Article about understanding mood disorders such as depression and bipolar.
Its 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 phase the patient has far more energy than normal. Often
times they are very talkative, and experience a huge boost in
self-confidence.
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 alot higher. Statistical numbers of mood
disorders cannot, however, descibe 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 relativly short time. This would not be
considered clinical depression, which is far more serious 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 there are many
biological and emotional factors that contribute to the development of
a severe depressive disorder. It effects 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 worthlessnes 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 the biochemical factor that is
involved with the disorder it is not often realistic to rely solely on
your friends listening ear.
Mood disorders such as clinical depression often have a great 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 the condition and become thoroughly familiar with the
disorder. This will allow ones to be able to better cope and deal with
the sufferer.
Bipolar Disorder
Living with depression can be a great challenge, but the challenge is
even greater 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, "Its
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 bipolar disorder. While
there is no known single cause of bipolar disorder it is know that
genetics plays a big part in the cause. Family members that are
directly related to ones who suffer from bipolar depression have a
greater chance of developing the bipolar or major depression in your
lifetime.
Bipolar disorder knows no gender, and has an equal opportunity of
affecting both sexes. Most often the disorder starts developing in
young adulthood, however cases studies have shown development of the
disorder in younger age groups. Since the symptoms are so wide 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.
