Symptoms of Depression in Bipolar
- You may lack interest in your normal activities, and begin to spend more time inside
- You may have outbursts of anger, or fits of crying as you are overcome with emotions that you may have difficulty processing
- You may feel numb, and as if you do not have any emotions at all
- You may be more irritable, and find you have less tolerance with those around you
- You may withdraw socially, preferring to spend time alone rather than with friends and family
- You may feel apathetic and hopeless, as if there is nothing to aim for in the future
- You may become anxious and panicky
- You may move slower, and even begin to talk slowly
- You may find it difficult to make decisions, as you may feel as though you are thinking through a fog
Coping with Depression
Depression is an incredibly difficult thing to go through, and something that should not be fought alone. There are many things you can do in order to give yourself the best chance of feeling better, and talking to those around you is a key factor. Reaching out to loved ones can not only help lessen the load of what you are feeling, it can help explain to them why you might be acting the way you are. Your friends and family are there to support you and to try and make sure you have the best prognosis.
Another way in which you might be able to alleviate the symptoms of depression is by discussing the way you are feeling with a medical professional. Whether it is a therapist, a psychiatrist, a psychologist or someone else, these sorts of people are trained to help those in situations similar to yours, and can provide valuable support and advice.
If your symptoms worsen they can provide more structured support, and if medication is necessary then this can be monitored. Medication is a difficult subject at times, as someone might feel they have been defeated if they use medication, however this is not the case. Depression and depressive episodes are caused by chemical imbalances in the brain, and medication is used to rectify this and help with the symptoms.
