Mood fluctuations can be draining. One period, you’re extremely active, your thoughts race constantly, and sleep seems needless.
Then everything dips, and routine tasks like dressing become a struggle.
This is bipolar disorder, and if you navigate it, you’re familiar with how unsettling those changes feel.

What Manic vs Depressive Episodes Actually Feel Like

Mania is more than just feeling cheerful or lively.
Your thinking speeds up beyond your ability to follow. You might spend your money recklessly on non-essentials, go without sleep for extended times, feel energetic, or hold firm to impossibly grand beliefs.
At times, it feels good. Other times, you’re simply irritated by how sluggish everyone else seems.

Depression presents differently for each individual too. Perhaps you sleep excessively and still feel unrested. Maybe food loses its flavor entirely.
Interests you held dear may suddenly seem meaningless, accompanied by an inexplicable sense of guilt.
Here’s what frequently surfaces during a manic episode:

• Running on two hours of sleep like it’s normal
• You can’t keep up with your thoughts
• Money stops feeling real
• Every idea seems grand and urgent
• People annoy you because they’re not moving fast enough

And during depression:

• Exhaustion that sleep doesn’t fix
• Loss of interest in enjoyable activities
• Appetite either diminishes or becomes excessive
• Undeserved feelings of blame
• Mental cloudiness making choices difficult

How Long Does This Last?

Bipolar episode length isn’t set in stone. Manic spans might last a week, possibly longer without any intervention. Depression often lingers for weeks, sometimes months.
Some individuals experience rapid cycling, with four or more shifts annually. Others experience extended stable periods between episodes.
There’s no set schedule, which is challenging when you’re in the thick of an episode and can’t foresee its conclusion.

Treatment That Helps

Recovering means working with someone who knows what they’re doing.
Medication is typically the initial step. Mood stabilizers form the core. They prevent extreme highs and lows from dominating.
Antipsychotics may be introduced during manic periods.
Antidepressants require caution as they risk triggering mania if not carefully monitored.
Therapy is vital. You need guidance to identify the onset of an episode, recognize your personal triggers, and cope effectively when one occurs.
Cognitive behavioral therapy benefits many by addressing thought patterns that intensify difficulties.
Daily maintenance holds greater importance than might be assumed:

• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule nightly (truly, this is crucial)
• Avoid alcohol, it interferes with medications and mood state
• Journal your feelings to observe recurring patterns
• Engage in physical activity even when motivation is low
• Keep people around who understand what you’re dealing with

Clearing Up the Confusion

What is the difference between bipolar depression and manic depression? Nothing, really. “Manic depression” is outdated phrasing.
Clinicians moved away from it as “bipolar disorder” better encompasses the entirety, both manic and depressive aspects.
When people use “bipolar depression” now, they refer to the low mood periods associated with bipolar disorder.

Can a Person With Bipolar Disorder Live a Normal Life?

Yes, but consistent management is required. Folks with bipolar disorder hold employment, maintain relationships, raise families, pursue hobbies – all of it.
The difference is actively managing a condition demanding steady attention.
Tough days will still arise. Episodes might still emerge despite treatment. However, they tend to be less severe and less frequent with appropriate care.
You adapt. You learn your personal indicators. You figure out what to avoid and what provides assistance.

The Reality About a Cure

Can you get rid of bipolar disorder? No. It doesn’t go away. You’re managing a chronic condition. not curing it.
Lots of people manage chronic conditions their entire lives and do just fine.

Get Support

Attempting to manage this solo is more arduous than necessary. If the mood swings are wearing you down, or you’re just starting to understand what’s happening, consulting a specialist makes a substantial difference.

Ethel Winfunke-Rochin is a board-certified PMHNP at Serenity Healthy Minds & Telemedicine Wellness LLC. She gets it.
She works with medication management for bipolar disorder and personalizes treatment to what you actually need.
Appointments are through telemedicine, so you can do it from home.

Book your appointment today.

FAQs

What are bipolar disorder symptoms in females?

Women with bipolar disorder usually have more depressive episodes. Bipolar disorder symptoms in females also include:

• Faster mood cycling and mixed episodes where mania and depression happen at once
• Periods, pregnancy, and menopause can all trigger or worsen symptoms

What is the difference between bipolar disorder and bipolar depression?

Bipolar disorder is the overall condition – mania combined with depression. Bipolar depression refers solely to the low mood segments.
The difference between bipolar disorder and bipolar depression lies in scope: one is the complete diagnosis, the other is a component of it.