The Canadian Mental Health Association provides information about depression and bipolar disorder. For more information, check out their website. (Direct quotes are italicized below.)
What is Depression?
-Signs of depression include feeling sad, worthless, hopeless, guilty or anxious a lot of the time. Some feel irritable or angry.
-People lose interest in things they used to enjoy and may withdraw from others.
-Depression can make it hard to focus on tasks and remember information.
-It can be hard to concentrate, learn new things, or make decisions.
-Depression may change the way people eat and sleep, and many people experience physical health problems.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
-With bipolar disorder, people experience episodes of depression and episodes of mania.
-An episode of depression in bipolar disorder is the same as other types of depression.
-Mania is an unusually high mood for the person.
What Can I Do?
-counselling and support groups
-medication
-relapse prevention- seeking help as early as possible can do a lot to reduce problems or challenges.
How Can I Help a Loved One?
-learn more about the illness and listen to your loved one
-give the person space when they want it to be alone
-ask how you can help
-make sure your expectations are realistic
-set your own boundaries
-seek support for yourself and think about joining a support group for loved ones
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