Depression, Anxiety and Bi-polar I & II

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Contrary to popular belief, it is normal to experience periods of feeling down. In addition, stress can cause us to have symptoms of anxiety.

With that said, there are times in some people's lives when sadness, lack of motivation, feelings of being a failure, and shame overwhelm us and we need help recovering.

Depression

If you are struggling with some or all of the following symptoms, you may have clinical depression:

• Depressed mood
• The loss of interest or pleasure in almost all activities
• Significant weight gain or loss, or appetite disturbance
• Sleep disturbance
• Speeding or slowing of muscle movement
• Feelings of worthlessness or low self-esteem
• Diminished ability to think, concentrate and make decisions
• Recurrent thoughts of death, dying or suicide

Depression, in simple terms, is a fixation on the past - what others have done to hurt you, how worthless you have been, etc.

Anxiety

In contrast, Clinical Anxiety is a fear of the future. Worry about your work, your marriage, you family, your friends and having a general lack of faith that things will turn out well, suggests you are struggling with anxiety.

If you are struggling with some or all of the following symptoms, you may have clinical anxiety:

• Edginess or restlessness
• Tiring easily; more fatigued than usual
• Impaired concentration or feeling as though the mind goes blank
• Irritability
• Increased muscle aches or soreness
• Difficulty sleeping (due to trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, restlessness at night, or unsatisfying sleep)

Bipolar Disorder

Lastly, if you are struggling with clinical depression followed by feelings of euphoria or at least feeling optimistic and motivated, you may be having a Bipolar episodes. Bipolar episodes have two sub-categories. Bipolar I is what used to be called "Manic Depressive," which means that you cycle between low lows and very high highs. Bipolar II is similar, but the highs are not as high and may exhibit more like spending sprees, promiscuity, or taking risks that put you in danger.

Some symptoms of Mania are listed below.

• High self-esteem
• Little need for sleep
• Increased rate of speech (talking fast)
• Flight of ideas (rapid flow of thoughts, jumping from idea to idea)
• Getting easily distracted
• Psychomotor agitation (pacing, hand wringing, etc.)
• Increased pursuit of activities with a high risk of danger

We Can Help

Give us a call to talk about your symptoms. We can help you decrease your symptoms and work toward a life that is more fulfilling. Call us at 505-709-9115.