Depression_Paper

Depression Paper PSY/270 In the mental health world, there are many different forms of health issues. Unfortunately, unlike a physical ailment, people generally cannot diagnose themselves correctly. If your tooth hurts, you can safely say you have a toothache, but if your heart hurts, there can be an infinite number of causes. Two of the most common, and most difficult to live with, illnesses are Unipolar and Bipolar. The purpose of this paper is to try to define the differences and similarities between the two. These two mental illnesses are discussed separately throughout the paper, starting with unipolar depression. The nonprofessional who is most knowledgeable of bipolar depression less often refers to unipolar depression. Unipolar depression, commonly referred to as simply “depression” is different from bipolar depression in several ways. Unipolar depression tends to show up later in life. There are often incidents of depression that last for up to six months at a time, but they do not display the extreme mood swings associated with bipolar depression. Although no one knows for sure, in every case, why people suffer from depression, there are cases that stem from particular reasons. Genetics, drug abuse, a traumatic incident, and even a social mishap can lead to depression. Every individual handles life differently. Just as the causes are varied, so are the symptoms. They can include, but are not limited to, irritability, gaining or losing weight, being excessively tired, needing copious amounts of sleep, or getting no sleep at all, isolation, and suicidal thoughts are some of the symptoms that lead doctors to a diagnosis of depression. Only a professional can truly determine if a person is depressed or simply having trouble dealing with a life issue. Not sleeping for a night could indicate you had a fight with your spouse, whereas, not sleeping for a month may indicate a much bigger problem. Thankfully, in today’s world, there are treatments available to everyone. Treatments for Unipolar could include medication, therapy, or a combination of both. Doctors tailor a treatment plan that works for each individual differently. Bipolar depression is different from unipolar depression and many doctors considered it more difficult to treat. This illness, sometimes referred to as “manic-depressive disorder,” has symptoms different from unipolar depression. The causes are varied, and like Unipolar, not necessarily always identifiable. Most doctors lean toward the “genetic” cause. A chemical imbalance in the brain cause neurotransmitters to short circuit and at some point bi polar begins to manifest itself. Other causes include hormonal imbalance, inherited traits from a family member, and even a persons’ surrounding environment. Environmental issues like stress or a traumatic incident can cause this depression. The symptoms of a person suffering from bipolar vary from individual to individual. Bi polar manifests itself in a variety of moods. A person can feel “high” and exhibit irritability during one period and the next one mood is depressed and sad. The “manic period” expresses it’s self by lack of sleep, a grandiose opinion of one’s self, weight loss, spending sprees, aggressive behavior, and like symptoms. The “depressed period” involves feelings of hopelessness, lack of interest in usual activities, difficulty sleeping, low self-esteem, negative thoughts, weight gain and loss, suicide and death language, and other negative feelings. Bi polar is long term and even chronic. There are no simple answers or solutions, but there is help available. Many people try to self medicate because their doctor has not diagnosed their disorder and they “feel” bad. They want and need relief and will do almost anything to feel better. Although doctors do prescribe medications, they are controlled medications, developed especially for the symptoms of depression. Some of the medications include mood stabilizers and atypical antipsychotics. These medications, in combination with self-help strategies and psychotherapy, are the standard treatment for this disorder. These two disorders have some things in common. They are both life threatening to different degrees. Both are treatable with counseling and/or medications. They affect the quality of life that the sufferer lives and they affect those who encounter the individual that has these disorders. Although people diagnosed with these disorders no longer fear that, they will have to hide in the family closet, many people are unwilling or perhaps unable, to accept the diagnosis when it affects a loved one. Thankfully, education is slowly erasing the fears and stigma attached to mental illness. References U. S. National Library of Medicine. (1997-2011). Medline Plus. Retrieved from http://www.nim.nih.gov/medicineplus/medlineplus.html Bressert, S. (2010). Treatment of Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression). Psych Central, Retrieved from http://psychcentral.com/lib/2007/treatment-of-bipolar-disorder- manic-depression/