MOOD ARTICLES
"All too frequently we find ourselves alone, shunned by the world around us and lacking the strength to make our presence felt."
ONE quick look at the menu below will tell you that depression and bipolar disorder are terms rather than realities. Yes, we need to know all about the fine points of diagnostic categories, but far more vital is context. Your so-called depression may track more like bipolar. Conversely, if you have bipolar you are likely to be depressed way more than you are manic. Similarly, you are certain to have a lot more going on than just mood.
If you came here looking for info on depression, I strongly urge you to read the articles on bipolar disorder as well, plus the mood spectrum articles. This is because there is a good chance that your doctor may have misdiagnosed you with clinical depression when you may have bipolar or something going on in the mood spectrum.
Most individuals with bipolar were first misdiagnosed with depression and put on the wrong treatments. We don't want this to happen to you.
Note: the first four articles on depression are meant to be read as a series.
Enough talking. The first step in living well involves knowing thyself. The articles below will get you started.
The pic to illustrate Mood is a close-up of La Tour's "Magdalen at Night." The woman seems to question her very existence. We have all been there.
Depression
Your doctor confirms what you already know. Now what?
"Depression" doesn't begin to explain what is going on.
Your depression didn't just come out of nowhere.
There is a lot more to your depression than just depression.
Has atypical grown too atypical to be clinically useful?
Don't let the term mild depression fool you.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Many of us have decidedly unsunny dispositions.
Ignorance gives this illness far more power than it deserves.
Your definitive depression cheat sheet.
Bipolar
Bipolar - Really a Cycling Illness
Episodes get all the attention, but ...
When our runaway brains are untethered to reality.
Very common condition, very little knowledge.
Bipolar can speed up or slow down time.
When reality takes leave.
Bipolar Depression
Far more pervasive and disabling than mania.
This so-called minor form of bipolar is no laughing matter.
Hard to define. Even harder to treat.
What the hell is it? Does anyone even know?
Your definitive bipolar cheat sheet.
The Mood Spectrum
Never mind the manias for now. Just count the depressions.
The Mood Spectrum: Up and Down
In bipolar, one affects the other.
The Mood Spectrum: Mixed States
Where depression meets mania.
Other Stuff
How you manage your anxiety is crucial to managing your mood.
Are you being treated for the wrong illness?
Normal may be safe, but it is neither desireable nor ideal.
Stressed brains have to work a lot harder in order to think.
Is it craving or self-medication or both?
