There are various kinds of depression. One of which is being a manic depressive and it is a bi-polar condition.  It means a person with this condition can be very ecstatic, she feels she is on top of the world. Her spending habits are way out of control. She feels she can do anything. Then after a matter of hours, days or weeks and sometimes even months, she shifts to low gear. She refuses to do anything. The things that she used to enjoy doing no longer appeal to her.  She withdraws from society. She does not even take good care of herself. She does not bathe for days or change his clothes. All she wants to do is lay on her bed. She refuses to interact with anyone. We can see that it is a case of the extremes.  As the doctors would say it is because of a chemical imbalance in the brain. Factors which causes this is stress. Together with it comes the lack of sleep which is hazardous.

Do not be in despair; this condition can be treated and cured by medicine and constant therapy with an expert. You need to be watchful of the signs in order for you to seek help immediately for you or the person who is in that condition. From first hand experience, some of the manifestations are: erratic changes in moods of the person, irritability, short-tempered, sudden increase or lose of weight, irregular sleeping patterns, may be lack of sleep, unreasonable spending, and flight of ideas. These may not be all of it but are the major signs you must watch out for.

It would be best to encourage the person to relax and take time to rest.  This is important because her body may be dead tired but her mind are raging with ideas and she believes she can do all of them if she is in the hyper side. Try and talk to her if she has any concerns. Convince her to speak with a counselor or doctor she may be comfortable with. Most importantly, always be by her side or make sure she has a trustworthy companion so her actions can be monitored and controlled if needed.  If she is on the low end of the seesaw, encourage her to get off her bed and exercise. If it will help, join her for a walk, jog or any physical activity and make it a daily habit.  Bring her out of the house so she can have a change of scenery.  Be with her constantly, so she does not feel alone.

To have manic depression is not a disease. It is a state of mind which is very curable.  Communication is the key. If you feel you need help, seek the assistance of your family, friends or those you consider your confidant.  Voice out your sentiments. It is not good to keep ill feelings inside. Do not be embarrassed to admit and share your problems. All of us have problems. The important thing is you know who to run to and that your support group is always willing to hear you out and is capable to give you a sound advice. As God said, seek and you shall find.