Find a TherapistReady to get started?Ready toget started?Add your email to continueEmailGet startedBy submitting your email, you agree to receive reminders and marketing communications.
Ready to get started?Ready toget started?Add your email to continueEmailGet startedBy submitting your email, you agree to receive reminders and marketing communications.
Ready to get started?
Ready toget started?
Add your email to continue
Get started
By submitting your email, you agree to receive reminders and marketing communications.
Mental Health HomepageConditions LibraryConditions CategoryConditions CategoryBipolar Disorder vs. Depression: How Do They Differ?
Table of Contents:OverviewWhat is Bipolar Disorder?What is Depression?Are These Conditions Treatable?
Bipolar DisorderRead Time: 8 Minutes
Published On: September 22, 2021
Reviewed On: September 22, 2021
Updated On: May 7, 2024
Overview
Updated on 5/16/2022
As you might imagine, although some symptoms may overlap, there are many differences between these two conditions as well. In order to get the appropriate treatment you’re seeking, it’s essential to understand what bipolar vs. depression can look like.
What is Bipolar Disorder?Bipolar disorder, sometimes referred to asmanic depression,is a disorder that causes intense, often uncontrollable mood swings. Someone with bipolar disorder will experience extreme “highs,” (also called mania) where everything, from energy to agitation, is intensified. During amanic episode, you might feel incredible energy, happiness, impulsivity, or even restlessness.At the other end of the scale, the depressive state, you can feel exhausted or irritable, have difficulty making decisions, or even have suicidal thoughts.What are the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder?Wondering how toknow if you are bipolar?Signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder in menor women can range, depending on the state they’re in. Symptoms, when someone is in a manic state, can widely vary from what they experience when they’re in a depressive state. Severity ofbipolar symptoms(how bad they are) in either state can differ as well.In a manic state, manic symptoms may include:Extreme overexcitement that lasts for a long timeInability to focusEasily distractedAgitationRestlessnessRacing thoughtsOver-committing to projects, work, or engagements (socially or professionally)Feeling like you don’t need sleepTalking fast and loudlyFeeling very energeticHaving a sense of self-importanceIn a depressive state, depressive symptoms may include:Feeling extreme exhaustionIrritabilityHaving suicidal thoughtsFeeling worthlessIndecisivenessIrregular eating habitsIrregular sleeping patternsDifficulty focusingBehavioral changes
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder, sometimes referred to asmanic depression,is a disorder that causes intense, often uncontrollable mood swings. Someone with bipolar disorder will experience extreme “highs,” (also called mania) where everything, from energy to agitation, is intensified. During amanic episode, you might feel incredible energy, happiness, impulsivity, or even restlessness.
At the other end of the scale, the depressive state, you can feel exhausted or irritable, have difficulty making decisions, or even have suicidal thoughts.
What are the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder?
Wondering how toknow if you are bipolar?Signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder in menor women can range, depending on the state they’re in. Symptoms, when someone is in a manic state, can widely vary from what they experience when they’re in a depressive state. Severity ofbipolar symptoms(how bad they are) in either state can differ as well.
In a manic state, manic symptoms may include:
In a depressive state, depressive symptoms may include:
Expert Insight
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-R), BC-TMHJill Daino
What is Depression?Depression (also known as major depressive disorder when talking about severe depression) is a mood disorder that can cause near-constant tiredness, sadness, difficulty dealing with daily life and responsibilities, despair, and sleep and appetite disruption. Most often, depression is the result of a combination of factors and events, not just one event.When it’s severe, depression can interfere with just about every aspect of your life. It can make simple things like showering and getting dressed feel overwhelming. It can cause you to lose interest in things you enjoyed doing at one time.What are the signs and symptoms of depression?Signs and symptoms of depression can vary from mild to severe. You can have some days where symptoms are more intense than others. A depressive episode generally has at least 5 or more symptoms, and they can last most of the day for weeks at a time (or longer). If you’re depressed, you may experience feelings of:Intense sadnessHopelessnessPessimismWorthlessnessLack of interest in things you once found joy inAn “empty” feelingInsomniaSleeping more than normalNot eating enough, or eating too muchRestlessnessInability to concentrateHeadaches, miscellaneous pains, or achesIrritabilitySuicidal thoughts or attempts
What is Depression?
Depression (also known as major depressive disorder when talking about severe depression) is a mood disorder that can cause near-constant tiredness, sadness, difficulty dealing with daily life and responsibilities, despair, and sleep and appetite disruption. Most often, depression is the result of a combination of factors and events, not just one event.
