Depression Blocks 19 million adults to be productive

Approximately 19 million American adult workers with depression to limit their productivity. According to American Medical Women's Association, includes these 5 million women, many of whom quit or loss their jobs directly through the depression.

Symptoms of depression include emotional elements such as restlessness or loss of pleasure or physical elements such as headaches, aches and pains. These symptoms lead to sleep on a reduced workeat, study or enjoy pleasurable activities.

Internationally renowned motivational speaker, Connie Podesta, believes there is a correlation between depression and the mixture of their lives at home and work. "An important reason for depression is the sense of guilt in the decision to choose between family and career," says Podesta. Reducing the control over your life, the thrill of having excuses for your boss, friends, family, and spend too much time from one toother.

There are six keys to balance your life:

People need a healthy and functional. People need a place that is safe, a place where they can turn to escape the negatives of a bad day. You need a sanctuary to build their mind for the next day. Fair rules and boundaries are a key to creating this environment.
People need positive relationships. You have to seek positive relationships and reduce the repair, or eliminate the negative report. ButI think it should be done right, the important relationships.
Dealing with negative experiences. We decide how to react to any situation. From positively with negative life experiences, we can keep our lives in perspective.
Building a positive self-esteem. Think positively about yourself is not easy. Do not expect the compliments paid to you. Finding ways to build your self-esteem on an ongoing basis.
Timely decisions. There are too many people aProblem is that the decision of small, or you fight the big decisions. Some people have problems with both. Failure to make timely decisions affects mental and physical health, throwing life into imbalance.
Learning to deal with personal problems to be identified. The possibility that the amount of personal problems and to solve problems quickly and positively eliminates their impact on longer-term happiness.

Even if you have mastered one or more of these aspectsindicated, the true balance to withdraw up to the point that she has had moderate success in all six areas to reach.

Depression drugs are in the hands of the beholder

Depression is caused by a variety of factors. You can, biological, genetic, physical and emotional. Simple everyday life and surroundings are important. Stress and other negative influences are known to contribute. Complex diseases such as depression are not easy to decipher. We also recognize the complexity of the human spirit.

The medical profession has been working continuously in an attempt to study the mind and how it works. Causing a chemical imbalance in the brain> Depression, which are known. We are learning more every day about how the whole process. More effective treatments for greater knowledge. Depression treatment will come from a variety of drugs on the market. Quick Fix plans is also available, but do not work. One must be careful to avoid drugs, to clinical examination and have been shown to have positive effects in the treatment of depression, research shows.

There was a time in our history, when hit withthrown it all with a mental illness who were in a station connected to mental and system has been lost. It 'good to know that is no longer the case. In 1988, the anti-depression "Prozac" first to market in the United States. It has been shown to work, and is still required, although it can have serious side effects. There are different types of depression medications (antidepressants) to treat depression and conditions, depression compared to treatmentComponent of the disease, such as bipolar disorder. These drugs improve symptoms of depression, which are called by increasing the availability of certain chemicals in the brain neurotransmitters. It is believed that these chemicals in the brain, emotions can improve.

The main types of antidepressants are:

* Tricyclic antidepressants (TCA) are some of the first antidepressants to treat depression. They mainly concern the two levels of chemical messengers) (neurotransmitters,Norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. Although these drugs effective in treating depression, which have more side effects, so are not usually the first drug to be used.

* Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are another early form of anti-depressants. These drugs are most effective in people with depression who do not respond to other treatments. Are effective for other mental disorders. Substances in some foods such as cheese, beverages like wine andDrugs can interact with MAOIs, so that these people, these drugs must comply with strict dietary rules (see below). For this reason, these antidepressants are in general not be used for the first drug.

* Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a newer type of antidepressants. These drugs work by the amount of a brain chemical serotonin.

* Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are another newer form of antidepressantMedicine. The treatment of depression, increasing the availability of chemicals in the brain of serotonin and norepinephrine. Drugs affect brain chemistry in different ways, so you can try different drugs or drug combinations to find the treatment to get for her depression. The majority of people a drug that can in some trouble, but for some people, be difficult to treat depression. In some cases, a combination of antidepressants mayrequired. Sometimes an antidepressant with a different type of medication, is how, for example, an anticonvulsant, mood stabilizer, or antianxiety drugs in combination.

