What is Agitated Depression?
If you’re experiencing agitated depression, marked by irritability and hyperactivity, know that you’re not alone. This unique form of depression can feel isolating, but there are paths to healing.
Agitated depression is a type of depression that involves symptoms such as restlessness, irritability, anger, and anxiety. It can affect anyone, but it is more common in people with bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder. Agitated depression can interfere with daily functioning and quality of life, and it may increase the risk of suicide or self-harm. Therefore, it is important to seek professional help if you or someone you know is experiencing agitated depression.
Recognizing Agitated Depression
The causes of agitated depression are not fully understood, but they may include genetic factors, environmental stressors, hormonal changes, brain chemistry imbalances, or medication side effects.
Agitated depression isn’t just a set of symptoms; it’s a part of your daily life. It includes:
- Persistent Irritability: A continuous feeling of being on edge.
- Hyperactivity: An inability to rest, accompanied by restless thoughts and behaviors.
- Feeling restless, jittery, or nervous. Having trouble sitting still or relaxing.
- Feeling angry, irritable, or hostile. Leading to frequent mood swings or outbursts.
- Feeling anxious, worried, or paranoid.
- Having difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much.
- Losing interest in activities or hobbies.
- Having low self-esteem or guilt.
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
misconceptions about agitated depression
- Agitated depression is not a real or valid type of depression. This is false. Agitated depression is a recognized and serious form of depression that involves symptoms of both depression and agitation. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background.
- Agitated depression is the same as bipolar disorder or anxiety disorder. This is not true. Agitated depression is a distinct condition that may overlap with other mood or anxiety disorders, but it is not the same as them. People with agitated depression may or may not have bipolar disorder or anxiety disorder, and vice versa.
- Agitated depression is caused by personality weakness or character flaws. This is a myth. Agitated depression is not a sign of personal failure or weakness. It is a complex and multifactorial condition that can be caused by various biological, psychological, and environmental factors, such as genetics, brain chemistry, trauma, stress, or medication side effects.
- Agitated depression can be cured by simply snapping out of it or trying harder. This is false. Agitated depression is not something that can be overcome by willpower or positive thinking alone. It is a serious and chronic condition that requires professional help and treatment. People with agitated depression cannot just snap out of it or try harder.
- Agitated depression is hopeless and untreatable. This is not true. Agitated depression can be treated with various methods, such as medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. Some of the common types of psychotherapy for agitated depression are dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). These therapies can help people with agitated depression manage their symptoms, cope with their emotions, and improve their quality of life.
These are some of the common misconceptions about agitated depression. If you or someone you know has agitated depression, it is important to seek professional help and support.
Difference between normal irritability and agitated depression
Normal irritability and agitated depression can sometimes be hard to tell apart, as they both involve feelings of anger, frustration, and restlessness. However, there are some key differences that can help you differentiate between them.
Normal irritability is a common and natural emotion that everyone experiences from time to time. It usually occurs in response to specific triggers or stressors, such as traffic, noise, or conflict. Normal irritability is usually mild and temporary, and does not interfere with your daily functioning or relationships. Normal irritability can be managed by identifying and avoiding the triggers, practicing relaxation techniques, or expressing your feelings in a healthy way.
Agitated depression is a type of depression that involves symptoms of agitation, such as restlessness, irritability, and anger. People with agitated depression usually do not feel lethargic or slowed-down, but rather tense and agitated. Agitated depression is not a normal or natural emotion, but a serious mental health condition that requires professional help and treatment. Agitated depression is usually severe and persistent, and interferes with your daily functioning and relationships. Agitated depression can be caused by various factors, such as traumatic events, long-term stress, hormone imbalances, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, or medication side effects12.
Some signs that you may have agitated depression rather than normal irritability are:
- You feel irritable or angry most of the time, even without any apparent reason or trigger.
- You have difficulty controlling your impulses or emotions, and may act out in ways that are harmful to yourself or others.
- You have other symptoms of depression, such as low mood, loss of interest or pleasure, guilt, hopelessness, or suicidal thoughts.
- You have trouble sleeping, eating, concentrating, or functioning normally.
- You have a history of depression or bipolar disorder, or a family history of these conditions.
- Your irritability or agitation does not improve with self-care or coping strategies.
If you think you may have agitated depression, it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible. Agitated depression can be treated with various methods, such as medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. Some of the common types of psychotherapy for agitated depression are dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). These therapies can help you manage your symptoms, cope with your emotions, and improve your quality of life.
common triggers of agitated depression
Some common triggers or causes of agitated depression are:
- Traumatic events: Experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as violence, abuse, accident, or death, can trigger intense emotions and stress that may lead to agitated depression.
