Manic depression has been known to ruin relationships, create poor work environments, and damage school performance. It is also known to give the person thoughts of suicide. It is important to know how to recognize the symptoms of manic depression so that immediate treatment can be given. With the right treatment these people are able to lead their lives like normal.

This type of depression will usually manifest itself when the person is in their late teens or early adult. In most people the symptoms will begin before they have reached the age of 25. It is possible for some to show signs when they are only a child – but this is rare.

When the signs and symptoms of manic depression begin it is difficult to know what it is. It is not uncommon for people to go years without any treatment or knowledge of what the problem is. Once they are aware of it they will be given the proper instructions on how best to keep it under control.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms that is experience in people with manic depression is an extremely intense emotional state that will happen during what is referred to as ‘mood episodes’. You may find that they are a little too excited over something or extremely sad. During these episodes they may experience depression or mania and be very irritable and maybe even explosive.

Along with the changes in their moods are the changes in the way that they behave and their normal everyday activities. The way they sleep, act, and their energy levels will change. These episodes can last for a few hours or even days.

Causes

Most adults and parents are under the impression that children have lives that are carefree and they have nothing to worry about. But there are many children who are under stress due to certain traumatic events in their life. The most common cause for depression is physical abuse or divorce. There are some children who also stress easily over smaller things that will push them into the depression. Things like school or peer pressure might make them feel stressed out and sad on a constant basis.

Symptoms

As the parent it is your job to learn how to identify the symptoms of childhood depression. You should be able to tell if your child seems sad and distant all the time. They will not eat much or they may be eating too much. They will also not interact with other children their age or with friends and family they are comfortable around. Be recognizing these symptoms you will be able to find help for them.

Treatment

Most parents are not comfortable putting their children on antidepressants because of the potential side effects. Instead they will seek out capable therapists and counselors. With these therapists the child can learn how to cope with the stresses in their life and to work past any issues that they have.

Many of us will feel powerless to do anything for the children – but this is not true. Try to participate with the children and to help them speak openly about what is bothering them instead of keeping it inside. Make sure that they know how safe they are and how much you love them.

Instead they feel sad and hopeless about their life and everything that happens around them. These people do not just feel sad or depressed for just a few days before they feel better again. These moods of hopelessness will last for days or even weeks. It will affect their thoughts, mood, behavior, and even their body.

Most people who suffer from clinical depression will not eat and the way in which they think, work, or study will be greatly affected. Most will never interact with the people that are around them even if they are close loved ones. The most common sentiment that these people share is how they do not feel like they once did. They do not feel like themselves.

This is not a condition or a state of mind that people are able to change easily. It is also not a sign that the person is weak in anyway. People with clinical depression do not have the ability to make themselves fight these constant feelings of sadness and do not even know where or how they can get the help they need. It is a very serious condition that may last for months and in some cases years.

There are different types and levels of clinical depression that are able to affect people of any age, race, gender, culture, and religion. Statistics show that more than 17 million Americans (both men and women) suffer from clinical depression easy year. There are still more people out there who will not come to terms with their problem and find the help they need to overcome it.

It is important that people are treated and find the necessary support groups. When left untreated the person will fall deeper into their depression and will even contemplate thoughts of suicide. But with treatment after only a few months these thoughts can disappear and the person will begin their road to recovery.

Here are some examples of this form of depression:

Soldiers who return home after fighting: This is a common form of posttraumatic stress syndrome. It was especially prevalent in Vietnam Veterans. This was partly due to the fact that many of the soldiers were very young men. It was also a very violent and nerve racking guerrilla war. Prison camps were some of the worst in history and left a lasting impression on the men who fought there.

Because of all these factors, there were many people suffering from posttraumatic stress syndrome for many years who did not even know the cause of their depression and mental health problems. Only lately has this problem really been examined and understood.

Psychotherapy is often very beneficial to these patients as the traumatic events that triggered posttraumatic stress syndrome are usually suppressed and buried deep in their subconscious minds. Once these events are allowed to surface they can face them and resolve their problems. Often after treatment their depression is cured.

A horrific accident: An incident like 9/11 was very traumatic to watch let alone be there as a survivor. This cased many people to suffer from posttraumatic stress syndrome. Their minds suppressed the horrifying visions and experiences leading to depression and mental health problems.