Since that time, the increasing use was made of a new class of anti-depressants. Or SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) like Paxil, Zoloft, Lexapro, Celexa, Luvox, and all are currently used to treat depression. All have proven to be effective, but have different side effects. Most antidepressantsprobable that work by slowing the elimination of certain chemicals in the brain. These chemicals are called neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are needed for normal brain function. Antidepressants help people with depression by making these natural chemicals more available to the brain. Antidepressants are typically for a minimum of 4 to 6 months. In some cases, patients and their doctors may decide that antidepressants are needed for a long time. Antidepressants are put into groupsbased on chemicals in the brain are affected. There are many different types of antidepressants, including:

* Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
O Citalopram (brand name: Celexa)
O Escitalopram (brand name: Lexapro)
or fluoxetine (trade name: Prozac)
Or paroxetine (brand name: Paxil, Pexeva)
O sertraline (brand: Zoloft) These drugs tend to have fewer side effects than other antidepressants. Some of the side effects that may be caused by SSRIsare dry mouth, nausea, nervousness, sleep disturbances, sexual problems and headache. * Tricyclic
Or amitriptyline (brand name: Elavil)
or desipramine (brand name: Norpramin)
O imipramine (brand name: Tofranil)
O nortriptyline (brand name: Aventyl, Pamelor)
Common side effects of these drugs are offered are dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, difficulty urinating, worsening of glaucoma, impaired thinking and tiredness. These antidepressants can also affect the blood of a personPressure and heart rate. * Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI)
or venlafaxine (brand name: Effexor)
O Duloxetine (brand name: Cymbalta) arising Some common side effects of these drugs are nausea and anorexia, anxiety and nervousness, headaches, insomnia and fatigue. Dry mouth, constipation, weight loss, sexual problems, increased heart rate and increased cholesterol levels can also occur. * Norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (ndris)
OrBupropion (brand name: Wellbutrin) Some of the most common adverse reactions in patients taking ndris agitation, nausea, headache, loss of appetite and insomnia. It can also cause increased blood pressure in some people.
Some of the most common adverse reactions in patients taking ndris agitation, nausea, headache, loss of appetite and insomnia. It can also cause increased blood pressure in some people.

* Combined reuptake inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers
O trazodone (brand name:Desyrel)
or nefazodone (brand name: Serzone)
O Maprotiline
mirtazpine O (brand: Remeron) Common side effects of these drugs are drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea and dizziness. If you have liver problems, should not take nefazodone. If you have seizures, you should not maprotiline. * Monamine monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
O isocarboxazid (brand name: Marplan)
O phenelzine (brand name: Nardil)
tranlcypromine O (brand: Parnate) MAOIs are used less frequentlyother antidepressants. Can have serious side effects such as weakness, dizziness, headaches and tremors. Taking an MAOI antidepressant while you are taking other antidepressants or certain over-the-counter treatments for colds and flu can cause a dangerous reaction. Your doctor will also tell you what foods and alcoholic beverages should be avoided by taking an MAO inhibitor. Should not be an MAO inhibitor, you clearly understand what to avoid drugs and food, too. If youare taking an MAOI and your doctor wants you to start taking one of the other antidepressants, he or she will make you stop taking the MAOI for a while 'before you start the new medicine. This is replaced by MAO inhibitors time to erase from your body.

The market is mature, with herbal medicines and treatments. Most of those that have been shown to function as antidepressants including word that drug at St. John's extract called hyperforin. Some herbal products do not containthis ingredient in its own strength, so it does not work. Be careful, do your research and find effective drugs for the treatment of depression.

In this context it is noted that the widespread misconception that herbs for depression are natural and therefore has no side effects definitely wrong and depressed patients should be aware of the potential risk of taking herbal anti-depressants without consulting a doctor.

