Typical manic depression symptoms can be varied and inconsistent, so it is best to be thoroughly checked by a licensed physician, such as your family doctor, to have an evaluation. Below are some of the common signs and symptoms that are associated with manic depression. Finding information about the illness is an important first step, as well as becoming educated to what exactly the disorder entails. Arming yourself with the knowledge concerning the condition will make it easier to understand your symptoms and will also help you to know when to discuss them with your doctor.
First thing that you need to know is that having a bipolar disorder, such as manic depression is a disorder of the brain and it causes shifts in many emotional behaviors. Severe swings of energy, mood, activity levels, emotions and basic functioning of everyday tasks are common with a manic depressive illness or bipolar disorder. These swings are not the usual up or down feelings that everyone experiences every once in a while, they are more extensive than the daily emotional feelings. Some people never even realize that they have manic depression symptoms until it has gotten to the point of extremity.
Episodes of manic extremes can be present for long periods of time and then the depressive episode will begin. There could possibly even be periods of normalcy in between the two. In order to fully be diagnosed with manic depression, however, the bouts with either manic or depressive episodes will last at least one or two weeks at a time. Manic behaviors normally last up to four days or longer, while the depressive behaviors can last longer; up to two weeks or more. Some of the symptoms may seem normal and without cause for alarm, but there are individuals that have the disorder that actually have trouble with their normal tasks of the day.
Some of the symptoms of the manic episode may include euphoria, sleeplessness, an increased energy level, lower inhibitions, racing speech and thoughts, unfinished tasks and uncharacteristic behaviors, such as doing things that you normally would not do. Sometimes the manic episodes can consist of very dangerous types of behaviors like having sex with more than one partner, spending money unnecessarily, having sex with strangers and doing reckless activities to which you would not usually be inclined to do. Having trouble sleeping is also a manic depression symptom when it takes away from your ability to function normally.
Depressive symptoms, on the other hand, could include extreme unhappiness, lethargy, feelings of guilt, losing your appetite, sleep disturbances, self hatred, feeling hopeless, becoming isolated and having suicidal thoughts and feelings. There could be episodes of psychosis in both manic and depressive conditions, but it is not always present. Hallucinations and delusional behavior will be evident within the psychosis, so either of these could accompany the manic depression symptoms. It is not necessarily always involved in the manic or depressive moods, but if you experience these, you should check with your doctor to discover the cause of the episodes.
It is important to remember that some of the feelings and moods will occur during a normal day and could simply be caused by life happenings. It does not automatically mean that you have a manic depression issue, although when the symptoms last longer than normal it is best to discuss the possibility with your own physician. Many people live long and productive lives with the condition with the assistance of programs, medications and therapy. The important part is to have an accurate diagnosis and to begin the treatment process. Gaining knowledge and following the advice of your doctor can allow you to live a perfectly normal life without anyone even knowing that you have an illness.