The Differences Between Bipolar Disorder and Depression
Bipolar disorder and depression are both complex mental health conditions that can significantly impact someone’s life. Both of these conditions are considered mood disorders, and someone with either of them is susceptible to long periods of low moods. Because of the similarities between them, it is possible for these two conditions to get misdiagnosed, too.
While they have some similarities, they each have unique characteristics that affect how they’re diagnosed and treated.
In this article, we’ll get a better understanding of each disorder to determine what they are, what they feel like, and how they’re treated.
Understanding Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is distinguished by cycling mood patterns of extreme highs and lows. The high periods are referred to as mania or manic episodes, and the low periods are called depressive episodes. These alternating patterns affect a person’s cognitive clarity, energy, and emotions. Someone with bipolar disorder has an extremely difficult time with regulating their mental health.
One of the most common theories of the cause of bipolar disorder is genetics. If someone’s parent or sibling suffers from bipolar disorder, they’re more likely to have it too. Certain environmental factors, especially in childhood, can make someone more likely to develop bipolar disorder, as well.
Stressful and traumatic events, like abuse or neglect, can also trigger the development of bipolar disorder.
What Does Bipolar Feel Like?
Manic and depressive episodes can fluctuate in intensity. Sometimes, someone with bipolar may not be aware that they are experiencing either state. These episodes can also fluctuate in duration and time between them. They can last a couple days and cycle through rapidly; other times, these episodes can last for months.
Manic Episodes
Manic states are characterized by an intensely elevated mood, oftentimes it’s something beyond just “happy.” It’s common for someone to take unusual risks and behave impulsively during a manic episode. Someone experiencing a mania will feel:
- A decreased need for sleep
- A lower appetite
- Racing thoughts
- Capable of multitasking multiple projects at the same time
- Talking quickly about many different topics in a short amount of time
- Unusually confident
Although the manic phase may feel better than a depressive episode to someone with bipolar disorder, it can lead to unhealthy and risky behaviors.
The manic phase of the bipolar cycle can also make some feel irritable and easily agitated. They may not notice the negative consequences associated with the heightened mood and emotions.
Hypomania is a milder version of mania, and it has less of an impact on someone’s day-to-day functions. Hypomania typically doesn’t last as long as the manic phase, and is much less noticeable to someone with bipolar disorder.
Related Article: Cyclothymia vs Bipolar Disorder
Depressive Episodes
During the depression phase, even the smallest tasks can feel overwhelming. Some of the most common feelings of a depressive episode include:
- Helplessness
- Guilt
- Deep sadness
- Personal failure
- Suicidal thoughts
Depressive episodes can cause major disruptions in sleep patterns, appetite, and daily functions. It shares the same symptoms as depressive disorder, such as intense sadness and emptiness. It’s essentially the inverse of a manic episode.
If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, call 988 or reach out to the suicide hotline for support right away.
Treating Bipolar Disorder
Luckily, there’s multiple options for treating bipolar disorder. Psychotherapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help someone replace negative thoughts and behaviors with healthy ones. Additionally, doctors may prescribe mood stabilizers and other medications to help patients regulate their emotions. Other activities like exercise, yoga, and meditation are known to help manage bipolar symptoms too.
You can read our full guide to bipolar disorder here.
Understanding Depression
Depression is a mood disorder characterized by lasting feelings of sadness and hopelessness. It can also be disruptive to daily functions and cause someone to lose enjoyment and interest in activities. It has a lasting impact on how someone thinks or feels about themselves and the world around them.
What Does Depression Feel Like?
Depression feels like a consuming sadness and emptiness. Activities that someone once enjoyed will feel unenjoyable and uninteresting. In addition to intense sadness, someone with depression can also feel:
- Fatigued
- Worthless
- Guilty
- Difficulty concentrating
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Depression can cause someone to view themselves and the world through a negative lens. The increase of pessimistic thoughts will only intensify depression, and make it more difficult to develop healthy thoughts and behaviors. Depression has a negative impact on someone’s life, and feels easier to dig deeper into the depression than it is to overcome it.
Treatment For Depression
Treating depression normally includes psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. CBT is one of the most common forms of therapy because it helps people learn how positive actions can help create positive moods. Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is related to CBT, but it focuses on mindfulness and emotional regulation.
For a more detailed look at depression, you can read our full guide here.
Differences Between Bipolar And Depression
Both mood disorders are characterized by waxing and waning periods of lowered mood and emotions. The major difference between them is the manic phase of bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder causes extreme mood swings from mania or hypomania to a depressive state. Women with this disorder tend to have more intense cycles due to hormones and societal expectations.
Depression doesn’t have any type of mania. Instead, someone with depression only experiences a depressive state that may fluctuate with intensity. It’s important to have knowledge of each disorder so you can feel confident discussing treatments with your doctor.
Bipolar Vs Depression
Understanding the unique characteristics of bipolar disorder and depression is an important part of getting the help that you need.
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder or depression, seeking professional help is essential for proper assessment and support. At Sequoia Behavioral Health, our professional therapists provide personalized treatment that is tailored to your needs and goals.