Conclusion Although the use of herbs for depression is widespread, and large, there are (perhaps with the exception of St. John's yet), no definitive evidence for the benefits of herbal treatment for depression. Above if the standard treatments for depression herbs for depression compared with non-generally enforced as a first treatment option of choice. However, when other treatments are not established, in cases of mild depression, with herbs> The depression may be worth groped. In any case, the user should understand the limits and not to underestimate the risks of increasing the use of herbs for depression. While antidepressants like Prozac on the levels of serotonin in the brain that does not mean that depression is caused by a deficiency of serotonin. Finally, aspirin can cure a headache, but that does not mean that the headache caused by the deficiency of aspirin.

In addition, many studies are at odds with the chemical imbalanceTests ve Theory of depression. 'What lowering serotonin levels people do not always lower atmosphere show no symptoms worsen in people who are already very low. While antidepressants increase serotonin levels in a few hours, it takes several weeks before it comes into drugs to alleviate depression. If the depression were due to low serotonin, antidepressants, there would be one. Studies agree that both antidepressants and psychotherapy are effectiveTreatments for depression. There is also agreement that a combination of the two can be more effective than alone. It may be that a treatment may be more effective than others for a particular person. The art and science of mental health is not sufficiently good to be able to predict what will be an effective treatment for a particular person.

We have collected and consolidated the latest information on depression (including anxiety, ADHD) charactersand a symptom of depression, depression causes, diagnosis and treatment of depression and treatment for adolescents, adults and children. In addition, there are important information on the face of personal and social consequences of depression, which can be difficult without the right knowledge.

Depression-guide contains information on depression, anxiety disorders and the medical library, depression, self-help, depression support and healthProfessional Care, etc. It 'possible that a single episode of depression in the middle of a situation of great stress or an event can be described. For other stress factors can be "offset" or cause a result that was waiting "to happen. Alternatively, a depressive episode may be completely independent of a stressful event. Not surprisingly, many written documents of depression, role of stressful events, such as trigger is difficult to determine. Often l 'Explanations are provided by therapists, as speculative. Herbs for depression is often seen as an alternative to pharmaceutical treatment of depression. However, a system of real data demonstrate the efficacy of treatment of depression herbal rare and, therefore, is now almost impossible to make a final decision the usefulness of herbal treatment of depression in general. Furthermore, it seems only a limited interest from western medicine to study the effects ofHerbs for depression in a clinically relevant. Then, from the perspective of the patient, the question remains: What is the evidence that the herbal treatment for depression works? By far the best studied herbal treatment for depression is without doubt St. John's wort. Grass S. (Hypericum perforatum) is the best known and studied herbs in use for depression.

This is a herbal remedy for depression and treatment for other knownDiseases for many centuries. In Europe, where herbal medicine for depression is often prescribed by medical professionals, several clinical studies have demonstrated a positive effect of this most famous member of Herbs for Depression in use, event, mild to moderate depression. Yet Two clinical trials in the United States, one of them funded by a pharmaceutical company, which has recently stressed that extracts of hypericum are more effective than notPlacebo in major depression. In America, herbal products and dietary supplements amounted to one billion dollars. Most supermarkets have sections that are similar to a natural pharmacy. They are very popular with rows of therapies based on herbs, vitamins, minerals, natural enzymes, organ tissues, metabolites, extracts or concentrates in the store and much more. Some see in this "return to nature" as part of the trend of increasing demand from people who want to take responsibility for their own health and healing.To do this, many of them want to use complementary and alternative medicine - CAM - therapy.

What is St. John's wort?

St. John's wort is a yellow wild flower is a weed almost everywhere in the United States. It has been used for medical purposes in other parts of the world for thousands of years. Today, St. John's wort is regularly inspected to try to verify their supposed benefits to improve the mood. More than 30 clinical studies have been conductedlast 22 years to evaluate the effectiveness of grass S. John. While the true benefits of St. John's yet to be explored, if you do use it, is all that is possible and consult your doctor before you get there. There is no scientific evidence that St. John's wort is useful in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. However, two large studios, one for the National Center for

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) has shown that the herb has beenNo more effective than placebo in treating major depression of moderate severity. NCCAM is currently the use of St. John's wort in a wider range of mood disorders like depression child. If applied correctly, you can promote your CAM sense of control over your health, and this may be important for welfare. Proponents say complementary and alternative treatments that these nondrug interventions that might help take less medication, have fewer laboratoryThe tests and operations, and an active participant in their personal care. However, to be used, if by chance some complementary and alternative medicines are poisonous and some may interact with other medicines you are taking.

