So, my last post was about mania’s, and I said I would discuss the depressive episodes next. When it comes to bipolar there are two most common types and those are simply type 1 and type 2. Bipolar type 1 has more intense mania’s and less depressive episodes. Bipolar type 2, my diagnosis, has more intense depressive episodes. Neither type one or type two are worse or better than the other, they are just different.
Manic episodes are all but the opposite of depressive episodes. Where you can feel self-important and have important plans in a mania and then switch to a depressive state where you have feelings of utter self-loathing, and nothing feels important. You are just completely apathetic. You don’t really feel. There are ways to help a loved one in a depressive episode without medication, but first here are a few of the signs of a depressive episode.
· Depressed mood, hopeless
· Apathy
· Weight gain or loss
· Eating too much or too little
· Self-loathing
· Inappropriate guilt
· Loss of concentration
· Poor memory
· Suicidal thoughts/attempts
· Sleeping too much or too little
· Fatigue
· Indecisiveness
· Crying/tearfulness for no apparent reason
· Sluggishness
· Unusual agitation
· Recurring thoughts of death
During these periods you can help yourself or a loved one, I have put together what you can do without medication.
· Stay completely open with loved ones
· Go to bed and wake up around the same time each day
· Stay active
o A quick walk
o A 5 minute workout
· Force yourself to do one simple productive task to stimulate a better mindset
· Do something creative
· Watch your favorite TV show or a movie
· Read a book
· Track your mood
o Download my printable monthly health journal and track your mood with the weekly mood line!
· Practice moderation
· Learn something new to actively engage yourself in something
o New language
o An art medium
o Working on vehicles
· Yoga
· Meditation
Major depressive episodes can last weeks or more, they are intense and make you crash really hard. They almost always follow manic episodes or hypomania’s. Please if someone you know is suffering or if you are suffering don’t be afraid to reach out for help.
All the best
~TKNott~
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