Hello doctor, I am a student. For some months, I have noticed that my mind is playing tricks on me. It is more like every day I have a down phase which lasts for two to four hours when I feel all negative emotions are coming to my mind. I think of anxiety and fear. I feel like I have a beast inside my mind to which I have to fight to make myself in a normal state. First, I thought it was depression, but it is not lasting for whole days, not it continuing for months, but more like two to three hours of down phase. I have seen people with severe depression, where it is difficult to get out of bed also a difficult task. This is not for me. At least I can talk to people, and I go to work every day. For me to feel better, I have to sleep or distract myself with songs. I thought it might be bipolar, but I am not sure. I want to know can it be symptoms of mild to moderate depression, or is it bipolar or any other mental disorder or it is due to stress?
Hello. I can certainly understand your condition. I have worked through your attached query in detail. As per your symptoms, you possibly seem to have subsyndromal depression otherwise called as dysthymia. If it is not treated on time, it may convert into depression. (Please note mild, moderate and severe are grades of depression but not dysthymia). In individuals with all the above symptoms, it is advisable to screen yourself for thyroid issues if not checked earlier. This is certainly not a case of bipolar disorder. It is advisable to consider certain medications to improve your symptoms. Treatment may last for six to nine months. In case if you are looking for a prescription, please let me know, I shall offer medications. Stress Complete Thyroid profile (T3, T4, TSH). Depression, bipolar disorder Dysthymia. SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). Stress management. Good sleep and appetite. Avoid smoking and alcohol intake.