What is the difference between depression and bipolar disorder

Depression is characterized by a state of low mood that lasts for several weeks. It is generally confused with ordinary sadness, but it is a serious mental condition. Anyone can get depressed, regardless of age, gender, or race. Bipolar disorder is characterized by one or more episodes of mania or hypomania, often with a history of one or more major depressive episodes. Depression is a prolonged sad state of mind and elevated mood disorder.

It can last for weeks, months, even years if left undiagnosed. It is also known as major depressive disorder or clinical depression. It is more difficult to note depression in men, as they tend to hide their emotions. Men usually show more anger and rage than sadness. A depressed man may drown himself in work or overdrink. On the other hand, bipolar disorder is a type of depression. It is also known as manic depression.

One should be concerned if they feel mood swings that are mild or extreme. It is usually a combination of mania or hypomania conditions. Manic behavior is when a person experiences an unusual shift in the mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to perform daily tasks. It is basically the same, but less intense than mania.

The onset time can range from a few days to weeks. This makes bipolar disorder more complicated than depression and even more confusing at times. There are majorly nine types of depression, one of which is bipolar disorder. Let us have a glance at the different types of depression:. As bipolar disorder is a combination of symptoms, it is classified as per the type of combinations:. Mental disorders are taboo in some countries, and you should not be ashamed of them. You should keep in mind that depression is a mood disorder and can happen to anyone.

Let us look at the signs and symptoms of depression and bipolar disorder to better differentiate between the two. These are more complex, as they change with the type of bipolar disorder. There are three basic symptoms: depression, hypomania, and mania. It is a combination of all three in different ratios. If you have the above symptoms and notice a significant effect in your daily routine and thinking pattern, seek professional help.

Do not be ashamed of consulting a doctor or getting treated. An assessment is never a bad idea, as it will assure the cause of your symptoms and help you live a healthy life. Also, it is preferred to seek help from your loved ones to help you visit the doctor. Many people find it difficult to seek medical help for such mental health conditions. This is due to social stigma and shame.

It is important to stop the social stigma and help each other fight mental conditions together. Call emergency care if you encounter such signs and symptoms of feeling sad, low or lonely. There are several suicide helplines to prevent you from committing a mistake. You can also call your local helpline.

Physical or biological changes in the brain due to stress or peer pressure or could be any other reason, change in brain chemical function neurotransmitters , hormonal changes, and family history. Physical or biological changes in the brain and genetic influence. People usually take these alongside talking therapy.

A person with bipolar disorder will typically need help, medication, and support for the rest of their life. For those with major depressive disorder, the support may need to be short- or long-term, depending on whether or not their depression is recurrent.

Successful medical management of the condition helps minimize its worst effects and opens up access to wider support. They may be able to help people with bipolar disorder or depression access group therapies or find assistance in the workplace. Some people find that taking part in a support group with others who have the same condition can be beneficial. These groups can help reduce the feeling of isolation that might result from severe mental health disorders.

The challenges of mental health issues can also impact on those close to the person with the condition. Living with a person who has severe depression or managing the consequences of manic behavior can be difficult.

The effect of a mental health condition on daily life will vary from person to person. Not everyone experiences changes in their life and relationships in the same way. Severe mental illness does not equate with failure or an inability to achieve, and some people may experience positive outcomes from their condition.

During hypomania, for example, high energy, creativity, and confidence are symptoms that some people find useful. However, treatment is essential for both conditions. Anyone who notices signs of either bipolar disorder or depression in a friend or family member should try to connect them with local services to help treat the condition. Doctors often prescribe medications and counseling, but diet can also make a difference. Depression is a common mental health problem that involves a low mood and a loss of interest in activities.

Learn more about the symptoms, different…. Bipolar disorder causes shifts in a person's mood and energy levels. It is usually manageable with a correct diagnosis and suitable treatment and…. Bipolar II disorder involves episodes of elevated mood and depression.

Learn how it differs from bipolar I, how to recognize it, and which treatments…. If you also have anxiety, benzodiazepines may be helpful, but you should use caution if you take them due to their risk for abuse.

A variety of new antipsychotic drugs are approved and available for the treatment of bipolar disorder and can be effective. While neither condition is curable, getting the right treatment can help you live a full, active life. You can learn to recognize early warning signs of an episode.

By working with your doctor, you may be able to prevent the episode from getting worse. Affective disorders are a type of psychiatric disorder, or mood disorder, with a broad range of symptoms. The two main types are depression and…. Discover the role of antidepressants, several classes of medication proven useful in combatting depression, in treating Bipolar Disorder. Watching a friend live with depression can be painful, but there are ways to help. Learn what to do, avoid, and how to recognize the signs of suicidal….

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Learn more about SAD lamps, how to use them, features to look for, and products…. Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme fluctuations in thinking, mood, and behavior, known as depression and mania or…. Experts say mushrooms contain a number of nutrients, including potassium and B vitamins, that can boost physical as well as mental health. Persistent depressive disorder, formerly known as dysthymia, is a form of chronic depression.

Learn about its symptoms, causes, treatment, and more. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Mental Health. Bipolar disorder is characterized by uncontrollable dramatic mood swings that fluctuate between depressive lows and manic highs. Manic symptoms may include:. Knowing about the different types of bipolar disorder can also help you distinguish between this condition and depression. There are two types of bipolar disorder: Bipolar I disorder is diagnosed when a person has experienced at least one manic episode, regardless of whether or not the individual has also had a previous bout or bouts of depression.

Bipolar II disorder is the diagnosis given when a person has experienced at least one bout of depression and an episode of elevated mood that is called hypomania. Episodes of hypomania are not as intense or extreme as actual mania and are shorter-lived. People with bipolar II usually experience longer periods of depression and relatively shorter states of hypomania. Sometimes people also experience rapid-cycling bipolar disorder , which means that a person reports four or more dramatic mood swings throughout the course of a year, and the shifts can occur in as little time as just a few hours or multiple times a week.

It is also possible for the manic and depressive symptoms of bipolar disorder to occur simultaneously; this is called mixed-state bipolar.