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bipolar mania onset

ethSenior Contributor16 Sept 2014, 5:09 pm AEST

bipolar mania onset

I was diagnosed bipolar1 5 years ago (though probably had it for many years before that untreated) and am really commited to being more stable these days. I also have CPTSD with depression and anxiety being chronic problems. I use meds, CBT and mindfulness techniques as well as trying to keep my diet healthy and have a good sleep routine ..............BUT........ I have not been able to get to the point where I can prevent the onset of hypomania and it doesn't take long for that to escalate into mania or worse (psychosis in the past) and I can stay hyperactive and sleep deprived for many weeks before it passes. It is beginning again at the moment (over the last few days) and I have a wait before I can see my psychiatrist and have my meds adjusted. I'd really appreciate some support and any advice people may have.

58 replies

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In response to: bipolar mania onset

JubileeJohnsonSenior Contributor16 Sept 2014, 9:17 pm AEST

Re: bipolar mania onset

Hello Eth.

You seem to be doing 'all the right things.'

You are getting good advice.

Is it at all possible that what is happening to you recently could be a result of:

http://www.commdiginews.com/health-science/health/the-impact-of-solar-flares-on-the-human-mood-and-psyche-25963/

Might explain something for many of us?

In response to: bipolar mania onset

ethSenior Contributor16 Sept 2014, 9:52 pm AEST

Re: bipolar mania onset

@NikNik I am currently practicing all of the above. Thanks for your advice. Identified 3 recent triggers today but they are all things I have to deal with, can't be avoided e.g. house inspection. Another thing I sometimes do is zentangles but I've been too restless to sit down to do it so far this time. I just hope I am able to get a better sleep tonight and start feeling like I am managing this. I have managed to get an earlier appointment with the psychiatrist but still have to get through the next two days before that.

In response to: bipolar mania onset

katoSenior Contributor27 Sept 2014, 3:46 pm AEST

Re: bipolar mania onset

@eth hey friend,
Just thought I would touch base and see how you are going?
I apologize I got caught up in myself these last week or so.

How are you?

In response to: Re: bipolar mania onset

ethSenior Contributor27 Sept 2014, 4:28 pm AEST

Re: bipolar mania onset

Hey Kato thanks for getting back to me. It means a lot. I too have been preoccupied with myself. Have had my meds adjusted and a new one added and today is the first day I feel like I'm starting to cope better, tho still hypomanic. Accepting what is happening is definitely better than paroxysms of angst over it. The new med seems to be helping me at least get some sleep and that's a key factor. Thanks again. Hope things are ok for you.

In response to: bipolar mania onset

katoSenior Contributor27 Sept 2014, 8:00 pm AEST

Re: bipolar mania onset

That is fantastic eth,
I am glad to hear that you are getting some much needed sleep.

Can I ask what meds you are on?
I know for some it is a very private question so I understand if you don't want to divulge

In the past I have been on many combos. The current combo is very big on sedation to help with balancing my mania just curious if you get similar effects is all

In response to: Re: bipolar mania onset

NikNikSenior Contributor27 Sept 2014, 8:09 pm AEST

Re: bipolar mania onset

@eth , just to echo @kato , it's great to hear that you are getting some sleep! May I ask, what got you to a point of accepting what is happening? I'm really happy to hear you have progressed.

I just want to flag that the mention of specific medications and dosages is against Forum Guidelines. It is fine to mention a group or family of medications, but not the specific type. If you want to read more about this, you can check out the forum guidelines here

The forum guidelines are hard to find, so I just wanted to let you guys know about the guidelines around mentioning medication before the discussion went further. 🙂

Nik

In response to: bipolar mania onset

katoSenior Contributor27 Sept 2014, 8:16 pm AEST

Re: bipolar mania onset

Ahh cool cool sorry @NikNik was not aware
Apologies

In response to: Re: bipolar mania onset

ethSenior Contributor27 Sept 2014, 8:17 pm AEST

Re: bipolar mania onset

@kato @NikNik Thanks for your interest. I have been on 2 antipsychotics all year (1 of them since 2009 and the 2nd one is also a mood stabiliser added early this year which did help a lot with anxiety and night panics but didn't prevent hypomanic episodes completely). Last week a 3rd antipsychotic was added to the mix and it has better sedative effects - only a low dose and taken only at night on difficult nights and it seems to be really helpful. Hoping I have expressed this in a way that doesn't breech guidelines.

In response to: bipolar mania onset

katoSenior Contributor27 Sept 2014, 8:24 pm AEST

Re: bipolar mania onset

A typical anti psychotic.
I am currently on 1 of those with sedative effect it is really good for sleep when needed. And I too am on a mood stabilizer altho it is mainly used to help a completely different disorder

I was hoping that would be your response. I took some time away from me lol and realised that what I was on was brilliant for sleep lol

Tricky discussing meds in this round about way.

I am glad you've gotten the help friend

With the mania I have been getting I dare say they will add more for me as well

Just really wanted to touch base with you and see how you were

In response to: Re: bipolar mania onset

ethSenior Contributor27 Sept 2014, 8:25 pm AEST

Re: bipolar mania onset

@NikNik Not sure really what helped me accept it - probably some rest and being a bit more rational and applying CBT thinking to the struggle. And being more active to burn off the extra energy (a little!). The more days pass being hypomanic the more techniques for passing all the extra hours in the day I remember to practice. Teaching myself to crochet again, listening to more music, started a zentangle, talked to the GP and psychiatrist twice each. A little hope goes a long way.

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