Low Self Esteem and Mental Illness

Mental health research shows that depression is a reaction to a mental illness.  Low self-esteem is another reaction.  Studies suggest that stigma strongly influences the self esteem of people who have mental illnesses. When, you have a mental illness, you are rejected as a friend, an employee, a neighbor, or an intimate partner. You are determined to be a person who is less trustworthy, less intelligent, and less competent. Feeling good about yourself and the situation you find yourself in contributes to low self esteem and self stigma.

The relationship between low self esteem and psychiatric diagnosis is a vicious cycle.  Low self esteem makes individuals susceptible to develop psychiatric conditions, particularly depressive disorders, eating disorders, and substance use disorders. These disorders subsequently lower self-esteem even further.

Stigma is a contributing factor to maintaining low self esteem. In some cases where the emotional hurt is long lasting, a therapist is needed to guide you through the process of learning to love yourself. It takes time and patience and having a support system with the people in your life who 
have a positive influence to improve your self-esteem.

Low self esteem is the view or belief that one has of oneself as inadequate, unlovable, unworthy and incompetent. Once this view of one’s self is formed it affects everything in the person’s life: his decision making, his ambition, his creativity, his assertiveness, his choices, his dreams. In recovery, a person becomes able to see themselves in a more positive and objective manner rather than through the negative thoughts.  Once a person develops an image as inadequate they treat themselves and expect to be treated with the same self destructive behaviors.  They are overly critical and inwardly agree with others people’s criticisms and anticipate rejection, expect to be ignored or mistreated and believe that they have caused the negative reactions or inappropriate behavior of others. When someone behaves in ways similar to the negative ways they have already experienced,  this as confirmation of  inadequacy, lack of significance, and then proceeds to engage in irrational and distorted self-statements that bring on additional negative feelings.

A lack of self esteem signs can be seen as: If you have a pattern of self defeating behavior. If you have a tendency to trust the wrong people or to make poor choices; are dissatisfied with your relationships and interactions with other people;  have been told that you are overly sensitive; are unhappy, depressed, and discouraged and have been most of your life  often anxious in new situation; fearful that you will be asked a question you don’t know how to respond to, or will be asked to do something that you don’t know how to do; lack confidence and the skills to do things that most other people seem to know how to do;  feel inadequate or unacceptable around others. If you are reluctant to share your ideas and opinions when in group; compare yourself to others; feel insecure.

In recovery, people with low self esteem become able to ask for what they want and need rather than expecting the other person to just know. They learn to discuss and work through problems and disagreements rather than merely react; they develop basic relationship skills. It is a long process of learning the way out of the norm that has become a part of life but therapy helps lift the self defeating attitudes and behaviors and give more realistic opinions of oneself.


When the truthful more realistic expectation s of themselves and others become a foundation in therapy the persons self esteem can gradually progress to self confidence and self love.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Bipolar Disorder

This type of psychotherapy can prevent mood swings by changing thoughts and behaviors. Learning how to help managing and living with bipolar disorder.

Treatment for bipolar disorder involves medication, a balanced lifestyle and often combined with psychotherapy. One effective type of therapy is cognitive-behavioral therapy, which can help improve and change the way a person thinks, feels, and acts, and can possibly prevent a mood swing or lessen the severity.

The basis of cognitive behavioral therapy is centered on ideas, thoughts that cause feelings and behavior, not external influences such as other people, events, or situations. Negative or unrealistic thoughts can trigger an episode of depression or mania in a person with bipolar disorder.

This type of therapy provides methods of managing symptoms of depression or mania and preventing relapses,

 People in cognitive behavioral therapy have to fully understand bipolar disorder and the importance of sticking to their medications.

 With a therapist the person works on eliminating negative or unattainable positive thoughts. For example, a person in a manic state can misjudge the risky behaviors and their consequences. The therapist will help the person challenge thoughts that counteract with the persons ideas that appears in mania that are taken too lightly. These types of thoughts can lead to excessive spending sprees, or other actions that could have consequences. People with bipolar disorder may also have negative thoughts that distort situations that can lead to depression. Learning to spot and stop the thoughts and replace them with more realistic ones can improve their mood.

