How Feeling Good Could Be A Sign You’re Depressed

Highs and lows are a natural part of our lives, and give us an idea about what’s working for us in our lifestyles and what’s not. If we’re tired we may need to schedule more time for relaxation and if we dread Mondays then maybe it’s time to look at a career change. It can be hard to define when changes in our behaviour may need some kind of clinical support. When it comes to bi-polar disorder we’ll usually find our reactions are magnified and interfere with our ability to work and have relationships.

High, low or both?

Bi-polar disorder involves periods where we act manically and have lots of energy, as well as phases of depression. This means that we can experience extreme highs and lows, lasting hours or months and years. We generally tend to associate depression with low mood, but feeling euphoric is a common part of bi-polar problems. During these phases, we can feel energised, happy and may start new projects around the home or in work. When these emotions become heightened even more, then we could act in ways that put us in danger, as we feel we can accomplish anything. As mania increases, work problems may surface as we may become very egotistical and have grandiose feelings. Our speech can also quicken and our thoughts seem to race beyond our control.

Coming down

Depression can follow these episodes as our bodies try to deal with the chemical outfall of mania. When we’re manic we may not sleep for a long time, so when depression hits we may become reclusive, withdrawn and almost the exact opposite of how we were previously. Self-medicating with alcohol is common at these times and we can become irritable and suffer low self-esteem rather than grandiose ideas about our abilities. If we’re worried about our changes in mood and depression we can make an appointment with our GPs to talk further about any fears we have.