Understanding Mood Disorders
Its shocking to note that mood disorders these days are not
uncommon. In the United States alone it is estimated that
between 15 and 20 million people suffer from depressive
disorders. Most symptoms of depression would be characterized as
overwhelming sadness and loss of joy and pleasure in daily
activities. Depression has been called the "common cold of
mental illness," not indicating that symptoms of depression are
mild, but because they are widespread.
Bipolar disorder is one of many types of depression that affects
many individuals. More recently this disorder has been given
more public light. Symptoms of this disorder often include mixed
states of mania and depression. Often times during the
depression phase of bipolar disorder patients are plagued with
thoughts of suicide, while during the manic phase the patient
has far more energy than normal. Often times they are very
talkative, and experience a huge boost in self-confidence.
It is estimated that bipolar disorder affects about 2.3 million
adults in the United States in any given year. A worldwide
accounting of bipolar disorder in adults is alot higher.
Statistical numbers of mood disorders cannot, however, descibe
the pain and suffering that such ones go through.
Depression
Everyone experiences a "case of the blues" from time to time,
but most often it only lasts a relativly short time. This would
not be considered clinical depression, which is far more serious
than a "case of the blues."
What causes clinical depression? While it is not fully
understood as to all the causes of clinical depression it is
noted that there are many biological and emotional factors that
contribute to the development of a severe depressive disorder.
It effects more than 19 million American's a year, and it is
estimated that approximately 3% to 5% of teenagers suffer from
clinical depression every year.
Those suffering from chronic depression often fail to realize
the seriousness of their condition. Just how serious is it? It
has often been linked to lack of performance, alcohol and drug
abuse, severe feelings of worthlessnes and guilt, and in many
cases suicide.
Often times having an empathetic friend that will lend a
listening ear can bring great relief. However because the
biochemical factor that is involved with the disorder it is not
often realistic to rely solely on your friends listening ear.
Mood disorders such as clinical depression often have a great
impact on family members. However, there are things that family
members can do to help those ailing from the condition.
Wholehearted support is vital when a loved one is suffering from
this disorder. It is often helpful to study up on the condition
and become thoroughly familiar with the disorder. This will
allow ones to be able to better cope and deal with the sufferer.
Bipolar Disorder
Living with depression can be a great challenge, but the
challenge is even greater when it is coupled with mania, a mood
swing in bipolar disorder. Family members may often be confused
as to the erratic behavior of those suffering from bipolar
disorder. States Becky, "Its hard to see my brother switching
from a happy person to such a sad person so suddenly. It's very
hard on all of the family, we all feel helpless like there is
nothing we can do."
Bipolar's effects are not just directed one way. Often times the
pain is reflected inwards as well to the sufferer. The patient
suffering from bipolar disorder may often be left confused at
the lack of stability in their life.
What is the cause of bipolar disorder? Through several studies
scientists are trying to uncover the cause of bipolar disorder.
While there is no known single cause of bipolar disorder it is
know that genetics plays a big part in the cause. Family members
that are directly related to ones who suffer from bipolar
depression have a greater chance of developing the bipolar or
major depression in your lifetime.
Bipolar disorder knows no gender, and has an equal opportunity
of affecting both sexes. Most often the disorder starts
developing in young adulthood, however cases studies have shown
development of the disorder in younger age groups. Since the
symptoms are so wide in their range it is often hard to detect,
especially when intervals between mania and depression can last
years.
While living with depression or bipolar depression may be hard,
and equally as hard to diagnose there is hope for those that
suffer from them.