Depression Demystified: FAQs For Bipolar Traders Seeking Triumph In Business

I have been stock trading for more than six years now. I started doing it in my last year in college out of sheer interest in the field, even though my collegiate background was too different from it. (I studied Theater back then.) A friend showed me how I could monitor the stock market and make money out of it without leaving the house, and that’s what I have been doing ever since. I merely did theatrical acting part-time, but my full-time job now involves stocks.

Despite the sense of fulfillment that I got whenever I traded stocks, many people still questioned my focus. Most of them believed a job that could be done at home was not a job at all – it was more of a hobby than anything. My own parents often told me, “You are not getting any younger, Doug. If you do not want to become an actor anymore, then we will be more than happy to send you back to school and get a law or business degree.”

While I often responded with a laugh or the waving of a hand, hearing the same thing – the same lack of trust in my ability to excel in my chosen profession – began to wear me down. I used to maintain a happy disposition even when the Great Depression caused the stock market to tank; I did not feel hopeless when it went on for months. I just waited patiently for things to improve. However, the more I listened to my non-supporters, the more I wondered if I was genuinely doing what’s right for me.

A focused business minded individual analyzing the trends on both his of his computer and phone.
Source: pixabay.com

Spiraling Down

My self-confidence continued to crumble when two of my five investments went on a slow but steady decline. I had this 80-inch flatscreen TV in the office where I watched the stock market graph every day, and it saddened me to see that those two might not recover anytime soon. When the third one dropped all of a sudden before my eyes, I lost it. I started weeping and feeling helpless, like a little boy who could not find his parents at the mall.

That’s how my wife found me. She was rooted to her spot for a moment (probably because she never saw me cry before), but then she eventually ran towards me and asked what was wrong. Though I tried to contain my sobbing, I couldn’t. I blurted out all my worries about the stock market and how I could not seem to think of a way to reduce my losses.

My wife looked at me in the eyes. “Baby, perhaps it’s time for you to see a psychologist. I know you have been spiraling down little by little, but this – the crying and the negative self-talk – is on another level. I would honestly appreciate it if you get mental illness help sooner than later.”

My tears stopped falling for a minute. I had not thought of that before – the possibility of having a mental disorder. When I agreed, my wife contacted her psychologist friend once, and we went to her house in the same afternoon. The psychologist did a few tests until it turned out that I most likely had a bipolar disorder, although I experienced depression (all-time lows) more than mania (all-time highs). It was mild, and I was apparently lucky to have it detected early, but I still had many questions about my new health (bipolar disorder) condition.

My Health Recovery From Depression Disorder

The psychologist prescribed me a mood stabilizer, which I took religiously every day. I also began therapy and started writing down my thoughts, which was a way to better understand my feelings. I also created a support system with family and friends who were willing to listen and help me in any way they could.

At first, it seemed like a never-ending tunnel with no light at the end. But slowly, I began to feel better. I was more in control of my emotions and I was able to think clearly. I was even able to look at the stock market again without feeling hopeless.

The most important thing I learned from my journey was that bipolar disorder does not define me. I can still do what I love and be successful at it. I may have to be extra careful with my finances, but I can still make money from the stock market. This is something I’m proud of, and I’m looking forward to continuing to grow and learn.

How I Feel Now

In the end, it was a long and arduous journey, but I was so fortunate to have been able to beat depression. I had the support of my family and friends, and I was able to find a psychologist who could help me better understand my condition.

I’m still taking my medications and attending therapy, but I’m feeling much better now and no experience of side effects at all. I’m more confident in my ability to trade stocks and make money from it. I’m more in control of my emotions and I’m more aware of my actions. I’m happy to say that I’m now living a life free from depression, and I have so much to be grateful for.

Winning Against Depression: Tips For Traders

If you’re a bipolar trader, you know that managing your condition and your investments can be a difficult balancing act. Beating depression for bipolar traders can be double the hard but manageable. Here are a few tips that can help you stay on top of your game:

    1. Stay organized and keep track of your finances. It’s important to keep track of your investments and know how much you’re making or losing. This can help you make objective decisions and keep your emotions in check.
    1. Take regular breaks. Investing can be stressful, so it’s important to take breaks throughout the day. Take a walk, take a nap, or just take a few minutes away from the computer to clear your head.
    1. Seek professional help. It’s important to be aware of any signs of depression or mania. If you start to feel overwhelmed or if your symptoms are getting worse, it’s best to seek professional help.
    1. Get plenty of sleep. Make sure you’re getting enough rest each night to help reduce stress and keep your energy levels up.
    1. Eat healthily. Eating a balanced diet can help you reduce stress and improve your overall mental health.

