often accompanied by substance abuse and addiction. These serious mental health illnesses must also be included in the treatment plan.
“It’s difficult for me to have romantic relationships or even friendships with people. My partner is suffering because she couldn’t handle my extreme mood swings. I guess it’s difficult to live with someone who is, in one period, be on top of the world, a high-performing employee who thinks nothing can stop him… and then for months, be in complete depression when simply getting out of bed, much less, talking to or seeing anybody is so hard. I feel that my friends are starting to stay away from me… I’m so angry and irritable sometimes that I can’t help being rude and obnoxious.”
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The most important thing to keep in mind is that you are not alone.
Getting treatment for mental health issues is a team effort. In most cases, depression can be successfully treated with medication and certain kinds of psychotherapy. By working with your doctor and / or therapist, you can take control to find the approach that is the most appropriate for your needs. There are many avenues for treatment so if one does not work, you can try other methods. So do not lose hope.
Get help today, for tomorrow enjoy better living and brighter horizons.
Taking Medications
Here are a few things to remember if you are taking medications for your depression.
• If you are just starting to take medication, remember that they usually take effect 4 to 8 weeks to become fully effective. So be patient and don’t be discouraged.
• Work with your doctor for the right dosage and medication for your depression. If one medication does not work, you can try others. Don’t give up and continue to work with your doctor.
• Ask your doctor what the side effects are of the medication you are taking.
• There are medications that need to be tapered off so do not stop taking your medication abruptly. Ask your doctor how and when you will stop taking your medication.
• Medications need to be taken regularly for the depression symptoms to be managed.
Although medications will not cure depression, they will help you manage the symptoms so you can lead a normal and productive life. Studies have shown that both medications and psychotherapy can successfully treat depression.
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