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health advisory Hospital Mental Health 2007-11-15 19:00:05

I go through stages of depression and being really happy...

My mom says to take in account the stages of the moon, time of the month, what I eat, if it's sunny outside...

But i mean, one day i'll be upbeat and confident and the next I'll be downright angry, depressed and tired.

Any help??

Answer:

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in a person's mood, energy, and ability to function. Different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through, the symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe. They can result in damaged relationships, poor job or school performance, and even suicide.

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/bipolar...

Bipolar disorder causes dramatic mood swings鈥攆rom overly "high" and/or irritable to sad and hopeless, and then back again, often with periods of normal mood in between. Severe changes in energy and behavior go along with these changes in mood. The periods of highs and lows are called episodes of mania and depression.

Signs and symptoms of mania (or a manic episode) include:

* Increased energy, activity, and restlessness

* Excessively "high," overly good, euphoric mood

* Extreme irritability

* Racing thoughts and talking very fast, jumping from one idea to another

* Distractibility, can't concentrate well

* Little sleep needed