man with bipolar disorder depressed and happy at same time

Is It Truly Depression or This Often Ignored Diagnosis?

According to Healthline, depression is a mood disorder that can cause people to experience extreme sadness or despair. If depression lasts more than 2 years, it’s known as persistent depressive disorder. Sometimes, depression only occurs during specific times of the year. This type of depression is commonly known as “seasonal affective disorder,” but it’s now referred to as “major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern.” Then, there’s postpartum depression, which develops after having a baby.

Treatments for depression include antidepressants, talk therapy, electroconvulsive therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques.

Because bipolar disorder is sometimes called manic depression, the difference between the 2 disorders isn’t always clear. The primary difference is that people with bipolar disorder aren’t consumed by sadness. Sometimes, they’re energetic and very happy. At other times, they’re sad and experience severe lows. This range of emotions isn’t always tied to a particular life event. There are 2 types of bipolar disorder: bipolar 1 disorder is marked by altering between extreme depression and at least 1 manic episode (extreme highs). Bipolar 2 disorder is similar, only the highs aren’t as severe.

Treatments for bipolar disorder include mood stabilizers and antipsychotic drugs. Antidepressants aren’t recommended, as they can make mania worse, but are sometimes recommended for bipolar disorder triggered by anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The best foods for depression and bipolar disorder

brain food concept

In addition to seeking therapy and medical treatments, your diet can also play a role in helping you manage depression and bipolar disorder. There isn’t a diet fix, per se, that can cure depression or bipolar disorder, but being mindful of what you eat can help. For depression, WebMD recommends eating antioxidant-rich foods with beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E that cater to brain health. Broccoli, collards, sweet potatoes, blueberries, strawberries, nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils are ideal. Make sure your diet is filled with protein, reduced-fat dairy, leafy greens, and whole grains.

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For bipolar disorder, WebMD says to eat fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, lean meats, cold-water fish, low-fat dairy, soy products, nuts, and seeds. It also suggests paying special attention to your caloric intake, as people with bipolar disorder are more likely to be overweight or obese. Taking a fish oil supplement may be beneficial as well since higher risks of cardiovascular disease and high triglycerides are common among people with bipolar disorder.

Lesa O'Leary
Lesa O'Leary

Lesa is a dynamic member of OzHelp’s Service Delivery Team as the Service Delivery Team Leader and Nurse. She has been with OzHelp for five years and believes in leading by example. Lesa has experience in the not-for-profit sector, as well as many roles throughout different industries and sectors, including as a contractor to the Department of Defence. She has expertise in delivering OzHelp’s health and wellbeing programs and engaging with clients in a relaxed and comfortable manner that aligns with the organisation’s vision and objectives.

Lesa has a Certificate 4 in Nursing from Wodonga Tafe, Certificate 4 in Mental Health from Open Colleges, and is currently undertaking a Certificate 4 in Training and Assessment from Tafe NSW. For the past few months Lesa has been an Education and Memberships committee member of the ACT Branch of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC).