I just went through two weeks of constant rapid cycling. It sure was tough! I had five distinct mood swings in one day last week. Three were hypomanic, one was mild depression and the other was a severe crying suicidal depression. They all lasted a few hours. I’m doing a lot better today, but I’m tired.
I wrote other blogs about how I handled the mood swings and was able to keep working and do my regular routines. Then I had about three days of terrible OCD. I told my therapist it was a bipolar perfect storm. I had a tight work deadline, my mom went out of town, a guy at a party started flirting with me and that freaked me out ( I keep away from flirting these days!), my brother forgot about a concert we were supposed to go to – the tickets were not cheap!- and then I got some disappointing news about a book that just came out that used my ideas without giving me credit.
And most importantly, I was having trouble with my Lamictal.
A perfect storm. It happens even when you have worked hard to lead a stress free life. My main goal when I get this sick is to stick to my routine. That’s especially hard to do when I get manic. The mania just feels so good I want to partay! I didn’t though. And now I’m better. I’m very tired physically, but I can deal with that. I’ve worked hard for over 13 years to have a system in place that helps me manage these kinds of mood swings that seem to come out of nowhere. My goal is to help others have a system that works as well! I am thankful for my Health Cards. They especially help with the flirting issue! 😉
Julie
PS: I actually wrote this a few weeks ago- it was sent out as a newsletter first- I am doing a lot better- though the hypomania keeps showing up! I removed some of the stressors in my life- to become even more like a monk! but it’s working.
Julie,
Is there anyway to email you with a question. My best friend of six years is a rapid cycler and sometimes I feel like pulling my hair out! I need advice!
I am a BP1 w/ rapid cycling of the type you speak of in having them within hours of each other.
I prefer hypomania and find that I can stabilize myself there by adjustment of my medications… I choose th=o be hypomanic and my support in good at noticing when I need to gear down because I am approaching mania. I adjust my Abilify and my Klonapin with my Wellbutrin and can control the level of my hypomania. This may not be the right way to go but cyclothymia is to boring for me and lead to depression so I find I am more productive and energetic when Hypo.
I also find my libido is better then as well, but my spending is under control. I do not experience hypersexuality as often when when hypomanic… just good, healthy libido.
My Dr. is aware that I self-regulate my meds and as long as I am doing OK she has no problem with it. She did try me on Lamictal once, but it took me out of the hypomania so I stopped taking it. My current cocktail is good for me and is working just fine.
I have been diagnosed BP for over 40 years so I have a lot of 1st hand experience with my BP and my episodes.
Patrick Hubbard