To be clinically diagnosed with bipolar in the depressive phase, the individual must have experienced the depressive episode for at least two weeks. They must have five of the following signs and symptoms:  Sad mood for much of their day Anhedonia or decreased interest and pleasure in their normal activities Fluctuations in appetite and weight Insomnia (inability to sleep) or hypersomnia (excessive sleepiness) Fatigue and/or loss of energy Restlessness or increased motor activity, or slowing down of their normal movement Decreased memory, inability to make decisions, and difficulty concentrating Feeling worthless, hopeless, helpless or guilty Considering or imagining suicide During a depressive episode, a person may sleep more or less than normal. What’s more, sleep may be broken and disrupted, with them waking up sooner than they would like. Your loved one may stay in their bed all day or have trouble getting their day started. In order for these symptoms to meet the criteria for a depressive episode, they must interfere with the person’s functioning for a period of at least two weeks. The negative feelings associated with a depressive episode may lead to the sufferer eating more than normal. The person may gain a significant amount of weight in a short period of time, particularly if they are also engaging in sedentary activities like sleeping all day. On the flip side, a depressive episode may also translate to eating much less than usual and losing a fair bit of weight in a short period of time due to lack of appetite. During periods of depression, a person suffering from bipolar disorder may have difficulty feeling pleasure, even during activities they once cared about such as sex. This feeling of dejection is one of the most classic signs of depression. A concept known as psychomotor slowness describes a person with bipolar depression. In contrast to a manic episode, someone who is depressed may move and speak quite slowly. They may lack energy to do the basic tasks of everyday life. Fatigue can be a sign of a medical condition like hypothyroidism or even unipolar depression (that is, depression without mania). Be sure to examine other symptoms before assuming your loved one has manic depression. People who experience depression may be at an increased risk of suicide. It’s important to know how to recognize suicidal behavior, because being able to just might help you save your loved one’s life. Furthermore, if a sufferer has an immediate family member who has committed suicide or they are using alcohol or drugs, their risk is even higher. Signs of suicidal behavior may include:  Obsessing over death or loss Giving things away, even prized possessions Saying “goodbye” to friends and family Researching suicide Practicing the act, such as looking for a place and gathering materials (e.g. pills or a rope) In some individuals, an episode of mania and depression may occur at the same time. Referred to as a mixed episode (or, more recently, “mixed features”), this may be characterized by simultaneous feelings of despair coupled with increased energy.  Pay attention if depression is accompanied by agitation, anxiety, irritability or restlessness. Look for combinations of high energy and low mood during mixed episodes. Because people in mixed episodes are experiencing a two-polar cycle of both highs and lows, they may also be at increased risk of suicide. If you see signs of both mania and depression in someone you know, get them help right away.
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One-sentence summary -- Spot the signs and symptoms of depressive phase. Watch for changes in sleeping patterns. Notice if the person's appetite and weight have changed. Pay attention to feelings of hopelessness, sadness or emptiness. Look for signs of fatigue and overall sluggishness. Be cautious of suicidal symptoms. Understand mixed episodes.


If you spend time on a computer, then the position of your monitor could be causing your neck misalignment. Raise your monitor so that the top third of your screen is directly in your eyeline. Position the monitor 18 inches (46 cm) to 24 inches (61 cm) from your face. When you sit in a chair, press the bottom of your butt against the back of your chair. Allow your back to curve slightly, pressing your upper back against the chair. Keep your neck and head straight. You spend about a third of your time sleeping, and the wrong pillow can cause your neck to be poorly aligned. Your pillow should support your neck and keep in in line with your upper back and chest. A pillow that is too high or too low will put strain on your muscles, resulting in misalignment and pain.   Great pillow options for neck alignment include memory foam pillows or neck roll pillows. A good pillow will also allow you to stay comfortable in different sleeping positions.  Replace your pillows annually. Many people spend their day sitting at a desk, which can negatively affect your posture and health. Schedule breaks throughout your day to get up and walk around. While you’re up, focus on walking with good posture.  Stand up straight, roll your shoulders back, and face forward. Do your neck stretches during your breaks. Make sure that your diet is high in nutrients that support healthy bones, such as protein, calcium, iron, magnesium, vitamin K, vitamin C, and vitamin D3. Eating a healthy, balanced diet can also help you maintain a healthy weight, which will help your bones by making their load lighter.  Eat lean proteins, fruit, and plenty of vegetables. Consider taking a multivitamin. Gentle exercise will help prevent injuries and pain in both your neck and back. When you exercise, your vertebrae swell with water, which allows nutrients to flow into your bones. Exercise can also help you control your weight, which will help by reducing the pressure on your bones.
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One-sentence summary --
Adjust your computer monitor. Sit up straight. Sleep on a pillow that supports your neck. Take posture breaks. Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Exercise regularly.