What is a depressive episode like for someone with Bipolar Disorder?
People living with Bipolar Disorder typically experience periods of intense mania and depression that are severe enough to cause significant impairment of daily function. The emotional highs and lows are more likely because of imbalanced brain chemistry, which is considered a lifelong mental health condition.
But what is the depressive episode like?
Major depressive episodes often include symptoms that are severe enough to cause a noticeable impact on your daily life and tend to last longer than manic episodes. Five or more of the following symptoms are required to qualify as a depressive episode.
- Depressed mood, often with feelings of sadness, emptiness, hopelessness, or irritability
- A noticeable loss of interest or ability to take pleasure from nearly all activities
- Significant weight loss or gain or a noticeable increase/decrease in appetite
- Feeling lonely or isolating yourself from social contact
- Sleeping too much or having difficulty falling and staying asleep
- Your behaviour is slowed or restless
- Loss of energy or persistent fatigue
- Feeling worthless or subjecting yourself to excessive or misplaced guilt
- Feeling indecisive or experiencing a decrease in your ability to think clearly and focus
- Thoughts, plans, threats, or attempted suicide
If you or a loved one are experiencing suicidal thoughts, reach out for help immediately.
You may experience symptoms of depression, plus mania or hypomania at the same time. For example, you may feel very energised and impulsive, while feeling upset or tearful. Or you may feel very agitated or irritable. You may also experience highs and lows very quickly after the other, within the same day or hour.
What can trigger a depressive episode for bipolar?
Environmental factors like trauma and stress: A stressful event, such as the death of a loved one, a serious illness, divorce or financial problems can trigger a manic or depressive episode. Because of this, stress and trauma may also play a role in the development of Bipolar Disorder.
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