As some have learned the hard way, taking supplements wrong with a negative response and can add to your laundry list of health studies problems.Further with this herbal treatment for depression are currently underway, but it may take years before a finalAward may be made to St. John's wort. The exact mode of action of this herbal remedy for depression is not fully known, although there are indications that affects production or activity of serotonin. Despite the open questions and showing the boundaries of St. John's is currently the only clinically proven herbs for depression with a positive effect, at least in cases of mild depression.

Dealing with Manic Depression

Life is a rollercoaster ride. Sometimes there are and sometimes are down. This is the suffering of a similar scenario, with people suffering from manic depression. But the tips downward and upward, who meet very steep. A week to come, "Oh, so happy." Then, after a week, have a very intense pain or depression. This article aims to inform citizens about the nature of bipolar disorder.

It 'also known as manic-depressiveDisorder or bipolar affective disorder. This type of affective disorder is characterized by an abnormally elevated mood or mania, and the mildest form, the hypomania. Subjected to people who experience the consequences of addiction in general and symptoms of depression. There are also situations in which these two extreme states of mind today, which is known as mixed episodes.

Episodes of mania and depression are often separated by normal moods. Therefore, there are times that the patienteffective in its normal condition. However, this incident should not be mistaken as one of the states of mind might surface on another day. If moods are not normally present, would change mania and depression, this situation as soon footnote by bicycle. This episode mood is divided into several layers: bipolar I, bipolar II and cyclothymia. The divisions are seen on the severity and intensity of episodes is based.

According to a study conducted in the United States, shows aDifferences in prevalence: a rate of 1 percent for Bipolar I and.5% to 1% for bipolar II or cyclomythia. Symptoms usually full of bipolar surface in adulthood or later. Fundamentals of diagnosis are: patient self-reported experiences and observed behavior. Hopelessness, disturbances and made a suicide attempt, are just some of the consequences associated with this disorder. There are patients who suffer devastating long-term bipolar disorder. On the other hand, thereare episodes that are associated with services that seek goals and creativity.

The root of this case, it is generally recognized in the genes. This is the factor that contributes significantly to the risk of a person to develop bipolar disorder. Of course there are also studies that argue that the impact of environmental factors. Usual treatments are drugs and other psychotropic drugs. There are also treatments available, such as treatments such as psychotherapy, which provides a recreationalStability for the patient. If the case is severe, with the patient or other damage, it is recommended involuntary commitment.

Cases that require an institution or of those who are asylum-sever manic episodes, hand in hand involved in dangerous behavior and suicide attempts. Another problem is that these patients would feel the stereotypes, prejudices and social stigma related to their illness. Moreover, in their case to diagnose, becauseother serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia.

The relationship between mania and melancholy has long been an argument between people in the medical field. The first formal investigation has begun, was developed by a team of French psychiatrists once again in 1850. It 'was a German psychiatrist named Emil Kräplin the concept of manic-depressive psychosis or serious. The name was given, is used to characterize any kind of discomfort at that time. It 'was in 1957,if the right conclusions from Karl Leonhard, a German psychiatrist classified. The rules are bare unipolar disorder - major depression and bipolar disorder.

Too much of anything can be dangerous. This statement also applies to your emotions and feelings. Exactly how these cases of mania and melancholia, or manic depression. A bit of everything in our lives are just normal. If they are too strong, that keeps our regular activitiesapply, then an advisory opinion must be taken.

Manic depressive - What does it mean?

Manic depressive refers to mood swings from overly “high” (manic) to overly “low” (depressed). Another name for manic-depressive illness is bipolar disorder. This refers to a person’s mood alternating between “poles” of mania (highs) and depression (lows). Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that causes unusual changes in the person’s mood, energy, and ability to function.

Manic-depressive illness or bipolar disorder affects both men and women. Although it can start at any age, it usually begins in late adolescence. Bipolar disorder is found among people of all ages, races, ethnic groups, and social classes. It appears to have a genetic link and tends to run in families. Unfortunately, in addition to affecting the sufferer’s life, this disease also has the potential to devastate the lives of the caregivers and those in the immediate family circle.