Final Thoughts

Bipolar disorder symptoms can make it difficult to stay in control of your finances, but with the right strategies and support, you can be successful as a trader. With the right mindset, you can make smart investments, minimize losses, and maximize your profits. With patience and dedication, you can find success in the stock market and live a life free from depression and mania.

What Is The Number 1 Cause Of Depression?

Experiencing life challenges for a long time is the primary cause of depression. Imagine, if you cannot find work, someone always bullies you, and your relationships are strained, you may be unable to help but feel like everything is going against you. Worse, you may believe that the situation will never change.

What Is The Most Reliable Symptom Of This Mental Health Condition?

A sense of worthlessness is the most reliable symptom of depression. It is evident in most – if not all – types of mood disorder. Because of this symptom, you may not want to talk to anyone or do anything, to the extent that opportunities pass you by, thus depressing you further.

What Methods Do You Do To Improve Your Mood Better?

  • Listen to music. The more upbeat it is, the better. It may be better if the songs have been sung by your favorite singers so that you can sing along and feel the lyrics.
  • Walk in the neighborhood for at least 15 minutes every day. Getting exposed to sunlight is ideal for improving your mood.
  • Look for a reason to laugh daily. The act of laughing tends to increase dopamine production in the brain and oxygen in the body.
  • Clean your house. This activity can clear your mind, especially when you see that everything is in order.
  • Offer a hug to someone. Experts say that a simple touch allows your brain to produce more oxytocin, a love hormone. In case you are alone, doing a self-massage will do the job.
  • Count your blessings every day. Ask yourself, “What good things happened today?” Write them down or think about them to feel better.
  • Confide about your issues with a loved one. Often, your mood will not improve if you keep on harboring negative feelings.
The emotional toll of a business loss. A man that is so heartbroken and devastated because of financial strain. It affected his overall wellness.
Source: pixabay.com

What Is The Most Severe Form Of Depression?

Atypical depression is most likely a severe form of mood disorder. It is a subtype of dysthymia that often appears for the first time during teenage years. People with atypical depression experience the following:

  • Hypersomnia
  • Weight gain
  • Intense sensitivity to failure and rejection
  • Feeling leaden
  • Excessive fatigue
  • Suicidal tendencies

What Are The Four Types Of Depression?

  • Clinical depression: This severe mood disorder causes individuals to feel helpless, hopeless, and unworthy of love and attention. It is typically not caused by grief or physical condition.
  • Chronic depression: You experience depressive symptoms for no less than a year, but they are milder than what people with clinical depression deal with.
  • Manic depression: Its new name is bipolar disorder. When people have manic depression, their mood swings tend to be extreme and may last for days every time.
  • Seasonal depression: This mental disorder is usually experienced during the wintertime due to a lack of light exposure.

How Do I Know If I’m Bipolar?

The following symptoms characterize bipolar disorder (BP):

  • Excessive sleepiness or sleeplessness
  • Low or high moods
  • Impulsive thoughts and behavior
  • Sense of worthlessness and hopelessness
  • Faster speech than usual

What Are The Four Types Of BP?

  • Bipolar 1 disorder: You experience extreme mood swings for an extended period.
  • Bipolar 2 disorder: The manic and depressive symptoms are somewhat mellow, although they are still noticeable.
  • Cyclothymic disorder: You deal with depression and hypomania, but they do not last long.
  • Mixed bipolar disorder: You experience varying symptoms simultaneously.

What Triggers BP?

Several factors can trigger bipolar disorder, such as:

  • Abusing alcohol, drugs, and other substances
  • Being in the presence of a mother, father, brother, or sister with the same condition
  • Dealing with excessive stress or traumatic event

What Are The Signs Of BP In A Woman?

When a woman has bipolar disorder, the following symptoms can be observed:

  • She gets irritated quickly.
  • She has more energy than usual for various activities.
  • Her self-esteem increases.
  • She does not sleep much.
  • She talks a lot, to the extent that people may not understand all the words.
  • It is challenging for her to concentrate on a single activity.
  • She gives in to impulsive thoughts without worrying about repercussions.

Can Girls Be Bipolar?

Yes, girls can be bipolar. In truth, people with bipolar disorder, particularly women get diagnosed as frequently as men. They tend to experience this condition’s symptoms more often, considering women deal with hormonal changes every month.

There's always a way to focus on beating depression for bipolar traders. You just have to look for better solutions to cater for your overall mental and emotional wellbeing.
Source: pixabay.com

Are Tattoos A Sign Of Mental Illness?

Studies reveal that individuals who get tattoos tend to use ink to cover up their lack of self-esteem. They are also more likely to get diagnosed with a mental illness than others. In that sense, it may be safe to say that having tattoos indicates a person’s poor mental health.

How Do Doctors Test You For BP?

