Bipolar and Depression - The Facts You Need To Know

It 's sometimes difficult to distinguish between bipolar and depression. Both illnesses display similar symptoms, but there are major differences between bipolar and depression that you need to look out for. Read on to find out the main differences between bipolar and depression and their symptoms.

• 1) How do I recognise the differences? The types of bipolar and depression... Postnatal: this is a very serious from of depression some women may experience after child birth. SAD: Seasonal Affective Disorder is caused by the lack of exposure to sunlight in the winter months. Chronic/Clinical: this is a ongoing depression that is commonly caused by chemical imbalances in the brain and traumatic childhood events. Reactive: this is caused by a particular stressful event, common causes are death, divorce, serious illness etc. Bipolar: sufferers experience extreme and intense mood swings, feeling really happy one moment and utterly depressed the next. The main differences between bipolar and depression are... Bipolar = felling intense highs and low moods. Depression = no experience of the extreme highs that bipolar suffers do, but instead experiences extended periods of lows.
  


• 2) What help is on offer? The first thing you need to do if you think you may be suffering from either bipolar or depression, is to get some professional help. Depression is relativity easy to diagnose, but bipolar is often misdiagnosed and goes unnoticed. A great way to help a doctor or psychiatrist with their diagnosis or treatment plan is to keep a journal of your moods. A journal will also go along way to help you workout a pattern to the way you feel, help you identify the triggers and give you a better understanding of you illness.
  


• 3) What options do you have? Bipolar and depression both need to be treated. This doesn't necessarily mean having to take antidepressant pills, some of the best results are often seen by using talking cures such Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and counselling. Suffers who use these treatments often remark that talking to someone about their problems can feels like a weigh has been lifted and improves their outlook and mood. Building a support group from your family and friends is a great way to deal with bipolar and depression. You have to be honest with them about your condition and tell them that you will need their help to get you through the low times. Knowing that there are people there for you and looking out for you will make your condition easier to deal with.

Remember... don't try and go it alone. There are now so many options and treatments available for Bipolar and Depression that you should have no trouble leading a happy normal life. If you would like even more information on treatments available for bipolar and depression click on the links below.