When it’s severe, depression can interfere with just about every aspect of your life. It can make simple things like showering and getting dressed feel overwhelming. It can cause you to lose interest in things you enjoyed doing at one time.
What are the signs and symptoms of depression?
Signs and symptoms of depression can vary from mild to severe. You can have some days where symptoms are more intense than others. A depressive episode generally has at least 5 or more symptoms, and they can last most of the day for weeks at a time (or longer). If you’re depressed, you may experience feelings of:
Are These Conditions Treatable?
The most important thing to remember when it comes to treating bipolar vs depression is that the earlier you start and the more consistent you are, the more effective your treatment will generally be. In both cases, medication and therapy are common treatment options.
Treating bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder treatmentsoften include a mood stabilizer and/or one of the many newer antipsychotic drugs that are available and approved for use. Most often, a combination of the two treatments is the go-to. Today, mental health care providers are able to help you find the right combo of medications that can help the symptoms of bipolardepressionand bipolar disorder overall, without triggering a swing into a manic state.
On that note, it’s important to keep in mind that a careful treatment plan will monitor your symptoms and make sure one medication isn’t affecting other areas of your bipolar disorder.
For example, although an antidepressant can be an effective form of treatment for someone with a major depressive disorder, they’re typically not the first line of treatment for bipolar depression. And they’re almost never given as a sole treatment as it may worsen the rapid cycling for those with bipolar disorder.
Some options for medication and treatment that can be prescribed for the differenttypes of bipolar disordermay include:
*NOTE: Professional treatment and guidance are important, and you should ask your doctor or licensed therapist about ways you can best manage any mental health diagnosis.
Treating depression
Treating depressioncan include a combination of medication — like an antidepressant or anti anxiety medication — andtherapy(such astalk therapy). In the event of a diagnosis ofseasonal affective disorder(now more commonly known as major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern), some have even found successful treatment using light therapy, where doses of exposure to white light can help improve and regulate a depressed mood.
Other options that many people have found success with (in addition to medication and therapy) include integrating some alternative therapies into your treatment plan. Some of these options might include:
*NOTE: Professional treatment and guidance are important, and you should ask your doctor or therapist about ways you can best manage any mental health diagnosis.
How to get help for bipolar disorder or depressionIf you’ve ever wondered:Am I bipolar or depressed?, you should absolutely find someone to talk to. Your doctor or mental health care provider is your first line of defense when it comes to correctly diagnosing, and then treating, the symptoms most people experience with either bipolar disorder or depression.Because these two are so closely related in terms of symptoms, it’s important that you seek out professional help with someone clinically trained and licensed in how to best set up a treatment plan. The first step to finding help is getting the right diagnosis.Think you may be living with bipolar disorder? Take ourbipolar disorder testto get more information.Wondering if you are depressed? Ourdepression testcan help you decide on your next steps.Dealing with any mental health condition can feel overwhelming in the beginning. Dealing with bipolar disorder versus depression can be challenging to navigate, but there is help out there. Remember that you have resources available and access to the help you’re looking for. Any time you’re struggling with your mental health, you can:Find a licensed therapist to talk toTalk to your family doctor to ask for a referralBe mindful of your stress and anxiety, and try to limit exposure to things that you know are triggersExplore options for medication (with the help of your doctor or mental health care provider)Find support groups as part of your therapyFor more information on bipolar disorders, contact Talkspace today. You can get common questions answered around bipolar relationships or the difference between depression vs. bipolar. Connecting with a licensed therapist can help you determine a diagnosis and treatment plan that’s right for you.
How to get help for bipolar disorder or depression
If you’ve ever wondered:Am I bipolar or depressed?, you should absolutely find someone to talk to. Your doctor or mental health care provider is your first line of defense when it comes to correctly diagnosing, and then treating, the symptoms most people experience with either bipolar disorder or depression.
Because these two are so closely related in terms of symptoms, it’s important that you seek out professional help with someone clinically trained and licensed in how to best set up a treatment plan. The first step to finding help is getting the right diagnosis.
Dealing with any mental health condition can feel overwhelming in the beginning. Dealing with bipolar disorder versus depression can be challenging to navigate, but there is help out there. Remember that you have resources available and access to the help you’re looking for. Any time you’re struggling with your mental health, you can:
For more information on bipolar disorders, contact Talkspace today. You can get common questions answered around bipolar relationships or the difference between depression vs. bipolar. Connecting with a licensed therapist can help you determine a diagnosis and treatment plan that’s right for you.
