Although depression and bipolar share significant crossover in symptoms, they are distinct conditions. It’s crucial to understand which one you may be suffering from in order to get the right help. You may be reviewing your own mental and physical state, trying to self-diagnose, wondering “Depression & Bipolar: What is the Difference?” Let True Life Center help you learn so that you can be empowered to find the compassionate bipolar disorder treatment or depression treatment you deserve to get well.
Bipolar Disorder
Major and unusual shifts in your overall mood are the hallmark of bipolar disorder. Without fully comprehending why, you may go from feeling deliriously happy and hopeful to completely drained and hopeless. You may have a seemingly endless wellspring of energy and then plummet to lethargy, unable to get out of bed. The frequency and intensity of these swings can feel intensely debilitating and disorienting to you and your loved ones, not to mention having a major impact on your professional and social life. So between depression & Bipolar: What is the difference?
Depression can be a huge aspect of an individual’s experience with bipolar disorder, but it is only one aspect of it. Depression in a bipolar episode may last four days or four months, as can mania or hypomania. These episodes, however, are separate and do not typically occur within minutes, they more often occur in discrete episodes that are distinct. With the right balance of integrated evidence-based medical treatment in addition to holistic modalities, our caring mental health treatment staff at True Life Center can help you to stabilize and find your way forward through bipolar disorder.
Common Bipolar Symptoms
Manic episodes may include:
- Rapid speech or grandiose plans
- Abundance of energy
- Elation or euphoria
- Irritability and agitation
- Racing thoughts or ideas
- Decreased need to sleep
- Risky behavior
Depressive episodes may include:
- Insomnia, increased or decreased need for sleep
- Appetite changes
- Difficulty concentrating
- Hopelessness, pessimism
- Sad or numb feelings
- Worthlessness, helplessness
- Detachment, loss of interest, no feelings of joy
- Decreased energy
- Heaviness or fatigue
- Suicidal ideation
Depression (Major Depressive Disorder)
Back to our original question of “Depression & Bipolar: What is the Difference?” When we look at depression, also classified as ‘major depressive disorder’ or MDD, we see a lot of similarities with the depressive periods that affect those with bipolar disorder. But people with MDD do not experience separate distinct episodes of major mood swings that characterize bipolar, like hypomania and mania. Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and restlessness may lead to disengagement from cherished activities and relationships during depression, be it from Major Depression or Bipolar, these are not present during mania. Any attempt to help or change the inner state of melancholy from the outside will not penetrate. For those suffering from both Bipolar Affective Disorder or Major Depressive Disorder, symptoms are chronic, persistent, and severe and require compassionate, informed treatment.
Common Depression Symptoms
- Anxiety or Irritability
- Hopelessness, pessimism
- Sad or numb feelings
- Worthlessness, helplessness
- Detachment, loss of interest, no feelings of joy
- Decreased energy
- Heaviness or fatigue
- Restlessness
- Trouble concentrating, remembering, or decision-making
- Appetite changes
- Aches, pains, headaches, cramps, digestion issues
- Suicidal ideation
TLC’s Neurobiological Integration Approach
Depression & Bipolar: What is the Difference? Our team knows and can help you explore the right healing path for you. At True Life Center, our dedicated staff is drawn to working with people on finding and freeing their true selves to live their best lives. Our unique Neurobiological Integration approach aims to identify the root cause of illness and gets results by using the synergistic combination of:
- Individual psychotherapy with DBT, CBT, EMDR and/or psychodynamic approach
- Expert psychiatric treatment
- Acupuncture
- Mindfulness and self-compassion practices
- Yoga therapy
- Body healing with Qi Gong
Reaping the Benefits Of Finding Mental Health Treatment In Orange County California
True Life Center is committed to helping individuals find and express their authentic selves. When suffering is deep and enduring, understanding the path forward brings comfort and hope. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive map for long-term recovery and optimal health. We listen carefully to you and your loved ones to understand and co-collaborate in the creation of your True Life Recovery Plan. Finding mental health treatment may seem challenging right now, but it’s only a phone call away. Five minutes can give you the key to years of stability and contentment. Call us today at 866.420.1792 to start your journey to healing today.