Manic depressive - How is it diagnosed?
The symptoms of manic-depressive illness or bipolar disorder are classified according to either manic or depressive episodes. Manic depressive states are diagnosed as:



Manic episode: A manic episode is diagnosed if elevated mood occurs with 3 or more of the other symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, or for 1 week or longer. If the mood is irritable, 4 additional symptoms must be present.


Depressive episode: A depressive episode is diagnosed if 5 or more of these symptoms last most of the day, nearly every day, or for a period of 2 weeks or longer.


Mixed bipolar episode: In some people, however, symptoms of mania and depression can occur together in a mixed bipolar state. A person could have a very sad, hopeless mood, while feeling energized at the same time.

Manic depressive-What are the treatment options?
Know your personal triggers: Manic-depressive illness has a recurrent pattern, and continuous treatment is necessary. An adequate amount of sleep and regular sleep times are of primary importance in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Knowing personal triggers such as sleep patterns and life events help in the proper treatment of the disease.

Medication: Psychiatrists generally prescribe medications known as “mood stabilizers” e.g., lithium or valproate. If needed, antidepressants are used to balance the highs and lows of the disease.

Monitor your thyroid function: People with bipolar disorder often have abnormal thyroid function. Thyroid levels need to be monitored carefully because they affect mood and energy levels.

Learn to spot relapses: For a person with manic-depressive illness, understanding the illness and learning to spot relapses is vital to successful treatment. This applies to the person who has the illness as well as family members who often seek treatment.

Manic-depressive – Is there hope?
It is not uncommon for the sufferer and his family members to have a sense of sadness and incompleteness concerning the diagnosis of manic-depressive illness, despite having carefully monitored treatment options.

The Bible says in 2 Timothy 1:7, “God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” Those who trust Jesus for salvation become children of God, and God gives them His spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. No one has to ‘go it alone.’ Despite a diagnosis of manic-depressive illness, if you have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ His Son, and rely on Him for guidance and direction, you will have the power to live life.

A personal story in the experience: I Am Bipolar

I was diagnosed in November of this year after having my first manic episode in October of this year. I remember my manic episode started off with my sleeping patterns changing. I'd wake up every hour throughout the night. It soon got to the point where I was sleeping about an hour to two hours a night. I remember my thoughts were going at a mile a second. I had a constant rush of ideas and thoughts and after days of not getting sleep my episode became psychotic. I thought my pet cats could read my mind. I remember I'd be thinking about wanting to pet them, then all of the sudden my cat would come near me wanting to be pet .. So I thought that the cat was receiving messages from me. I got really into the religion Wicca and I would study for hours upon hours a day. I felt so high and I was so excited about the abilities within myself and what I could possibly do with my life. I became an earth hippie freak. I'd freak out if my boyfriend would turn the lights on during the daytime. Accusing him of hurting our planet and wasting energy. I was convinced after listening to MGMT's electric feel that I had an electric current running through my veins. I thought I had the wiccan goddess and god within me and that I myself was almost turning into a god.

As of right now I've sunk from my manic episode into a depressive episode. My thoughts no longer race, my brain actually feels foggy and dead. I don't have much motivation and I don't really care about anything. I like being manic depressive though. I feel that it's a gift .. And as crazy as it might sound to some of you, I cannot wait until I'm manic again

A Young Female Needs Therapy for Her Manic Depression and For Her Drug and Alcohol Addiction

A Young Female Needs Therapy for Her Manic Depression and For Her Drug and Alcohol Addiction
Around three weeks ago I met a twenty-six-year-old lady named Rachael who is manic depressive and who is also addicted to alcohol and drugs. I have read that under such circumstances, a person needs to get counseling for both medical conditions and that mental health issues and chemical dependency commonly take place in the same individual. Furthermore, I recall hearing that a history of hazardous and abusive drinking, drug abuse, and/or mental health issues many times happen in the same family.

Obviously, Rachael is so defeated by both of her medical conditions that she, for all intents and purposes, has little or no driving force to achieve much of anything. What is especially unfortunate about this is that earlier in her life, Rachael managed to finish two years of college. Rachael’s condition makes me wonder if she is an example of a person who has to hit the bottom of the barrel before he or she gets alcohol and drug dependency counseling that results in lasting sobriety.

