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Is it Possible to Be Depressed When You Are Manic?

Bipolar disorder is generally characterized by alternating periods of mania and depression. However, sometimes these two states occur at the same time; this is known as a "mixed state" and has characteristics and hazards all its own.

  1. Mania in a Mixed State

    • When you're manic, your thoughts race and you may have trouble sleeping. It may be hard to focus, and you may be very impulsive.

    Depression in a Mixed State

    • Depression can make you feel worthless, sad and irritable.

    When Mania Meets Depression

    • When you are manic and depressed at the same time, you have the negative feelings about yourself that depression brings, along with the impulsive behavior and risk-taking you experience when you're manic.

    Risks

    • When you're in a mixed state your judgment may be impaired while at the same time, you may feel suicidal or like you don't care about living. This can lead to increased risk for suicide. It also can lead you to place yourself in life-threatening situations, in which you don't necessarily attempt to kill yourself, but you disregard the risk to your own life.

    Treatment

    • There is no specific treatment for a mixed state. Bipolar disorder is often controlled with a mood stabilizer such as Lithium, to which a depressant can be added if your doctor feels it's necessary and safe.

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