What is Bipolar Depression?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition full of highs and lows. The highs of bipolar disorder are called the manic phase, consisting of a sudden change in energy, mood, and judgment. The lows are called the depressive phase, also known as bipolar depression. Bipolar depression is much more common than bipolar mania, as those with bipolar disorder are in the depressive phase three times more often than the manic phase. That is why it is essential to fully understand bipolar depression so that you can find an effective treatment for the symptoms of the disorder.

What is Bipolar Depression?

Bipolar disorder is about the swing between major highs and major lows. The highs of mania are offset by the lows of depression, with bipolar depression leaving you feeling down for at least two weeks at a time. Depression is often the first symptom of bipolar disorder to reveal itself, as half of all patients reported feeling depressed first. 22% reported mania occurring first, while the final 28% reported a mix of both states.

How to Recognize Bipolar Depression Symptoms?

Bipolar depression has very similar symptoms to clinical depression, and this similarity makes depression a common misdiagnosis of bipolar depression. Not all of these symptoms will occur for each individual, but in general, individuals with bipolar depression will experience some combination of the following symptoms.

• • Feeling sadness

• • Intense worrying

• • Feeling hollow or empty

• • Inability to enjoy anything, even things you once loved

• • Difficulty making even simple decisions

• • Difficulty getting out of bed

• • Inability to sleep or sleeping too much

• • Eating too much or too little

• • Difficulty focusing

• • Difficulty remembering things

• Thoughts of suicide or death

What to Do When Experiencing Bipolar Depression

Expert treatment is the key to managing the symptoms of bipolar depression. Treatment should include a mix of therapy and medication, providing you with the tools you need to live a normal and healthy life. Beyond medication and therapy, below you can find some tips to help you manage the symptoms of bipolar depression.

• • Avoid drugs and alcohol; they will only make things worse

• • Find a routine where you do the same thing every day, and stick to it

• • Ask your family and friends for support

• • Avoid making any drastic decisions or life changes when depressed

• If you ever think about hurting yourself, contact a medical professional ASAP

Bipolar Depression Clinical Trials in San Diego

The fight against the symptoms of bipolar depression can be long and difficult, especially if you are unable to find an effective treatment. Synergy Research Centers in San Diego are on a mission to find better treatment methods for a variety of mental health disorders, including bipolar disorder and bipolar depression. We are running bipolar clinical research study to find a more effective treatment method for the symptoms of bipolar depression, and we are looking for participants. If you are interested in learning more or would like to join a bipolar depression clinical trial, give us a call at (888) 539-0282.