Depression and Bipolar Disorder - The Difficulty of Diagnosis

A major side of the bipolar equation, the depressive side, is also a part of life for those afflicted with bipolar disorder. Like its unipolar cousin, the depressive side of bipolar illness is so much a part of my life. Biological in origin and unlike mania, it has no sense of the grandiose. Where mania is inflating, depression is deflating.

Typically, I was inclined more toward mania than depression in my bipolar days. While I have suffered several significant depressive periods since becoming floridly bipolar, the manias with their psychotic flair were more problematic for me. Therefore, I didn’t always recognize depression when it was upon me. In the early years of my marriage, a challenge occurred, which is a nice way of referring to a crisis. Depressive stays in bed began to occur. Eventually, my failure to perform normal daily tasks such as going to work or arising early in the day became problematic, more acute. Neither my wife nor I saw the problem as depression, which comes in various sizes and shapes.

I marvel now at how we were able to withstand the strain we felt in those years of darkness and alienation. I was weak and impotent and unsure of myself. Through therapy, I soon realized I was depressed.

Ten Ways to Recognize Bipolar Depression

1. Lack of pleasure or Enjoyment.
2. Loss of desire or motivation.
3. Reclusive behavior, avoidance of social connection, isolating.
4. Difficulty getting out of bed in the morning. Excessive napping during the day.
5. Difficulty focusing, vegetative behavior.
6. Irritability.
7. Decline in personal hygiene.
8. Anxiousness coupled with thoughts of activity, leading to inaction.
9. Ongoing achiness, soreness, or tingling despite treatment for physical ailments.
10. Decline in sense of self-worth.