3 of 32

Write now Article Tools

Many people have depression, but there are different types. Some people have only a mild depression that goes away by itself although therapy is usually helpful, but medication is often not necessary. Sometimes depression is seasonal. It may occur when there is very little sunlight. Studies have proven that sunlight is very necessary for everyone, but especially for people who suffer depression. People who live in climates which have overcast skies and rainy weather frequently suffer from depression. One such state where I used to live is Washington State which is a beautiful State, but measures must be taken to ensure people that live there get enough light.

There is also major depression which is extremely disruptive to a person's life as well as to their loved one's lives. Usually a person needs anti-depressants and intensive therapy in order to restore this person to a normal, productive life.

Bipolar Disorder involves two distinctly different phases. Sometimes the person suffers from some degree of depression and other times they are in a manic phase when they are constantly busy, go without sleep, and don't use good judgment. This could mean that usually they maintain their banking business adequately, but, when they are manic, they go on spending sprees and completely disregard their finances by spending all their money and often run up bills on several credit cards.

If they are working on a project that they are concerned about, such as writing a story, they cannot get themselves to set it aside and get adequate sleep, but feel compelled to stay awake all day and all night working on the story until they collapse. This is sometimes considered a very creative period and many people whom this happens to are very intelligent and/or creative-type people. They may have a psychotic breakdown and need hospitalization, intensive therapy and heavy doses of anti-psychotic medication if they don't get help. These psychotic episodes may include seeing or hearing things that are not really there. If a person continually gets treated for recurring depressions that alternate with other periods of extremely happy and productive periods without stopping, it is called Bipolar Disorder.

Learn more about this author, Annetherese McCorkell.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about How depression and bipolar disorder are different?
We want to hear your view. Write now!