When combined with medication treatment cognitive behavioral therapy can make the road to recovery less painful and hasten the goal to relieve one’s symptoms.  Although medication is the primary treatment often the person can significantly reduce the cycling of their moodswings.

Understanding Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is often hard to tell apart from any other types of mood disorders because of related symptoms’ that they have in common.

Understanding all of the different symptoms of each of the mental illness and mood disorder can help you distinguish which mood disorder you may have. A through study of your symptoms is important in evaluating and recognizing what you may be feeling is necessary for the doctor to be able to develop a treatment which is varied by each individual. You need a diagnosis for which disorder you may have but by understanding the symptom and disorder can assist you in discussing it with the doctor and prepare you for the interview. Use the information that you find to help determine which signs and symptoms you are experiencing.

Give the doctor your opinion about the research you have done and any to the symptoms you are experiencing.

A journal kept daily can help the you and your doctor to understand the different symptoms and when they are occurring this will be of assistance to the doctor and the treatment plan can facilitate the doctor in giving you the correct treatment and diagnosis you need..

There are several types of bipolar disorder; all involve episodes of depression and mania. They include bipolar I, bipolar II, cyclothymic disorder, mixed bipolar, and rapid-cycling bipolar disorder.

A person with bipolar I disorder has had at least one manic episode in his or her life. A manic episode is a period of abnormally elevated mood, accompanied by abnormal behavior that disrupts life.

Bipolar II is similar to bipolar I disorder, with moods cycling between high and low over time. But in bipolar II disorder, the highs or elevated moods never reach euphodria or a full blown mania.

In rapid cycling, a person with bipolar disorder experiences four or more episodes of mania or depression in one year. People with bipolar disorder who have rapid cycling are not that commonly seen.

In most bipolar disorders, moods alternate between elevated and depressed over time. But with mixed bipolar disorder, a person experiences both mania and depression simultaneously or in rapid sequence.

Cyclothymia is a fairly mild mood disorder. People with cyclothymic disorder have milder symptoms than in full blown bipolar disorder.

Whichever disorder you may think you may or show symptoms that are similar to what you may be experiencing it need to be treated.  The life is never easy for bipolar but educating yourself can be the first steps to recovery

Mood Disorders

Mood disorders refer to a category of mental health disorders that include all types of depression and bipolar disorder. Mood disorders are sometimes called affective disorders.

Mental health professionals recognize symptoms of mood disorders in children and adolescents, as well as adults. However, children and adolescents do not necessarily experience or exhibit the same symptoms as adults. It is more difficult to diagnose mood disorders in children, especially because children are not always able to express how they feel. At any age, mood disorders put individuals at risk for other conditions at any age these symptoms may persist long after the initial episodes of depression are resolved.

What causes mood disorders is not well known. There are chemicals in the brain that are responsible for positive moods. Most likely, depression and other mood disorders are caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Life events may also contribute to a depressed mood.

Affective disorders sometimes run in families and are considered to be inherited. The factors that produce the trait or condition are usually both genetic and environmental, involving a combination of genes from both parents.

Anyone can feel sad or depressed at times. However, mood disorders are more intense and difficult to manage than normal feelings of sadness. Children, adolescents, or adults who have a parent with a mood disorder have a greater chance of also having a mood disorder. Life events and stress can trigger feelings of sadness or depression, making the feelings more difficult. These life events and stress can bring on feelings of sadness or depression or make a mood disorder harder.

When a person in the family has this diagnosis, the chance for their siblings or children to have the same diagnosis is increased. In addition, relatives of persons with manic depression are also at increased risk for depression.

The most common types of mood disorders are: major depression a depressed or irritable mood or a noticeable decrease in interest or pleasure in usual activities, along with other signs of a mood disorder; dysthymia (dysthymic disorder)  a chronic, low-grade, depressed or irritable mood; manic depression (bipolar disorder) episodes of  depressed or irritable mood and a mania (persistently elevated) mood; mood disorder due to a general medical condition - many medical illnesses including cancer, injuries, infections, and chronic medical illnesses can trigger symptoms of depression; substance induced mood disorder  symptoms of depression that are due to the effects of medication, drug abuse, exposure to toxin.