- Long-term stress: Living with chronic or excessive stress, such as from work, family, or health issues, can overwhelm the nervous system and affect the mood and behavior, resulting in agitated depression.
- Hormone imbalances: Hormones play a vital role in regulating the mood and emotions. Hormone imbalances, such as from thyroid disorders, menopause, or pregnancy, can cause mood swings and agitation that may contribute to agitated depression.
- Bipolar disorder: Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes alternating episodes of depression and mania. Agitated depression can occur during a mixed episode, when symptoms of both depression and mania are present at the same time.
- Anxiety disorders: Anxiety disorders are mental health conditions that cause excessive fear, nervousness, or worry. Anxiety disorders can co-occur with depression and cause symptoms of agitation, such as restlessness, irritability, or racing thoughts.
- Medication side effects: Some medications, such as antidepressants, stimulants, or steroids, can have side effects that affect the mood and behavior. Some of these side effects may include agitation, anxiety, anger, or insomnia that may worsen depression.
These are some of the common triggers or causes of agitated depression. However, each person’s experience of agitated depression may vary depending on their individual factors and circumstances.
Therapies Tailored to You: DBT, CBT, and ACT
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): A Path to Acceptance
DBT could be your ally in managing irritability and hyperactivity.
- Mindfulness: Helps you observe distressing feelings without getting caught up in them.
- Distress Tolerance: Learn to endure and manage restlessness without reacting impulsively.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Understanding and Changing Patterns
CBT allows you to identify thought patterns that might affect your agitation.
- Thought Identification: Recognize thoughts triggering irritability.
- Behavioral Experimentation: Find new reactions to reduce hyperactivity.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): A Compassionate Approach
ACT focuses on acceptance and change, particularly useful for agitated depression.
- Acceptance: Embrace the painful feelings related to hyperactivity.
- Being Present: Engage fully with the present moment without agitation.
Relaxation techniques for agitated depression
Some relaxation techniques for agitated depression are:
- Manage stress. Stress can trigger intense emotions, so managing stress is a great way to get ahead of potential agitation. You can try to identify and avoid the sources of stress, or find healthy ways to cope with them. Some examples of stress management techniques are meditation, mindfulness, breathing exercises, yoga, or listening to music1.
- Practice techniques for managing anger. Anger is a common symptom of agitated depression, and it can lead to impulsive or harmful behaviors. You can learn to control your anger by recognizing the signs of anger, stopping and calming yourself down, expressing your feelings in a constructive way, and seeking help when needed2.
Additional Resources: Connection and Medication
Therapy isn’t the only path. Connection and understanding medication are key:
- Medication: This may include antidepressants, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, or anti-anxiety drugs that can help balance your brain chemicals and reduce your symptoms.
- Lifestyle changes: This may involve adopting healthy habits such as exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, avoiding alcohol and drugs, getting enough sleep, and practicing relaxation techniques.
- Support groups: This can help you connect with others who have similar experiences and offer emotional support and advice.
Support from Family and Friends
If you have a loved one struggling with agitated depression, your support and understanding are invaluable. Here’s how you can make a difference:
Recognizing the Symptoms:
- Irritability: Be mindful of signs of constant irritation or restlessness.
- Hyperactivity: Watch for unusual or frantic activity that doesn’t subside.
Understanding these signs can help you empathize without judgment.
Offering a Compassionate Ear:
- Listen Without Interrupting: Sometimes, a patient ear is more comforting than advice.
- Validate Their Feelings: Acknowledge the difficulty without rushing to “fix” it.
Encouraging Professional Help:
- Research Therapies: Help find DBT, CBT, or ACT therapists specializing in agitated depression.
- Accompany to Appointments: If appropriate, offer to attend initial sessions.
Creating a Calming Environment:
- Minimize Stressors: Identify what might trigger irritability and minimize these triggers.
- Offer Gentle Activities: Encourage activities that can soothe, like walks or calming music.
Set Boundaries and Care for Yourself:
- Communicate Your Needs: Be clear about what you can and can’t do.
- Seek Support for Yourself: Supporting a loved one is rewarding but can be draining. Look after your well-being too.
Get Therapy Today!
Depression requires a nuanced and comprehensive treatment approach, harmonizing medications, psychotherapy, lifestyle adaptations, family engagement, and self-care. By embracing this multifaceted journey, people can achieve stability, enhance quality of life, and unlock their potential for joy and fulfillment.
Are you or a loved one grappling with depression? Our dedicated team of mental health professionals is here to walk beside you. Click here to schedule your personalized consultation. Your path to recovery, filled with hope and healing, begins today.
