What are the most common symptoms of bipolar depression

This list has been compiled by members of the Bipolar UK eCommunity and documents their experiences of the symptoms of bipolar depression:

Symptoms of depression

Cognitive

Executive function issues ie concentration, memory, decision making
Forgetfulness/memory problems
Forgetting medication or taking it more than the normal daily dose
Inability to explain your feelings to others
Loss of concentration
Slow or muddled thinking
Difficulties concentrating

Feelings/emotions

A feeling of emptiness
A feeling of hopelessness
Anhedonia (lack of enjoyment)
Anxiety
Apathy
Feeling sad
Feelings of guilt or that you are responsible for events (usually bad ones)
Ideas that you are bad/evil
Ideas that you are disliked
Impending sense of gloom that won't shift
Irritability with self and others
Lack of motivation
Lethargy
Low self esteem
Moaning (serious constant moaning)
Paranoia
Psycho-motor agitation, wringing hands, pacing etc.
Remembering unpleasant past events
Suicidal thoughts
Tearfulness
Thoughts of self-harm
Keyed up
Wishing that the sun won't come up the next day - cannot handle the idea the tomorrow is going to come
Certain give-away statements like "I'm just waiting here in my apartment to die, really"

Physical symptoms

A feeling of being unwell
Agitation, irritability and anger but usually when mixed or psychotic depression
Not wanting to leave house
Sudden, unexplained weight loss
Unexplained aches and pains/minor ailments
Weight gain or increased appetite as well. It can go either way

Self care

Lack of appetite
Lack of self-care/self-neglect
Lack of self-worth

Self sabotage

Engaging in deliberately self-destructive behaviours

Sleep

Changes in sleep patterns
Disturbed sleep (waking multiple times in the night)
Early waking

Social

Cancelling all upcoming appointments, ignoring responsibilities, shunning friends and family: and feeling guilt about all this at the same time
Inability to ask others for help
Lack of socialising
No libido
Social withdrawal