Feeling blue on a sunny morning and hopelessly creating defeating scenarios. Evaluating that life has thoroughly disappointed and self-worth is in shambles. The miserable state of a loved one impacts the people around them, and society has always ignored the gravity of mental health. The ignorance resonates through the blatant and loose definition of depression. A person suffering from depression was considered a social outcast in the past. There was no moderation and distinction in the broad spectrum of mental health dilemmas.
The distinction between depression and bipolar disorder:
It is important to identify that depression causes deterioration of psychological and cognitive functions, sleeplessness, weight fluctuation, lack of focus, restlessness, and self-doubt. The majority still confuse depression with bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is a different ball game. Depression can be a part of the disorder, but there is a high-functioning phase. Such emotional fluctuations mirror mania. Bipolar disorder includes symptoms like insomnia, lack of concentration, hyper-responsiveness, low concentration, and indulgence in self-harming activities.
Bipolar I disorder accounts for someone who has suffered a single episode of mania irrespective of any depressive phase. Bipolar II disorder composes of someone who has experienced one or more depressive situations, including hyper mood. Cyclothymic disorder is intense depressive and aggravated mood phases, and unspecified bipolar disorder consists of mood swings but cannot be placed in any other category.
These mental health issues call for an imminent response. The Palm Beach Group has responded to the challenge of providing an extensive remedy to the problem. They have an amazing facility with well-versed staff that caters to the needs of their patients. Their services include family inclusive rehab system, revitalizing mental health, and a warm environment to motivate positive change.
According to a National Institute of Mental Health survey, around 2.8% of adults in the USA suffer from bipolar disorder. Moreover, The World Health Organization report on depression highlights that around 3.8% of the population suffers from depression. Mental health has always been the center of societal issues, and certain steps can help treat depression and bipolar disorder.
-
Communication:
Communication can solve most mental health issues. It is beneficial for the patient and the loved ones to talk to each other in a safe zone. If a person cannot communicate with anyone, they cannot express their issues. The distinction between depression and bipolar disorder can only be resolved through communication. Talking about experiences and perspectives can help people understand each other in a better way. Catharsis in a safe space leads to productive therapy. Practicing such elements can lead to a promising breakthrough. Communication also refers to the interaction between the therapist, parents, and peers.
-
Involvement of loved ones:
Family plays an important role in treating mental health issues. They can provide a peaceful space for the person in need of help. The involvement of family members in the therapy session can lead to promising results. However, the therapist should ensure that the space is healthy for the patient to express exactly how they feel. Family is important because, after the completion of therapy sessions, family members must take care of the life ahead. Love is the strongest antidote for any illness. The family has an inherent empathy that helps the person to recover quickly.
-
Focus on medicine:
Depression and bipolar disorder require medication to control moods and anxieties. The punctuality of medicines becomes the epicenter of growth in the path of improvement. The medication management should be strictly organized and stocked beforehand. Family members must play a significant role in this regard and must stay vigilant and punctual with the medication. As the person is already going through a tough time, it is hard to take this journey alone. Focusing on medication helps in decreasing the medication with time. When the person starts to feel good, they are given less medication. Taking medication was considered taboo, but it is just another step towards betterment.
-
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a method that is used to eliminate the symptoms of anxiety and depression. It has both social and psychological connotations. CBT takes a long time to produce positive results. Throughout the journey, everyone should be on the same page. It includes family, peers, and the therapist. A person diagnosed with depression and bipolar disorder takes conviction and conditioning to eliminate the symptoms. Such type of psycho-social therapy has to work hand-in-hand with medication. CBT is an effective technique that has revolutionized the world of therapy.
-
Mood tracking:
If a person is aware of their current mental state, they can easily control it. Developing a habit of tracking the mood can positively impact the individual. A large portion of mood tracking is done by the people around the person experiencing depression and bipolar disorder. The data will help the therapist in identifying the most suitable techniques. It also helps in measuring the progress and impact of emotional management techniques. Mood tracking can only turn into second nature when repeated daily. The overall process is a self-reflection in itself.
Conclusion:
Depression and bipolar disorder are separate in clear distinction. Depression can be a symptom of bipolar disorder. Hence, it is not wise to consider them the same thing. Identifying the right problem can bring a person to the right solution. Mood tracking, cognitive behavioral therapy, medication management, family involvement, and communication can work as redeeming factors for the person experiencing it. Identifying the problem brings the person closer to the solution.
Everyone must stay vigilant and watch the people who need help. It is critical to provide them with the right solutions for wholesome life. The times have changed, and mental health cannot be ignored so conveniently. So, educate people about mental health and describe its comprehensive spectrum. It includes distinguishing depression from bipolar and other illnesses.