A terrifying childhood experience: some of these incidents are the most dangerous of all. These experiences often lie suppressed in a person’s mind for many years and slowly eat away at their mental health. Depression is one of the side effects of this, in fact they are frequently suffering from posttraumatic stress syndrome.

An incident seen on TV: In our violent age the TV daily shows us lurid events that can be very traumatic. Sometimes we are not aware of how deeply we have been affected. Added to this is the fact that the subconscious mind will suppress these unpleasant memories and we will not remember them. A feeling of depression and added mental health problems set in and it sometimes takes years for us to understand what is causing the problems.

It is always good to look into a depression that goes on for a prolonged time. If you let it go it may very likely get worse. With posttraumatic stress syndrome once the root of the problem is uncovered you will often get a permanent relief from depression.

The Swedish, the English and the Americans often curse the unpredictable winter weather and long for some sunshine. When the skyline is filled with ominous clouds, people often feel the lack of sunshine and warmth in their own lives. Many suffer from bouts of depression. Christmas is a boon in mid-winter, ushering in some warmth.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a term used to express the real sadness that engulfs people whose world lacks the cheerful sunlight. Research proves that the absence of light, especially sunlight affects the human body and the spirit drastically, the worst sufferers being adolescents and women.

Symptoms

Most symptoms start peaking in winter. The main characteristic being Anhedonia or loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. Mothers do not enjoy bonding with children. Teachers in schools withdraw into their shells, not wanting to reach out to children. Teenagers neglect their looks and health. Couples suffer from low libido, which affects their relationships.

In short, sufferers are demotivated and don’t find inspiration in anything.

Some withdraw completely into their shells and refuse to party or socialize.

Increase in the hours of sleep is a means of escapism.

Some report a craving for chocolates and pastries – carbohydrates.

Winter depression that occurs in children results in poor academic performance, irritability, crying spells and reticence.

Although anti-depressants help, the Swedish have discovered the use of artificial daylight at trendy cafes to be extremely beneficial in dispelling the gloominess engulfing lives. For just $15, this is easily available in cafes. Many hospitals too have light therapy. For just 110 kronas an hour, you can enjoy basking in the warmth of artificial daylight! Some even provide breakfast or brunch along with this.

However, exposure to light therapy has some side effects too, like hyperactivity and blurred vision, so this works better under medical supervision, as the right quantity at an advisable frequency can be administered, according to individual needs.

You can beat the moods by vacationing in sunny locales like the beaches of Florida, or other tropical regions. The Mediterranean proves more beneficial and renders mirth to the vacation, when holidaying with family and friends. Holidaying in India and other Asian countries that experience milder winters and just chilling out with near and dear ones is sufficient to brighten up lives!

This depression can last from about a month up to a year after childbirth.  The symptoms include having trouble thinking clearly, feeling sad or lonely, crying for no apparent reason, lack of energy and feelings of hopelessness.  Many women may try to suppress these feelings because they feel they are ambiguous with the happy joyful feelings they should be having about the birth of the new baby. 

Postnatal depression is a very real problem and left untreated it can worsen into psychosis.  This is a much more disturbing type of depression where you may have hallucinations and paranoia.  Once treated, however, these symptoms often clear quickly. 

The first step towards overcoming postnatal depression is to recognize that you have it and seek treatment.  There are many types of treatment available.  The sooner the woman seeks help and starts on treatment the faster recovery will begin.  The most common treatments include psychological treatment and medical treatment.  Your doctor will recommend a treatment method based on your specific diagnosis.

Many women can help themselves feel better as well.  Start by establishing a routine that includes some exercise or activity for you each day.  Exercise helps stimulate the body and improves the ability to get rid of depression.  Eat a balanced diet and get plenty of sleep.  If the baby keeps you up at night learn to nap when the baby naps to ensure that you are getting enough sleep.  Enlist the help of your husband or of friends or family to help care for the child from time to time so all the burden is not on you. 

Support groups can be immensely helpful in coping with postnatal blues.  Talking to other new mothers helps to validate your feelings and ensures you that you are not alone.  Have friendships outside the family.  These encounters help you stay stimulated and fulfilled and can help you feel less overwhelmed about the new baby. Take some time for yourself, even if it is just a 30-minute bubble bath.  These times will help restore and refresh you so you can better deal with the stress of the new baby.