If you’re experiencing problems with your mood, including unshakable lows or rapid swings between happiness and sadness, you may be experiencing a mental illness such as depression or bipolar disorder. But each of these conditions requires different treatment, so it’s essential to distinguish between them. Here’s an outline of each condition and the differences between them.

Depression

Depression is more than simply sadness, as many healthy people will experience sadness or grief in their lives. Depression may or may not be triggered by a loss or a negative event, but goes beyond the usual experience of sadness. It creates a lasting sense of sorrow, emptiness, hopelessness, and disinterest in life. In general, your emotions are depressed—you may not feel happiness, interest, or excitement with the degree of intensity you normally experience, which can lead to a lack of motivation and to abandoning activities you normally enjoy. While these symptoms fluctuate from day to day, they are unlikely to resolve themselves permanently without help, including counseling and antidepressant medication.

Bipolar Disorder

A person with bipolar disorder experiences depression at least some of the time, which is why the two disorders are often confused. But in bipolar disorder, you also experience major highs, going through periods of energy, positivity, and excitement. This state, called mania, can feel good, but is dangerous because it leads to risk-taking behavior and poor decision making. You may also experience hypomania, a state in which your mood is only somewhat elevated. While antidepressant medications can be part of the treatment program for a person with bipolar disorder, by themselves, they are likely to trigger manic episodes. For this reason, the main treatment for bipolar is mood stabilizers, which balance out both the lows and the highs.

If you’re experiencing feelings of depression, mood swings, or suicidal thoughts, Lexington Family Physicians in Lexington, NC, will help. In addition to physical exams, this Davidson County family doctor offers mental health screenings and referrals. To make an appointment call (336) 249-3329, or visit their website to find information specific to your situation.