Source: https://www.samhealth.org.sg/understanding-mental-health/what-is-mental-illness/mood-disorders/#mood-disorders-symptoms

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Depression and Bipolar Disorder

All of us experience emotions such as sadness, anger or excitable from time to time, and these emotions are usually transient and do not stay for a prolonged period of time.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Bipolar Disorder are much more intense than the usual moods we experienced. And with all mental illness, the persons’ daily functioning is disrupted when they are in active phase of the illness. The causes are likely due to an interaction between genetic, biochemical, environmental and psychological factors.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Major depressive disorder, also called major depression and clinical depression, is characterised by a combination of symptoms that interfere with a person’s cognition, behaviours and emotions. Some people may experience only an episode in their lifetime, while and others may have multiple episodes.

In the Singapore Mental Health Survey conducted in 2010, it was found that MDD was the most common mental illness in Singapore and that one in 16 Singapore residents (aged 18 and above) had MDD at some point in their life. However, in spite of it being the most common mental illness, the median time taken for persons with MDD to seek help from the onset of the illness is 4 years.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is characterised by periods of mania and depression. Some may experience a single episode of mania in their lifetime, which others may experience more. The cycles of bipolar disorder may last for days, weeks, or even months.

During a manic episode, a person might react impulsively, such as quitting a job, squander away money, max up credit cards or engage in reckless driving.

During a depressive episode, the same person might be experiencing symptoms similar to MDD.

In the Singapore Mental Health Survey conducted in 2010, about 1.2% of adult Singapore residents have bipolar disorders and the median time taken for them to seek help is 9 years.

Symptoms of MDD

People with depressive illnesses do not all experience the same symptoms. The severity, frequency, and duration of symptoms vary from individuals and the type of depression he/she has. Symptoms may include:

Persistent sadness, anxious or “empty” feelings
Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness and/or worthlessness
Irritability, restlessness
Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable
Fatigue and decreased energy
Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions
Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
Overeating or appetite loss
Persistent aches or pains
Suicide ideation or attempts

Symptoms of Mania

The symptoms of a manic episode include:

Feeling unusually “high” and optimistic or irritable
Unrealistic, grandiose beliefs about one’s abilities or powers
Needing very little sleep, but feeling energetic
Racing thoughts; jumping quickly from one idea to the next
Rapid speech
Inflated self esteem/ confidence
Acting recklessly