Signs of Depression-Manic Depression
Many people mistakenly think that suffering from manic depression and bipolar disorder
are two different depressive disorders, but both terms actually refer to the same condition.
If you think that you or someone you love is suffering from manic depression, it is
important to learn to recognize the signs of depression associated with this condition.
People who suffer from manic depression suffer from rapid mood swings, so much so,
that their ability to function normally is significantly impaired. The symptoms of manic
depression also vary from person to person, but in general, you go from really, really
high, to really, really low in a mere matter of minutes. There will be normal moods in
between, but they rarely last long. The low, or depressive mood, occurs more often than
the manic, high mood.
Signs of Depression during a Manic Period:
*Many people in a mania may have seemingly boundless energy, bouncing from one task
to another, without ever really accomplishing anything, other than making a whirlwind
mess.
*Extreme happiness or euphoria is also common for many during a manic phase.
*During a manic phase, some people are also extremely irritable, getting annoyed at the
slightest things.
*In conversation, people in a manic episode will talk rapidly, and change from topic to
topic with little coherence.
*Inability to concentrate, even on the simplest tasks, is common, and people in this state
easily are distracted and lose focus.
*People in a manic state rarely sleep, because they don’t feel tired.
*Belief in superpowers often can lead to dangerous behaviors, due to an extremely
overblown ego.
*Bad decisions, especially regarding financial choices, abound during this time, and
spending/shopping sprees are frequent, rapidly leading to bankruptcy if no one is around
to intervene.
*During this period, sufferers may experience an uncontrollable desire for sex, and may
be unusually aggressive, and confrontational, refusing to admit that there is a problem,
refusing medications, and refusing intervention by family and friends.
During the more common depressive episodes, the following symptoms could occur:
*Feelings of worthlessness and extreme sadness.
*Worry or fear over things that normally wouldn’t be an issue, such as a fear of leaving
home, or feeling like the world is out to do you harm.
*Having an extremely negative, pessimistic attitude about the world, and everyone they
come into contact with. Nothing is good enough doom and gloom..etc.
*Thinking that any effort to work, self improvement, etc. is futile, that nothing is worth
putting any time or effort into, because it won’t make any difference.
*No interest in sex or other activities previously enjoyed.
*Lack of energy, sleeping all day, or lying on the couch in front of the TV, for lack of
energy or motivation to do anything else.
*Memory loss, problems with decision-making, mood swings, and inability to manage
money and bills effectively.
*Changes in sleep patterns, either sleeping all the time, or not sleeping at all.
*Self-destructive thoughts
The signs of depression are hard to miss during a manic episode, but in the depressive
state, it can be easy to dismiss the symptoms as just feeling bad, which often, is not the
case. Any type of mental disorder should be taken seriously, and great family support is
needed.
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