The Need For a Doctor She Trusts and a Counseling Regimen She Can Believe In

If I were in contact with Rachael I could suggest quite a lot of blogs and websites that could possibly help her locate information about addiction and alcoholic behavior, important chemical dependency information, facts about alcoholism and drugs, and more information about addiction symptoms and alcoholism warning signs. From my perspective, nevertheless, Rachael needs to find a healthcare professional she trusts and a counseling protocol she can believe in and follow over the long haul. I could be in error but it seems to me that Rachael probably needs to understand the fact that she cannot drink responsibly or use drugs if she wants to get sober, stay sober, and start on the path to long-term sobriety.

I am aware that there are more than a few recently discovered physician-prescribed drugs that can help Rachael through the alcohol and drug detox process, through her withdrawal symptoms, and help her avoid a drug or an alcohol relapse. Obviously it would be in Rachael’s best interests if she learned about these medications.

It is clear that Rachael needs to admit the fact that there is utterly nothing beneficial about careless drinking and drug addiction and that involving herself in one or both conditions is the map to deteriorating health, legal problems, shattered relationships, poor work and school performance, a premature death, and financial difficulties.

The Importance of Support Groups Such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous

There are probably numerous persons such as other people, family members, and friends who would want to help Rachael but she probably would experience greater sympathy from a support group such as Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous instead of listening to individuals who drink responsibly or who have never abused drugs.

When Individuals Do Things They Like and About Which They Are Zealous

There’s a philosophical outlook that emphasizes that people who accomplish things they love and something about which they are dedicated arrive at a great place in life. Stated more exactly, when people do what they enjoy, they rarely if ever go through an uneventful life or boredom. If they get involved in something that is fulfilling, what is more, they become more whole and experience more contentment and joy in life.

To me, this sounds quite a bit different from a life that is centered in drug and alcohol addiction because such a lifestyle removes the pleasure and delight that life offers.

Due to the fact that Rachael lacks the resolve to carry out much of anything in her life, it is evident that she urgently needs a little bit of hope for a better life. And the sad thing is that hope is virtually everywhere around Rachael if she could only get to the point in life to get the counseling she needs for her bipolar illness and chemical dependency and adhere to her treatment program.

A Wonderful Life, Self Respect, and Positive Change Are Possibilities


Rachael is simply too young to be crushed in life. She doesn’t understand this at the moment but if she can learn how to abstain from alcohol and drugs via drug and alcohol rehabilitation and get the counseling she requires for her mental health problem, she can turn her life around and start living with passion, self-respect, and direction.

A meaningful life, self esteem, and positive change are certainly possibilities for Rachael if only she could become inspired to get the medical treatment she needs, follow through with her treatment protocol, live her life in an alcohol and drug-free and healthy manner, and acquire a more positive attitude about her existence.

What is Manic depression (Bi-Polar) and how can you identify its symptoms?

Manic Depression is the second major type of depression and has a major impact upon ones mental health. In this article we will learn what manic depression or Bi-Polar as it is commonly termed is and how we can identify if we may have some of its symptoms.

Manic Depression or Bi-Polar Disorder is the second major form of depression in the medical world. It has a major effect upon ones mental health and can therefor effect virtually all aspects of life.

With that said, Let's first consider what Manic Depression is.

Manic Depression, or Bi-Polar, as this disorder is also known as, has a range of two clasifications. Bipolar I and Bipolar II. These two classifications share in common that the sufferer experiences moods that shift within varying degrees from a high to low state. On one end feeling very depressed, and to the other end feeling manic or elated.

This disorder affects ones thoughts, feelings, behaviour and perception of the world around them. Though there are only four listed here, this is by no means the definitive extent to which the effects can be experienced.

What typifies other types of depressive disorders from Manic or Bipolar disorder, is the fact that the depression state is broken up by feelings of extreme elation or mania. You could be depressed for up to a week and yet if you feel a moment of elation this may be diagnosed as Manic or Bipolar disorder. This is the major seperation between the other types of depression.

