In light of World Mental Health Day which is October 10th, I think two mental health issues that should be focused on are depression and bipolar. These are interrelated mental health issues and will be explained in more detail.

 

Depression is the most prevalent mental health concern. 1 in 4 people are likely to experience depressive symptoms or to be close with someone who has.  There are varying degrees of depression.

 

A major depressive episode (MDE) is marked by thoughts of suicide,

  • feelings of numbness, worthlessness or hopelessness.
  • It can involve crying or not feeling anything at all (empty, hollow)
  • decreased pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable.
  • Increased appetite or no appetite
  • Increased sleep (hypersomnia) or trouble sleeping (insomnia).

 

These symptoms have to last up to 2 weeks. In some cases, people experience these symptoms for a prolonged time. This is called persistent depressive disorder. These thoughts and feelings must be consistent for 2 years. Many people do not recognize signs of depression. Many people do not cry or have thoughts of suicide. Depression can also be displayed in your friend being more quiet, distracted or uninterested than usual.

 

The worst things you can say to someone with depression: – “just get over it” – “its a phase” – “things aren’t that bad” – “you’re just over thinking it” – “you’re being too negative/pessimistic/unrealistic”

 

The best way to offer care to demonstrate your support. Say things such as: “even if you don’t want to talk ill always keep you company” “things do seem really hard” “I’ll be here if you ever need to talk, don’t forget that” “I enjoy spending time with you even if we aren’t doing much. I just like having your company”

 

By showing consistent support, without nagging or pushing the person to share if they feel uncomfortable can have the largest impact in helping someone with depression. Having a good social support system is the key to helping depressive disorder symptoms become less prevalent or subsiding altogether.

 

With bipolar disorder, they experience the “lows” of depressive states. However, before a depressive state they experience a high. This high defined as “mania” includes: impulsive behaviour rapid speech, poor decision making, erratic behavior such as being extremely social- jumping from one plan to another- one idea/train of thought to another. Can become incoherent elevated mood -dilated pupils need for constant stimulation and attention

 

These “highs” are extremely pleasant for an individual. This makes the “lows” one feels with bipolar even more severe. The “lows” are more common with bipolar. Suicide is often likely during the end of a mania stage, since the individual has more energy to actually make a plan. During the depressed stage, individuals are likely too lethargic.Many times bipolar goes untreated since individuals believe it’s a regular mood cycle. Especially in the mania stage, they often feel so good they do not consider seeking treatment.To support someone with bipolar make sure that you are aware of their fluctuating moods. Try to not be frustrated with their shifting patterns of thought and behavior since it is even more difficult for them to control. Keep them company during their depressive stages also. Many people with bipolar are extremely social in their mania stage, yet do not feel as if they are worthy of social support during their depressed stages. Make sure you keep in touch with them as people with bipolar often retreat and isolate themselves during these periods.