How to Deal: 10 Useful Facts About Bipolar Depression

People with bipolar disorder deal mainly with two aspects of the illness: mania and depression. In this article we will focus on some common facts about bipolar depression.

Bipolar depression fact 1: A person with bipolar disorder can experience depression and mania at the same time. This is called a mixed episode.

Bipolar depression fact 2: Bipolar depression is called "major depression" in people who don't have bipolar disorder since they don't experience mania.

Bipolar depression fact 3: The depression experienced by people with bipolar disorder is different than the normal ups and downs experienced by everyone in normal everyday life. Bipolar depression has many symptoms that occur at the same time including, loss of interest, feelings of worthlessness, difficulty concentrating, and trouble sleeping or sleeping more than normal.

Bipolar depression fact 4: There are situations and interactions that can trigger depression.

Bipolar depression fact 5: It can be helpful for a person with bipolar disorder to keep a mood chart. A mood chart helps someone to keep track of how they are doing mentally and emotionally in a way that can be seen visually. In this way it may be possible to anticipate a depressive episode and take action before things get too bad. There are many mood charts available free online that can be printed out.

Bipolar depression fact 6: There are many medications available to help someone deal with bipolar depression.

Bipolar depression fact 7: An antidepressant by itself may not be enough to deal with bipolar depression. Antidepressants can also cause mania in someone with bipolar disorder, therefore, a doctor may need to prescribe a mood stabilizer to help a person maintain more balance mentally.

Bipolar depression fact 8 : It is extremely important for a person with bipolar disorder to have support. If possible family and friends should be educated on the disorder and a plan of action should be discussed in there is a crisis. In the case of bipolar depression, it is crucial that the individual with bipolar disorder be able to get help immediately.

Bipolar depression fact 9: A person experiencing bipolar depression needs to know that many times, a depressive episode follows an episode of mania. In this way it may again be possible to anticipate trouble and take preventative action.

Bipolar depression fact 10: It takes more than medication to deal with bipolar depression. A person suffering from bipolar disorder needs to take care of other facets of their life to lessen stress and other factors that contribute to depression. It is important to develop skills and strategies to deal with a depressive episode.

Sources: The Bipolar Workbook: Tools for Controlling Your Mood Swings by Monica Ramirez Basco, PHD

Bipolar Disorder For Dummies by Candida Fink, MD and Joe Kraynak