Bipolar I, also known as Raging Bipolar Disorder, is typified by the sufferer having one or more manic episodes within a week lasting to a minimum of one week and more.

What are the symptoms of type I bipolar?

The sufferer can feel very confident and extreemly well about him/herself.

The sufferer has a tendency to talk excessively.

The sufferer may think or over analyze the world around them.

The sufferer can display much ambition in the situations around them. ei. money, education ....

Often the sufferer experiences feelings of sleeplesness.

Again, while this may be some of the syptoms experienced in a bipolar I sufferer it is by no means the definitive way of typifying or classifying the patient/sufferer.

Bipolar Type II, or Swinging Bipolar Disorder as it is also known, is often identified by the sufferer experiencing both depressive states and states of Hypomania. The Hypomania state typically lasts for upto four days. Often as a sign of Hypomania the sufferer will often excell in there chosen or applied field. This may also include social settings.

What are the symptoms of type II Bipolar disorder?

The sufferer experiences one or possibly more Clinical or major depressive episodes.

The sufferer experiences atleast one Hypomanic episode.

The sufferer Of Bipolar II can at times feel alot of stress which may impair ones ability to function.

Again, while these are just a few of the symptoms of Bipolar II, this is by no means the definative list as more symptoms may exist.

While this article presents simply the facts of the disorder, it is highly advised that you seek the attention of a physician if you feel you may be suffering from this dis-order.

In light of all this information bear in mind that proffesional help from dedicated physicians is a very prudent course of action. Seeing more than one physician is also advisable as, due to the complexities, Bipolar disorder may be mis-diagnosed.

Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression) Theory

I have not always been able to identify a specific event which immediately preceded my bipolar disorder manic episodes, as many times they start as a heightened awareness with increased energy and a euphoric feeling. I think that the episodes are a response to a buildup of stress over time and that the increased energy and awareness are meant to enable us to combat that which causes us stress, it is up to our conscious mind as to how to utilize this increased energy and awareness.

Unfortunately our conscious mind does not understand the processes of the depressive response and we are seldom able to exercise control over that which causes us stress. Consequently our conscious mind many times misuses or misdirects the increased energy and awareness of mania to a point where we may go on shopping sprees, spend food money to buy lotto tickets, or try to make a killing in the stock market. We do things which at the time seem logical and will solve our problems but in retrospect were illogical and ill conceived. As the process advances it is possible that the euphoria is circumvented and we progress directly into a frenzied hyperactive state which may cycle quickly between periods of mania and the depressive response.

This theory presupposes that there is a purpose, a function, even a logic behind the depressive response and episodes of bipolar disorder mania. I believe this to be true, unfortunately due to the constant and unnatural stress our modern society places on many of our people we are stressed beyond the point that our biological processes have the capacity to mediate and these natural functions become maladaptive and dysfunctional.

The basic premise of this exercise for tempering our bipolar disorder mania is that it is possible to utilize the energy of mania, anger, and despair towards a therapeutic end. Traditionally, before I learned to control my mania and depressive episodes, the periods would utilize the energy of mania, anger, and despair toward a frenzied, bazaar, and suicidal state culminating in a major depressive episode. Since I have learned the mechanisms of control these periods have been used to gain insight into the depressive response, do extensive research, and write the pages of this web site, among other things. Of course I don't expect everyone to focus this energy on writing web pages concerning the depressive response. But the focus does need to be something which is therapeutic and I suggest when you first begin that you choose a cognitive based self-help program.

There are four areas of concentration or activities which will become your focus during this exercise, depending on how you are doing at any one particular time.

1. A cognitive behavioral based self help program.

It is best to become familiar with the basic concepts and procedures of the cognitive self-help program before you find yourself in a bipolar mania crisis.

2. A creative endeavor.

This might include writing, painting, poetry, pottery, sculpture, wood working, etc.

3. Exercise.

Including aerobics, a stationary bicycle, or activities which help us focus such as yoga or ti-che. In lieu of physical exercise, relaxation exercises may be helpful.

4. A back-up plan.

Someone to call in case you lose control and need to talk it out. Possibly a supportive friend or family member, your therapist, a crisis help line, the local hospital. Find the phone numbers ahead of time and make sure you have a plan for weekends and holidays.