Portal:Depression and Bipolar
Many people have been diagnosed with depression and/or bipolar disorder and have discovered that by discussing things with others and indeed a professional can at times be very difficult to face but once you take that step to seek help you can begin the journey of recovery, Bipolar is a treatable illness and so is many other things in life if only we can discuss them with people that understand. This portal attempts to provide a better understanding of these illnesses.
Depression is more than just a low mood - it's a serious illness. While we all feel sad, moody or low from time to time, some people experience these feelings intensely, for long periods of time and often without reason. People with depression find it hard to function every day and may be reluctant to participate in activities they once enjoyed.
Depression is one of the most common of all mental health problems. One in five people experience depression at some stage of their lives.
Types of Depression
Different types of depression often have slightly different symptoms and may require different treatments. The five main types of depression are listed below.
- Major depression - a depressed mood that lasts for at least two weeks. This may also be referred to as clinical depression or unipolar depression.
- Psychotic depression - a depressed mood which includes symptoms of psychosis. Psychosis involves seeing or hearing things that are not there (hallucinations), feeling everyone is against you (paranoia) and having delusions.
- Dysthymia - a less severe depressed mood that lasts for years.
- Mixed depression and anxiety - a combination of symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- Bipolar disorder - (formally known as manic depressive illness) - involves periods of feeling low (depressed) and high (manic).
Bipolar disorder, which used to be called manic depression, involves both periods of feeling low (depressed) and high (mania).
Most people experience a range of moods depending on what's happening in their lives. When good things happen, like getting a new job, going on a holiday or falling in love, it's natural to feel happy. On the other hand, when there are difficulties like losing a job or a loved one, having money or family problems, it can make a person feel down.
However, people with bipolar disorder experience extreme moods that can change regularly and may not relate to what is happening in their lives, although their mood swings may be triggered by certain events.
Types of Bipolar Disorder
There are two main types of bipolar disorder.
- Bipolar Disorder I
People with this type of bipolar disorder are more likely to experience mania for longer periods of time and experience psychotic symptoms.
- Bipolar Disorder II
People with this type of bipolar disorder do not experience psychotic symptoms and generally have episodes of mania that last for a short time e.g. hours or at most, a few days. Also refer to signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder for more information.
In between experiencing mania and depression, there are usually times when a person feels like they're on an even keel. However, if the person remains untreated, they are more likely to feel up and down more often.
Some people with bipolar disorder have what are called 'mixed episodes' where they feel some of the signs and symptoms of both depression and mania. Moods can change very quickly for some people - feeling high, then low and high again, within a matter of days or even hours.
People with bipolar disorder can also experience what is called 'rapid cycling'. This occurs when a person has at least four changes in mood states in any one year i.e. moving between depression, mania and a mixed episode.
- Depression affects an estimated 17 million people each year in the United States
- Depression is the cause of over two-thirds of the 30,000 reported suicides in the U.S. each year.
- Major Depressive Disorder is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. for ages 15-44. (World Health Organization)
- Fifteen to 20% of US families are caring for an older relative. A survey of these adult caregivers found that 58% showed clinically significant depressive symptoms. (Family Caregiver Alliance)
- Bipolar disorder affects approximately 5.7 million adult Americans, or about 2.6% of the U.S. population age 18 and older every year.
- Bipolar disorder is the sixth leading cause of disability in the world. (World Health Organization)
- Bipolar disorder results in 9.2 years reduction in expected life span, and as many as one in five patients with bipolar disorder completes suicide. (National Institute of Mental Health)
- An equal number of men and women develop bipolar illness and it is found in all ages, races, ethnic groups and social classes.
- More than two-thirds of people with bipolar disorder have at least one close relative with the illness or with unipolar major depression, indicating that the disease has a heritable component. (National Institute of Mental Health)
