Bipolar disorder is characterized by extremes in mood and related changes in behavior and thoughts. In this condition, an individual experiences both highs (mania or its milder form, hypomania), and lows (depression), or a mixture of symptoms at the same time.

What is tricky about manic symptoms is that, unlike depression, they may not be recognized by individuals with the condition, and in fact the symptoms may be enjoyable to them.

The symptoms of bipolar disorder come and go, but the condition itself is chronic and requires ongoing management, like diabetes does. However, with good treatment and self-management skills, individuals with bipolar disorder can lead productive and fulfilling lives.

Previously called manic depressive disorder, bipolar disorder is relatively common – about one in every hundred people (1%) develop bipolar disorder.

PDF Documents

Depression takes many forms. It can show up as low grade sadness, fatigue and dissatisfaction with your life, or it can hit you between the eyes and leave you feeling completely overwhelmed, unable to function and feeling teary-eyed and overly emotional.

Sometimes it’s due to a chemical imbalance but, other times, it’s an accumulation of small things that have slowly chipped away at your feelings of well-being.

Depression can also show up when angry emotions are turned inwards—so rather than being in touch with the anger you are feeling—it shows up as feelings of depression and a lack of self-esteem.

Reducing depression through psychotherapy is about identifying and defusing unhappy or angry emotions that may stand between you and a happier life.

PDF Documents