Do you ever drink and feel depressed or feel depressed and so you want to drink?  Studies have shown a link between depression and drinking.  Doctors have now identified the link of substance abuse and depression and have defined it as a dual diagnosis.  “According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, people who have suffered recent episodes of major depression have higher rates of alcoholism and drug addiction compared with the rest of the population.  More than 21 percent of adults who experienced a depressive episode within the previous year engaged in substance abuse, compared with 8 percent of those not dealing with depression.”  (http://bit.ly/tI37t)

People with depression often try to self-medicate using drugs or alcohol.  Alcohol is a depressant, which is the biggest problem when depressed people try to self-medicate because alcohol will only intensify their depression.  On the other hand, people with depression will often turn to drugs trying to elevate their depressed mood by taking a substance.  When alcohol and substance abuse gets out of control, mental disorders can develop.

There are multiple sources that can trigger depression and drinking.  Having Brain Developmental issues, Genetic factors, and Environmental factors like stress and trauma can be strong precursors of developing substance abuse and depression.  To have the best results of treatment you must treat both the addiction and the depression.  Self-medicating will only hurt you.  If you notice that you have been turning to alcohol or drugs to treat your depressed mood it is time to get help.  Contact us now and we can help you find the right kind of treatment. 

Do you ever wonder if there is a little more to your mood swings?  Do you notice you either experience high highs or low lows in your life and nothing really feels normal?  If left untreated, Bipolar Disorder can destroy and take over your life.  Take these self-test questionnaires for Bipolar Disorder.  On the first questionnaire, continue the questionnaire only if you answer “yes” to the first three questions.  

Question 1: Have you had episodes of clinical depression - involving a period of at least 2 weeks where you were significantly depressed and unable to work or only able to work with difficulty - and had at least 4 of the following:

    * Loss of interest and pleasure in most things
    * Appetite or weight change
    * Sleep disturbance
    * Physical slowing or agitation
    * Fatigue or low energy
    * Feeling hopeless and helpless
    * Poor concentration
    * Suicidal thoughts

If yes, proceed.

Question 2: Do you have times when your mood 'cycles', that is, do you experience 'ups' as well as depressive episodes?

If yes, proceed.

Question 3: During the 'ups' do you feel more 'wired' and 'hyper' than you would experience during times of normal happiness?

If yes, proceed and click on the link below to answer the checklist.
Free bipolar online test from the Black Dog Institute.

To take the next Bipolar Questionnaire click here: MDQ - Bipolar Test.

If you have taken one or both of the tests and think you might have Bipolar Disorder than contact us now.  You don’t have to deal with this illness alone.  We are here to help you.  Thank you for reading our blog.  Please feel free to comment below.

Do you ever have days that you feel on top of the world and everything is absolutely perfect and than you have days that you don’t even want to get out of bed because you feel so down and depressed?  Everyone has days that are good and bad, but you’ve noticed that when you feel on top of the world you go on rampant shopping sprees or go days without needing sleep and than on the other hand you notice you have days where you feel life is hopeless and you don’t know how you can keep on going.

Bipolar Disorder is a very complex illness.  There are many symptoms that can be present during a bipolar manic and depressed episode.  During a manic episode you may feel “excessive happiness, excitement, irritability, restlessness, increased energy, less need for sleep, racing thoughts, high sex drive, and a tendency to make grand and unattainable plans.  During a depressed episode you may feel sadness, anxiety, irritability, loss of energy, uncontrollable crying, change in appetite causing weight loss or gain, increased need for sleep, difficulty making decisions, and thoughts of death or suicide.” (http://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/bipolar-disorder-symptoms-types)

Know one entirely knows what causes Bipolar Disorder, but evidence suggests the cause may be from a chemical imbalance in the brain. Something you need to know if you have bipolar disorder is it’s completely out of your control, but it’s something that can be treated.

“While medication is the foundation of bipolar disorder treatment, therapy and self-help strategies also play important roles. You can help control your symptoms by exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, eating right, monitoring your moods, keeping stress to a minimum, and surrounding yourself with supportive people.” (http://helpguide.org/mental/bipolar_disorder_symptoms_treatment.htm)

“It’s best to work with an experienced psychiatrist. Bipolar disorder is a complex condition. Diagnosis can be tricky and treatment is often difficult. For safety reasons, medication should be closely monitored. A psychiatrist who is skilled in bipolar disorder treatment can help you navigate these twists and turns.” (http://helpguide.org/mental/bipolar_disorder_symptoms_treatment.htm)

Do you think you or someone close to you might have Bipolar Disorder?  Check out the next blog where it will feature 2 self-test questionnaires for Bipolar Disorder that you can take in the privacy of your own home.  Thanks for reading and please feel free to comment below!