Depending upon age and the type of mood disorder present, a person may exhibit different symptoms of depression. The most common symptoms of a mood disorder are: persistent feelings of sadness; feeling hopeless or helpless; low self-esteem; feeling inadequate; excessive guilt; feelings of wanting to die; loss of interest in usual activities or activities once enjoyed; difficulty with relationships; sleep disturbances, insomnia, hypersomnia; changes in appetite or weight; decreased energy; difficulty concentrating; inability to make decisions; irritability, hostility, aggression

In mood disorders, these feelings appear more intense than what a person may normally feel from time to time; if these feelings continue over a period of time. Any person who expresses thoughts of suicide it is important to act immediately.

Mood disorders can often be effectively treated. Treatment may include: antidepressant medications combined with psychotherapy has shown to be very effective in the treatment of depression. Cognitive-behavioral or interpersonal therapy that is focused on changing the individual's distorted views of themselves and the environment around them, working through difficult relationships, and identifying stressors in the environment and how to avoid them.

Preventive measures to reduce the incidence of mood disorders are not known at this time. Early detection and intervention can reduce the severity of symptoms, and enhance the quality of life for persons with mood disorders.

Cyclothymic Disorder

Cyclothymic Disorder is a chronic condition characterized by numerous hypomanic episodes and periods of depressive symptoms.   The intervals between episodes can be from weeks to months when a person returns to their normal state. The hypomanic episodes and depressive symptoms are not due to a medical condition, medication, illegal drug, or psychotic disorder. The hypomanic episodes can intensify into a manic episode or a mixed episode; also the depressive symptoms can intensify into major depressive episodes

There is significant distress or impairment in important functioning as result of the mood disturbance.

Cyclothymic disorder is often associated with an increased risk of having substance abuse disorders, sleep Disorders and bipolar I or II disorder. 

 This disorder is more common in women and men. \

Cylothymic disorder usually has an onset in adolescence or early adult life. It often develops into prolonged periods of cyclical, often unpredictable mood changes; the person may be thought as temperamental, moody, unpredictable, inconsistent, or unreliable. The disorder is usually chronic, and has a risk that the person will eventually develop Bipolar I or II disorder.

Cyclothymic disorder like Bipolar I and II is more common in the first-degree biological relatives of individuals with Bipolar I Disorder.

The most important step in the treatment of this disorder is to prevent alcohol or drug abuse. Medication often is ineffective when the individual is still abusing alcohol or drugs.

The treatment of Cyclothymic disorder is generally the medications that are effective in treating Bipolar I disorder. Mood stabilizers have been shown to be effective. Antidepressant medication has been shown to be effective in the treatment of this disorder.

Cyclothymia disorder is thought to be a relatively mild mood disorder. Compared to more serious mood disorders, the mood symptoms of cyclothymia are less severe than other mood disorders.

Prognosis for Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar is a severe mental illness. It can be mild with only a few episodes. Or occur for more frequently with more debilitating symptoms. People with the illness experience symptoms in different ways. The usual for people with bipolar Disorder is 8 to 10 manic or depressive episodes over a lifetime. Some people experience more and some fewer episodes.

In most cases in bipolar disorder, the depressive episodes outnumber manic episodes, and the cycles of mania and depression are unpredictable. Many patients experience a mixed state, in which both mania and depression coexist.

A small percentage of bipolar patients have a complicated phase known as rapid cycling. With this type of the disorder the manic and depressive episodes alternate for at least four times a year and, in severe cases, can even progress to several cycles a day. Rapid cycling occurs more often in women and in those with bipolar II. Typically, rapid cycling starts in the depressive phase, and frequent and severe episodes of depression. This type of disorder is difficult to treat, especially because antidepressants can trigger the switch to mania and bring about an episode of mania. This is drug induced and can happen at any time even if the drug had been used before.

 Research shows that symptoms of bipolar disorder in children and adolescents differ from those of adults. Adults with bipolar disorder usually have distinct and persistent periods of mania and depression. Children with bipolar disorder fluctuate rapidly in their mood and behavior. Mania in children is seen as irritability and belligerence whereas adults tend to experience euphoria. Children with bipolar depression are frequently angry and restless, and may have additional mood and behavioral disorders such as anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorder, and substance abuse problems.

