Taking Manic Depression Seriously
‘Manic Depression’, or ‘Bipolar Disorder’, is considered one of the most severe kinds of depression people regularly suffer from. It is characterized by sudden and extreme mood swings. Manic depression is so-named because manic means ‘mania’, which means the ‘ups’ while depression refers to the ‘downs’. Bi-polar also refers to both ends of the spectrum of emotions
A lot of people experience erratic changes in their moods and, sometimes, these so-called mood swings are not just caused by PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome) or stress. Doctors have diagnosed mood swings as a common symptom of depression, if these mood swings become severe. For example, if someone becomes angry because a shop does not have his favourite biscuits, it may only a sign of a spoilt brat, but when becoming annoyed also means that that person will shout and swear at the shop keeper, it could be the onset of Manic Depression.
The ‘manic’ periods or ‘ups’ in Manic Depression (or Bi-polar Disorder) are described as the times when a person suffering from Manic Depression experiences excessively high periods, consisting of heightened energy, sudden outbursts of euphoric mood, extreme irritability, together with racing thoughts and aggressive behaviour. According to doctors, someone suffering from Manic Depression may have these so-called manic ‘periods’ not just for a day or so, they can actually go on for a week or more.
During the ‘low’ or ‘down’ periods, people suffering from Manic Depression may experience very similar symptoms to those who are suffering from ‘normal’ depression. People who are suffering from Manic Depression experience episodes showing a depressed state of mind - including feelings of lack of self worth and being unloved.
There are various other symptoms as well: irrational guilt, severe sadness, anxiety attacks, feeling of not belonging, extreme gloom and an obvious loss of pleasure. According to therapists, an individual who is depressed continuously for more than a week can officially be diagnosed as someone who is suffering from Manic Depression.
In spite of it being one of the most common and acute sorts of depressive disorder, Manic Depression can be successfully treated, according to doctors. There’s no reason to worry too much about having it. You just need to follow the procedures that the therapist gives you and take the prescribed medicine in the correct dosage in order to help you (or your friend or love one) overcome Manic Depression before it becomes a dangerous risk to the sufferer’s life by suicide.
Also, people who suffer from Manic Depression should visit their therapists on a regular basis, in order to be able to release their pent-up emotions to someone who is able understand just what it is they are going through a lot better than an untrained person.
Although positive results for Manic Depression can be obtained from natural remedies, a proper and a more lasting relief from Manic Depressive symptoms can best be acquired through consultation with a cognitive behaviour therapist. Contrary to some thought, when it comes to psychiatric treatments, psychiatrists, preferably cognitive behaviour therapists are still the best ones to consult for a lasting cure for Manic Depression.