Bipolar Depression is much more common than many people think. For many years people are diagnosed as having anxiety, depression or even ADHD. The symptoms of Bipolar can overlap with depression, anxiety and ADHD to the point that it might take several years before a patient is diagnosed. Many times a diagnosis is finally made after a hospitalization.
If you are depressed but antidepressants don't help or make you feel worse, think about the possibility of having Bipolar Disorder.
The depressive symptoms ( " The lows ) are very severe and you might be depressed for 4 days to even 1 week and then switching to a good mood for another 4-7 days with more energy than ususal, sleeping less, accomplishing a lot, making lots of plans but then a few days later experience a "crash effect" where you just don't have any energy at all. The highs might also be poor focus, multitasking behavior, inability to relax, restlessness, anger, irritability, impatience, racing thoughts and inability to shut down your mind especially at night. The anxiety symptoms are much more severe than Generalized Anxiety Disorder and a lot of times antidepressants can make someone feel manic or apathetic or they just don't work at all.
If you think that you might have those symptoms and have been feeling frustrated for many years due to poor response with antidepressants, ask your Behavioral care provider to screen you for Bipolar Disorder.
There are several treatment modalities which may always include a mood stabilizer. Don't give up! There is hope and help!