How frequently childhood bipolar disorder lasts or if treating childhood bipolar disorder can help prevent future illness is unknown.

Is it Depression

Most of us feel sad, lonely, or depressed at times. Feeling depressed is a normal reaction to loss, life's struggles, or s poor self esteem.  When these feelings are overwhelming and last for an abnormal length of time, and your normal life is disrupted, it is time to find help from a doctor.

If left untreated, symptoms of clinical depression can last for years. They can cause suffering and possibly lead to suicide. Approximately half the people who experience symptoms never do get diagnosed or treated for their depression.

It is possible that you are not aware that you are depressed. Depression can begin gradually, without a person realizing that depressive thoughts and feelings are slowly dominating their life.

Not getting treatment can be life threatening. More than one out of every 10 people with major depression commits suicide.

Some of the  symptoms of depression are; difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions; fatigue and decreased energy; feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness; feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism; insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping; irritability, restlessness; loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable; overeating or appetite loss; persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment; persistent sad, anxious, or empty feelings; thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts Warning signs of suicide with depression are when there ;is sudden switch from being very sad to being very calm or appearing to be happy; abnormal thoughts about death; sadness, loss of interest; trouble sleeping and eating that gets worse; losing interest in things one used to care about; talking about being hopeless, helpless, or worthless; talking about suicide.

Depression can be treated most of the time the person can have a complete recovery/

When you’re depressed, it can feel like you will never feel better. But even the most severe depression is treatable. With the right help and support, you can and will feel better.

There are many ways to deal with depression, exercise, psychotherapy, medication, natural supplements, and lifestyle changes. Learning about the treatment options will help you decide what measures are most likely to work best for your particular situation and needs. There are no quick fixes or instant cures, but if you are willing to work on yourself and seek treatment, you will return to your normal way of life sooner than you think.

 There is no set cure for depression/ and what works for one person might not work for another. The best way to treat depression is to educate your self about the illness and learn the possible treatment options, for the one that suits your needs.  It is important to determine whether your depression symptoms are due to a medical condition. The severity of your depression is a significant factor, the more severe the depression, the more intensive the treatment you will need.

The right treatment can take a long time. It might take some trial and error to find the treatment and support that works best for you.  Medication can relieve the symptoms of depression, I but is not always suitable for long-term use. Exercise and therapy, can be just as effective as medication. Medication works best when you adopt a change of lifestyle also..

 Regular exercise can be as effective as treating depression as medication. A half an hour daily walk can make a big difference. Eating well is important for both physical and mental health. Eating well balanced meals throughout the day will help you keep your energy up and minimize mood swings. Sleep has an effect on mood. When you don't get enough sleep, your depression symptoms can be worse. It can be a challenge to make lifestyle changes part of your daily life. But if your depression is governing your lifestyle changes may improve your overall health

Women and Bipolar Disorder

Research shows that women experience more periods of depression than men. In bipolar disorder, women develop   bipolar II meaning they do reach severe mania but have milder episodes of hypomania alternating with depression.

Women are more prone to rapid cycling, having four or more mood episodes in one year.  hormones   antidepressants may contribute to rapid cycling.

Women who are pregnant run the risk with prescribed medication it has been shown that the risk of birth defects and certain medical issues in newborns and the risks may outweigh the benefits.  

Women who have bipolar disorder and plan to become pregnant should talk with their psychiatrist about the risks that are involved.

The hormone fluctuations of menopause can cause mood disorders in woman in general not just those with bipolar disorder. For those already having troubles with major depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety disorders there can be an increase in symptoms. Women during menopause may experience    more frequent episodes of depression because of lowering of estrogen levels. Women with bipolar disorder sometimes mistake their mood swings for PMS.

Women with Bipolar disorder are different than  men  with the same diagnosis doctors sometimes make a wrong diagnosis the same way that women with heart disease because  the symptoms differs  from the symptoms of the disease.

Most people with bipolar disorder have their first manic episodes in their 20s or 30s, and research has shown that women develop symptoms of the disorder three to five years later than men

Taking all into consideration there are many ways that women can have episodes that are unique.  Their episodes may change for various reasons.  Women must be aware of the changes and communicate their concerns with their doctor.