Understanding Mood Disorders
It’s shocking to note that mood disorders these days are not uncommon.
In the United States alone, it is estimated that between 15 and 20 million people suffer from depressive disorders. Most symptoms of depression would be characterized as overwhelming sadness and loss of joy and pleasure in daily activities. Depression has been called the “common cold of mental illness,” not indicating that symptoms of depression are mild, but because they are widespread.
Bipolar disorder is one of many types of depression that affects many individuals. More recently, this disorder has been given more public light. Symptoms of this disorder often include mixed states of mania and depression. Often times during the depression phase of bipolar disorder, patients are plagued with thoughts of suicide, while during the manic period, the patient has far more energy than usual. Often times, they are very talkative and experience a massive boost in self-confidence.
If you are suicidal right now, call your local emergency number. There is help for you. Stay on the phone with the operator and wait for help to arrive. Do not hesitate to call. Your life is extremely valuable, and people care about you. Please reach out for help. Never act on your thoughts of suicide. Never.
It is estimated that bipolar disorder affects about 2.3 million adults in the United States in any given year. A worldwide accounting of bipolar disorder in adults is a lot higher. Statistical numbers of mood disorders cannot, however, describe the pain and suffering that such ones go through.
Depression
Everyone experiences a “case of the blues” from time to time, but most often, it only lasts a relatively short time. This would not be considered clinical depression, which is much more severe than a “case of the blues.”
What causes clinical depression? While it is not fully understood as to all the causes of clinical depression, it is noted that many biological and emotional factors contribute to the development of a severe depressive disorder. It affects more than 19 million American’s a year, and it is estimated that approximately 3% to 5% of teenagers suffer from clinical depression every year.
Those suffering from chronic depression often fail to realize the seriousness of their condition. Just how serious is it? It has often been linked to lack of performance, alcohol and drug abuse, severe feelings of worthlessness and guilt, and in many cases, suicide.
Often times, having an empathetic friend that will lend a listening ear can bring great relief. However, because of the biochemical factor that is involved with the disorder, it is not often realistic to rely solely on your friend’s listening ear.
Mood disorders, such as clinical depression, often have a significant impact on family members. However, there are things that family members can do to help those ailing from the condition. Wholehearted support is vital when a loved one is suffering from this disorder. It is often helpful to study up on health and become thoroughly familiar with the disease. This will allow one to be able to cope and deal with the sufferer better.
Bipolar Disorder
Living with depression can be a great challenge, but the problem is even more significant when it is coupled with mania, a mood swing in bipolar disorder. Family members may often be confused as to the erratic behavior of those suffering from bipolar disorder. States Becky, “It’s hard to see my brother switching from a happy person to such a sad person so suddenly. It’s very hard on all of the family, we all feel helpless like there is nothing we can do.”
Bipolar’s effects are not just directed one way. Often times, the pain is reflected inwards as well to the sufferer. The patient suffering from bipolar disorder may often be left confused at the lack of stability in their life.
What is the cause of bipolar disorder? Through several studies, scientists are trying to uncover the cause of the bipolar disorder. While there is no known single cause of the bipolar disorder, it is known that genetics plays a big part in it. Family members that are directly related to those who suffer from bipolar depression have a higher chance of developing bipolar or major depression in your lifetime.
Bipolar disorder knows no gender and has an equal opportunity of affecting both sexes. Most often, the disease starts developing in young adulthood; however, case studies have shown the development of the disorder in younger age groups. Since the symptoms are so broad in their range, it is often hard to detect, especially when intervals between mania and depression can last years.
While living with depression or bipolar depression may be hard and equally as hard to diagnose, there is hope for those that suffer from them.
If you are feeling depressed and have no pleasure in life anymore seek professional help as soon as possible! Visit www.suicide.org for information about professional help in your country.
