Bipolar or Depression?

Sometimes, it can be difficult to figure out if you are bipolar or if you have depression. While I am not advocating diagnosing yourself, since a qualified psychiatrist can usually do a much better job, there are some signs you can look for to discuss with your doctor. Bipolar disorder and depression have similar symptoms, but there is one main difference. Bipolar disorder is commonly referred to as “manic depression.” That is because there is a manic piece to bipolar disorder that is experienced along with typical depression symptoms. The manic state and depressive state occur in different cycles although sometimes they do occur at the same time. What does it mean to be manic? Manic episodes usually involve all or some of these symptoms:

Your self-esteem is inflated and you have an overall grandiose sense of self.

You experience a decreased need for sleep. For example, you feel fresh and well-rested after four hours of sleep.

You are much more talkative than you usually are. You may also feel extreme pressure to keep talking.

Your thoughts are racing.

You find that your attention is drawn to unimportant or irrelevant things.

You experience an increase in interest in goal related activities in school, work or socially.

You experience psychomotor agitation. This is a set of symptoms that stems from mental tension and anxiety. Signs are unintentional and purposeless motions, emotional distress and restlessness.

You engage in risky behaviors.

On the other hand, depression can be a disorder all on it’s own or it can be part of another disorder like bipolar disorder. Depression is an extreme feeling of sadness that cannot be brushed off. Some symptoms of depression are:

You will experience extreme feelings of hopelessness and/or worthlessness.

You will have a loss of interest in things or activities that you once loved.

You will experience a change in sleeping patterns. You may desire to sleep too much or not desire to sleep as much.

You will notice a change in your eating habits as you may be overeating or have no appetite at all.

You may have suicidal thoughts or plans.

You will have trouble concentrating.

When you have depression your mood and outlook, for the most part, stays negative. There is no manic episode. As someone who has been diagnosed as depressed I can attest to this. When I’m not medicated, I never experience times when I am “up.” I am always tired, foggy, not motivated and very sad. I also have terrible self-esteem and hate myself. I cannot imagine having a grandiose sense of self. My overall mood and well-being is flat lined at utter despair. There is no variation or change unless I take medication.

When you are bipolar, you experience extreme mood swings, alternating between manic and depressive states. Sometimes both are experienced at the same time. You could be really down but also hyper and agitated. The two states are unpredictable and can last days, weeks or even months at a time. When you have depression you may have a good day here or there, but for the most part you are depressed and there is no change in mood. It is predictable.

Getting diagnosed as either bipolar or depressed is difficult. Unless you are very aware of your moods and symptoms, you could leave out key details when describing your experience to your doctor. You may not recognize your manic episodes are negative as they are. Most bipolar sufferers relish the time that they are manic because they view it as a welcome reprieve from their depressed state. They are more productive and seem to have a more upbeat outlook on their life. Without these key details, your doctor may misdiagnose you as just being depressed. Treatment is different for both disorders so it is important to include all symptoms in order to receive the correct diagnosis. Keep track of your moods and actions for one month to get a good handle on what you are really going through.

Treatment for depression is usually an antidepressant prescription. For those with bipolar disorder, a mood stabilizer is typically prescribed but sometimes an antidepressant is given in addition to it.

Recognizing that something is off and seeking out help is the first step to healing. There is a doctor out there who is ready and willing to work with you to help you feel better. Find that doctor and start your journey to recovery.