Do you know anyone who suffers from manic depression?

Question

How does it effect them and those around them? How can you tell when they have it?
Please don't give me really long medical answers, I won't understand. Thank you!

Answer 1

My ex suffers from manic depression. He refused to see a doctor to get medication because he's an artist. He thought the medication might hurt his creativity.

Wherever he is, I wish him well.

Answer 2

One cousin and one friend of mine have suffered manic depression.
Untreated, it made their life almost impossible. Both were hospitalized. The symptoms are extreme depression in the depression phase gradually followed by manic episodes that get worse and worse. The manic episodes will tend to center on some really weird idea, but the thing that's noticeable is they get absolutely convinced about that idea and can spend days without sleep working it out even though it may make little or no sense to anybody else.
My friend is taking two lithium pills a day. It keeps him stable and he's able to function normally in society. I haven't asked my cousin exactly what she was taking but I know she's also on some medication, probably lithium or lithium-based as well as it's the most common. Both are very stable. My cousin is getting married in about six months time. Once the condition is diagnosed, and the proper medication is prescribed, most manic depressives do just fine, except for a few side effects of the meds, like a tendency to gain weight.

Answer 3

Identifying the symptoms of depression is the first step to better understand. At the web site www.signofdepression.info and there is a list of questions to answer which will then explain what type of depression this person has and will say what medicines are best for that particular one. The test is meant to answer and take to a psychiatrist who will be able to assist on which ,edicines to take. It usually takes 2-4 weeks for the medicine to work and quite often many people, myself included it can take many different medications to try before you can find the one that fits. There are 5 levels of depression and include: mild / moderate (symptoms in this category include:
passing of sadness or degression
feeling down in the dumps
the changing of the nerve pathways and brain (medically speaking, neurotransmitters)
derailed sleep
suppressed or increased appetite
agitation
feeling exhausted or apathy
SIGNS OF MANIC / BIPOLAR INCLUDE:
pumped - up self - esteem
far less sleep needed than usual
urgent desire to have to talk
racing thoughts distractibility
increased activity that may be directed to accomplishing a goal or expressed as agitated
a pleasure seeking urge that might get funneled into sexual sprees
overspending
or a variety of schemes that are often disastrous consequences
SEVERE / EXTRA SEVERE (CLINICALLY) DEPRESSED INCLUDE:
changes in appetite that leads to either loss of appetite or increased appetite
insomnia (can't sleep)
oversleeping
a change in performing tasks, conversating, can't sit still, restless (a slowdown)
loss of energy / always tired
problems with concentration / making decisions
mind just racing / looking spacy
feeling of worthlessness
guilt
excessive / compulsive
thoughts of death, suicide, planned suicide
loss of sexual desire
headaches
unexplained pains / aches
digestive problems
constantly worrying

Answer 4

My aunt has manic depression, i'm pretty sure of it (my parents told me). As for how it effects those around them, i don't see her manic depressed like ever, but sometimes (rarely) my uncle comes over to my parents place when she gets really mad or something, so i guess at times it can be hard for those around them. But usually you don't know. One time i remember, she did kinda break down infront of me and my bros, and she went storming out of the house (she was babysitting us). It was a long time ago though, and it wasn't all that bad. Other than that, she is a very happy, bubbly person. I'm guessing she's on meds, but whatever

Answer 5

I know of several people who suffer from manic depression or bi polar disorder. There are varying degrees of it. Two of the people have attempted suicide. Another is just very 'moody'. When they are in the 'manic' phase they call everybody and talk loud and fast and want to do lots of activities. Drugs are essential for this condition.

Answer 6

Yes,I consider so.I had Asperger's-like conduct while I used to be a youngster,regardless that I used to be under no circumstances identified(this used to be within the 60's-they did not understand as a lot then),and I have suffered from extreme melancholy and nervousness disease for all of my grownup lifestyles.I surprise repeatedly if I am bi-polar ,as I have the identical signs that you just describe,however I have under no circumstances been evaluated for it;I take sufficient healing for the nervousness& melancholy,plus Chronic fatigue syndrome and persistent again suffering.It's no amusing,however I bet we need to try to do the exceptional we will be able to with the playing cards we're dealt in lifestyles and continuously understand that there are individuals who're a lot worse off than we're(regardless that repeatedly it is tough to think).Take care and desire you are feeling bigger.

Answer 7

The medical name is bipolar disorder. I have it, was first diagnosed in 1995, and have not been able to work for the last 8 years. Bipolar disorder affects those who suffer from it in different ways. Some have extreme manic episodes in which they think grand thoughts and act out in bizarre ways, including fighting, over indulging in drugs and alcohol, and promiscuous sexual behavior. By the latter, I don't mean just multiple partners, but what some may call perverted practices also. In a manic state, the person may do things that result in harm to oneself or even death. The feeling of invincibility may lead the bipolar to extreme acts. The opposite part is the depressed state. Everybody sometimes suffers from depression, but bipolar depression is a deep state for some of us. As with any depression, suicide may result.

Other bipolars do not got to one extreme or the other, but may go in and out of highs and lows. The highs are elevated periods of energy, the lows, while low, are not severe depression.

My own consists of severe bouts of depression with occasional periods of elevated highs. My depressions have lasted for years. Some are called rapid cyclers, they may go in and out of highs and lows in very short periods of time.

How do you know you have it? Many do not, it takes a psychiatrist to diagnose bipolar disorder. If you see bizarre behavior in a person you know, behavior unlike what you are used to seeing, you may be witnessing a manic episode. Most of us understand depression to some extent, but may not see the extreme dispair that goes with manic depression. Listlessness, loss of interest in those things that usually bring pleasure to the person, disinterest in sex, uncleanliness in a person who usually has good hygiene, and talking about death and suicide are signs the person suffers from severe depression and needs assistance.

Answer 8

The go from one extreme to the other, the depression part is the self loathing, tiredness, lack of interest. The manic part is you are so into doing things there are not enough hours in the day to do it all. You are energetic and bouncy.

Answer 9

I know a girl who was. She tried to kill herself a few times but then she got help from colleagues at work who noticed the problem. Yes the effect were harmful to her health as well as mental well-being since she isnt the same old person she was before.

Answer 10

My buddy has it.. she stays in bed.. Not enough energy to deal with the world. More negative thoughts then positive. Expects the worst.

I check on her often. Sometimes its just a simple suggestion that can clear up some of her depression.