Atypical Depression and Bipolar Depression

Depression can affect people of different ages whether they are children or senior citizens. There are many forms of depression that affect everybody. A few types are Atypical Depression and Bipolar Disorder (Manic-Depression). Depression can interfere with work, studying, sleep, eat, and enjoy other pleasurable activities.

People with atypical depression show signs of mood reactivity. They also, have their appetite increase, gain weight, sleep more than normal, leaden paralysis, and higher sensitivity to rejection. Women tend to have more signs of atypical depression than men. Women have more suicidal thoughts and attempts, use more healtcare services, show more signs of sexual abuse and childhood neglect. Part of the reason that more women face depression is because of hormonal changes that happen in a women's life.

Men are less likely to talk about or even seek help for depression. Men generally do not show their feelings the way women do because they are raised to not show their feelings. Some signs that a man is going through depression are anger, drug and alcohol abuse, and being more irritable. If they do not deal with it they can become more violent towards others and themselves. They might commit murders, become sick more often, or even commit suicide.

Things that can trigger depression are raising children alone, caring for elderly parents, balancing work and taking care of the household, and increased responsibilities. Other factors are divorce, death, separation, conflicts with others, physical or emotional abuse, moving, graduation, retirement, social isolations, or feeling deprived.

Bipolar disorder, or manic-depressive, causes shifts in a persons mood, energy, and ability to function. These shifts are different from a persons normal ups and downs in their moods. There is about 5.7 million Americans over the age of 18 living with bipolar disorder. Someone that has the disorder can have damaged relationships, poor job performance, do bad in school, or be suicidal. Symptoms can start as early as childhood or they could develop later in life. Someone that has the disorder might not be able to think rationally because they can go from being calm one minute to angry or sad the next. Signs of manic episode include the following: increased energy or restlessness, euphoric mood, extremely irritable, talking fast, many thoughts racing through their head, easily distracted, poor judgment, abuse of drugs or alcohol, aggressive behavior, or denying that something is wrong.

If you or somebody that you know shows signs of atypical depression or bipolar depression then you should seek help. Call your doctor and find out for sure if something is wrong. If you do not have or cannot afford a doctor try going to a local clinic to find out more information. Your local clinic may refer you to another doctor so that you can get some treatment if you do suffer from depression.