Preventing the Seasonal Pattern of Depression Posted on September 12, 2022September 12, 2022 By ebipolar2022 Marking the transition from summer to winter, fall arrives with crisp days and colorful scenery. Meanwhile, as the seasons change, so often does our mood. We’re less active, more tired, and, as a result, more prone to feeling low. As daylight becomes shorter, the impact of changes in sunlight intensity on bipolar disorder is noticeable. Clinical research has shown that even when symptoms are at bay, people with bipolar can exhibit disruptions in sleep-wake cycles and more depressive episodes when seasons change. It’s important to understand these disruptions, particularly since about 25 percent of people with bipolar experience a depressive seasonal pattern, in order to mitigate the impact. Research published in a June 2020 issue of the International Journal of Bipolar Disorders found that light therapy “deserves a prominent place in [bipolar] treatment because effects may be large and quick.” There are risks of mania or mixed symptoms for some people, however, especially if someone has rapid-cycling bipolar, so first consult with your doctor. Even small amounts of exercise help to avert depressive symptoms. An analysis published in JAMA Psychiatry in April 2022 found that adults who took a brisk walk for what amounted to only 2.5 hours per week, had “substantially lower risks of depression” than those who didn’t. Keeping track of moods can help identify seasonal mood patterns—something else to talk to your doctor about. A journal gives you an outlet to look for patterns as they first start developing instead of waiting until they’ve taken hold and are more difficult to recover from. Preventing depression or maintaining stability comes down to what works best for you and your particular seasonal pattern. “Unstable moods are a part of bipolar disorder and come in many variations,” says bp Magazine columnist Melvin G. McInnis, MD, FRCPsych. “Learning one’s own pattern and developing a strategy with your health-care team and family is an essential part of successful management.” Read “Ask the Doctor: Why Do I Get Depressed Every Fall?” >> Originally posted September 8, 2022 The post Preventing the Seasonal Pattern of Depression appeared first on bpHope.com. Bipolar Bipolar Disorder Depression Bipolarbipolar disorderdepression
Depression 7 Common Ways to Treat Depression Without Using Medications Posted on October 6, 2022October 9, 2022 How to Treat Depression Without Medications Depressive disorder, often simply called depression, is much more than feeling sad or going through a bad patch. Depression, also known as major depressive disorder, is a mood disorder that causes you to experience persistent sadness or a lack of interest in life. Called… Read More
Bipolar Disorder What is Social Anxiety and How is it Treated Posted on August 3, 2022September 6, 2022 Social anxiety is a real mental health condition that affects millions of people all over the world. The treatment options vary from medication to therapy and sometimes both. Social anxiety can keep a person from going out in public or to social events where there are people. If you have… Read More
Bipolar What to Pack for Psychiatric Hospitalization Posted on September 13, 2022September 13, 2022 Sometimes, bipolar mood episodes and symptoms require psychiatric hospitalization. Here’s what I found useful during my psychiatric hold and that helped me to cope and heal. Photo: BSIP/UIG / Collection Mix: Subjects via Getty Images Unprepared for Hospitalization Soon after we had moved, I found myself in an unexpected situation…. Read More