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A common symptom of bipolar disorder and biological depression generally is a steadily improving mood during the day. It’s more than “not being a morning person”. It’s a symptom.
I took this photo in the morning a few days ago. Unfortunately for me the original is on the left, and it is unadulterated except for a bit of work on my lips. It’s always a shock to see yourself in a photo.
I fixed up the image on the right late in the afternoon to reflect how I was feeling then. It’s more what I look like normally, I hope.
The term “split personality” conjures up all sorts of negative images that people say belong in past times. I like the term because it speaks truth to me. I have three personalities that are discrete and very different, and although two of them aren’t healthy they are still very real.
I’m interested to hear other people’s views. Do you view your depression or mania as a separate personality? Do you separate your illness from your true self, or does it define the real you?
Wendi 27 Aug 2007 @ 9:51 am
I do view it separately, I guess. I’d have to think more about it. I do know that some people in my life have viewed “me” and “depressed me” as two separate people–a boyfriend told me once that he couldn’t go on trying to carry on a relationship with “two people.” I never saw it that way until then. I just thought of it all as part of me.
Dawn 28 Aug 2007 @ 5:09 pm
I think everyone has many ‘personalities.’ Depression can make us forget that we swing through different mood states–sometimes we’re down but eventually we’ll be up. It is hard to remember that (at least for me) but it’s the greatest part of perseverance. time heals all wounds. and all dr. jekyl / mr. hyde scenarios.
Ann 29 Aug 2007 @ 10:57 am
I view it as part of me most of the time, but sometimes it feels more like being two different people.
I’m interested in the information about a mood that improves steadily during the day being a symptom; my experience is that my mood changes pretty abruptly, late in the day. It almost feels like I’ve taken a drug that has just kicked in, and this is what makes me feel most like two different people.
What are others’ experiences with mood changes, abrupt vs. gradual?
Leigh 30 Aug 2007 @ 12:03 pm
Just found your blog and am really enjoying it.
I’m very interested in the research on mood improving throughout the day. I have a hard time getting moving during the morning. Waking up early can cost me a full day. My husband does not understand it at all.
james 1 Sep 2007 @ 10:39 pm
Thanks for your comments. I’ll just clarify the post a little. I’m writing about biological depression, also known as melancholic depression, which is experienced by most people with bipolar disorder.
A small percentage of people with unipolar depression also have this kind of depression.
A good explanation of its symptoms are here.
http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/clinicians/bipolargp/differentiating.cfm
The first symptom that I experience when heading into depression is a loss of tonal range in my voice. My voice goes distinctly monotonic. I believe that this is a reasonably common symptom of melancholic depression.