In reality, there are no specific medical examinations for bipolar disorder. When you see a doctor for the first time, they will want to run brain scans and thyroid function tests first. The latter is important, considering a malfunctioning thyroid gland can cause a mood disorder like depression. Once hypothyroidism has been ruled out and the symptoms of depression – and mania – are still there, the doctor may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for a mental health evaluation.

The thing is, you cannot expect to receive a diagnosis after your first evaluation. Besides talking to you regarding the symptoms and their duration, the mental health professional may want to discuss the matter with your loved ones to figure out what other signs have still not been mentioned. Only when they manage to rule out other mental conditions they can diagnose you with bipolar disorder.

Can Bipolar People Tell They Are Bipolar?

The answer is no. Many bipolar people do not realize that they have the disorder, especially if they have been previously diagnosed with ADHD or depression. As you know, depression is one of the primary symptoms of bipolar disorder. But if your sense of worthlessness gets replaced by manic symptoms sometimes, you should see a psychiatrist ensure whether you have bipolar disorder or not.

Is Bipolar Inherited From The Mother Or Father?

It is quite rare for people to inherit the bipolar disorder from any parent. However, when it happens, it is typically from the mother. One study backed up this idea, citing that between mothers and fathers that they have tested, the latter failed to pass down bipolar traits to their kids.

Is The Type 1 Or 2 Worse?

Bipolar 1 disorder is worse than bipolar 2 disorder. When you experience the former, you tend to have severe manic symptoms. You feel invincible; it’s as if nothing can hurt you. But with bipolar 2, the manic symptoms may be diminished, albeit slightly.

Final Thoughts

My wife and I had a long conversation that night about what I should do to get better. I was more depressed than manic, so we both thought that was nice – it meant that I would not have daredevil moments in the future. As for depression, we chose counselling and therapy – and lots of exercises – over antidepressants.

A couple of months later, my chosen treatments seemed to be working as different ideas on avoiding significant losses in the stock market flooded my mind again.

Depression-Busting Insights: Frequently Asked Questions for Bipolar Traders

Can Bipolar People Be Successful In Business?

Yes, absolutely. The mental health condition is characterized by extreme mood swings, along with manic episodes and depression. While the condition presents unique challenges, management through medication, lifestyle changes, and a supportive system can help anyone with this disorder to succeed in their chosen endeavours, even in the business world.

How To Deal With A Bipolar Person During A Depressive Episode?

People suffering from mental disorders need empathy, understanding, and support. When dealing with someone during their episode, it is important to let them know that their feelings are valid and that you are there for them. Moreover, it is crucial to encourage them to seek professional help and if possible, assist them in connecting with the right mental health professionals.

You can also encourage them to do some self-care activities, such as gentle exercises, practice relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises, keeping a regular sleep schedule, etc. You can also offer to help them in practical tasks or assist them in their daily responsibilities to help alleviate some of the burden.

More importantly, the depressive episode takes time. Thus, it is important to be patient with them and avoid judgment so they can express their thoughts and emotions.

Can Bipolar People Control Their Depression?

While there are things they can do to manage and minimize the impact of the condition, people with bipolar disorder have no direct control over the manic episode of the condition.

The medically reviewed treatment plan includes a combination of techniques, from long term holistic to medication, such as lifestyle change, therapy, and prescription medication. Moreover, developing coping mechanisms is crucial for people with this disorder. Regular exercise, a healthy sleep schedule, and practising stress-reduction techniques, as well as having strong support from an immediate circle (and support groups) can make a huge difference in positively managing the condition.

How Do You Make A Bipolar Person Happy?

Happiness is subjective and varies from one person to another. Not to mention one’s happiness is dependent on their current mood state. Generally, however, those who suffer from bipolar condition need support and understanding, while being respected for their needs. People suffering from episodes of hypomania need encouraging engagement in activities they enjoy. Moreover, they need to spend quality time together with their family and loved ones.

During depressive episodes, on the other hand, they will need empathy, non-judgment, and their support system’s presence for support. Help them cope with the episode by validating their feelings and listening actively. Remind them of their strength and resilience. Moreover, encourage them to seek professional help to get the proper treatment plan.

When Does Bipolar Depression End?

As with other mental health conditions, bipolar depression can vary greatly from different factors, including the individual and the specifics of their condition. Episodes of this condition can last for a few weeks to months. However, each episode can vary in intensity and length. Whatever the specifics are, it is crucial for anyone experiencing this condition to seek professional help and get the proper treatment plan.

It is important to note that bipolar disorder is a chronic condition. The goal of the treatment plan is to help the individual to recognize the symptoms and manage their emotions and mood. This is the only want to reduce the intensity and frequency of each episode. Regular treatment and monitoring and working with a mental health professional is crucial for managing this mental health (bipolar disorder) condition.

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