We often talk of being “depressed” when we feel sad or unhappy, but depression is actually an illness which can be very debilitating. Symptoms can include constantly feeling low, being unable to enjoy anything, difficulty concentrating, problems sleeping and loss of appetite.
People who are depressed may self-harm for many reasons, including as a form of self-punishment or as a way of dealing with unbearable feelings.
Bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression) is an illness where sufferers experience the lows of depression but also extreme highs – episodes where they feel much more excited, energetic, talkative, impulsive and/or agitated than usual. Depending on severity, these episodes are known as mania or hypomania. People with bipolar disorder may also self-injure during manic episodes as a way of calming themselves down.
The following booklets produced by the mental health charity Mind provide information on different types of depression:
Understanding Depression
Understanding Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression)
Understanding Postnatal Depression
Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder
PsychEducation.org: Mood Swings But Not “Manic”
Information on bipolar II disorder, where sufferers experience depression and hypomania but not more severe mania.
Depression Alliance
UK-based charity who run a network of self-help groups and a penpal scheme.
MDF The Bipolar Organisation
UK-based help for people with bipolar disorder or manic depression.