Bipolar vs Depression
Bipolar Disorders & Depression Bipolar disorder and depression are very similar illnesses with one major difference: people with bipolar disorder switch between episodes of depression and mania (Hedy Marks, The Difference Between Bipolar Disorder and Depression, p. 1). Some people who are diagnosed with depression may actually have bipolar disorder because people with bipolar disorder often only seek treatment during a depressive episode. These disorders are similar in several ways; therefore, they’re easily misdiagnosed. Mood changes such as sadness and irritability are extremely common. A person may become involved in reckless behavior such as using large amounts of drugs and drinking and driving (Bipolar Disorder vs. Depression: How to Tell the Difference, p.1). Both bipolar disorder and depression can cause a person to have extreme suicidal thoughts. It is difficult to maintain healthy relationships when suffering from depression or bipolar disorder. Depression affects every aspect of an individual’s life including personal and family relationships, work and school life, sleeping and eating habits, and general health. Individual may experience change in appetite (eating more or less than usual) and also may experience restlessness. The individual will also feel extreme guilt and hopelessness that leads them to having suicidal thoughts (Bipolar Disorder vs. Depression: How to Tell the Difference, p.1). Another sign of depression is that the individual may begin to have less interest in or participation in and less enjoyment of activities they normally enjoyed. Treatment for depression can be short-term or long-term depending on type of depression, social support, etc. People with bipolar disorder switch between episodes of depression and mania. Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood shifts that alternate between “highs” (mania) and “lows” (depression). These periods vary from person to person and can last anywhere
Bibliography: Marks, Hedy, The Difference Between Bipolar Disorder and Depression. Medically reviewed by Cynthia Haines, M.D. Everyday Health Media, LLC. 2012. Last updated: 5/23/2012. Bipolar Disorder vs. Depression: How to Tell the Difference. Access Date: 11/26/12. Bipolar Disorder. Access Date: 11/26/12