See ReferencesWhat Is Depression?American Psychiatric Association. Published 2020. Accessed August 15, 2021.What is Bipolar Disorder?Stanford Medicine. Accessed August 13, 2021.Bipolar depression: a major unsolved challengeBaldessarini, Ross J et al. International journal of bipolar disorders vol. 8,1 1. 6 Jan. 2020, doi:10.1186/s40345-019-0160-1Is it depression or is it bipolar depression?Rollin, Donna et al. Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners 32(10):p 703-713, October 2020. | DOI: 10.1097/JXX.0000000000000499. Accessed August 15, 2021.DepressionMental Health Foundation. Accessed August 15, 2021.
See References
American Psychiatric Association. Published 2020. Accessed August 15, 2021.
Stanford Medicine. Accessed August 13, 2021.
Baldessarini, Ross J et al. International journal of bipolar disorders vol. 8,1 1. 6 Jan. 2020, doi:10.1186/s40345-019-0160-1
Rollin, Donna et al. Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners 32(10):p 703-713, October 2020. | DOI: 10.1097/JXX.0000000000000499. Accessed August 15, 2021.
Mental Health Foundation. Accessed August 15, 2021.
Ashley ErtelAshley Ertel, LCSW, is a Nationally Board Certified Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She has over a decade of experience specializing in trauma and depression, working primarily with first responders, military personnel, and veterans, and sexual assault survivors.
Ashley Ertel, LCSW, is a Nationally Board Certified Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She has over a decade of experience specializing in trauma and depression, working primarily with first responders, military personnel, and veterans, and sexual assault survivors.
Share
Effective and affordable mental health treatmentGet Started
Effective and affordable mental health treatment
Related Articles About Bipolar DisorderView all articlesBipolar DisorderMarch 20, 2024How to Get Bipolar Disorder MedicationBipolar DisorderJuly 14, 2023Medications to Treat Bipolar DisorderBipolar DisorderJanuary 24, 2023Euthymia in Bipolar DisorderBipolar DisorderSeptember 28, 2022Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for Bipolar DisorderBipolar Disorder, Histrionic Personality DisorderSeptember 20, 2022Histrionic vs. Borderline Personality DisorderAttention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Bipolar DisorderAugust 17, 2022ADHD vs Bipolar Disorder: Key DifferencesBipolar DisorderJune 14, 2022Can Bipolar People Tell They Are Bipolar?Bipolar DisorderJune 10, 2022Bipolar Anger: How to Identify It and Ways to CopeBipolar DisorderJune 9, 2022How to Treat Bipolar DisorderBipolar DisorderMay 25, 2022Bipolar Disorder in Children & Teens
Related Articles About Bipolar DisorderView all articles
Related Articles About Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar DisorderMarch 20, 2024How to Get Bipolar Disorder MedicationBipolar DisorderJuly 14, 2023Medications to Treat Bipolar DisorderBipolar DisorderJanuary 24, 2023Euthymia in Bipolar DisorderBipolar DisorderSeptember 28, 2022Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for Bipolar DisorderBipolar Disorder, Histrionic Personality DisorderSeptember 20, 2022Histrionic vs. Borderline Personality DisorderAttention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Bipolar DisorderAugust 17, 2022ADHD vs Bipolar Disorder: Key DifferencesBipolar DisorderJune 14, 2022Can Bipolar People Tell They Are Bipolar?Bipolar DisorderJune 10, 2022Bipolar Anger: How to Identify It and Ways to CopeBipolar DisorderJune 9, 2022How to Treat Bipolar DisorderBipolar DisorderMay 25, 2022Bipolar Disorder in Children & Teens
Bipolar DisorderMarch 20, 2024How to Get Bipolar Disorder Medication
Bipolar DisorderJuly 14, 2023Medications to Treat Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar DisorderJanuary 24, 2023Euthymia in Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar DisorderSeptember 28, 2022Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder, Histrionic Personality DisorderSeptember 20, 2022Histrionic vs. Borderline Personality Disorder
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Bipolar DisorderAugust 17, 2022ADHD vs Bipolar Disorder: Key Differences
Bipolar DisorderJune 14, 2022Can Bipolar People Tell They Are Bipolar?
Bipolar DisorderJune 10, 2022Bipolar Anger: How to Identify It and Ways to Cope
Bipolar DisorderJune 9, 2022How to Treat Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar DisorderMay 25, 2022Bipolar Disorder in Children & Teens
If you are in a life threatening situation – don’t use this site. Call 988 or useto get immediate help.
Therapy may be free for you
