Where is euphoric hypomania when I need it?

That is only partly a joking question. I know that my mania is just as dangerous as my depression. But why can’t I at least have as much hypomania as depression! If a psych read this they would remind me that what goes up must come down. In fact,I write that in all of my books- but I don’t know one person who doesn’t love euphoric hypomania in the beginning and middle stages. When it hits the third stage it’s awful- as is the bad crash that inevitably follows. But I still wish I could have it more- just without the downside. It’s sort of like being able to live on sweets without ever getting fat!

 I manage my hypomania just as diligently as I manage the depression. I know how serious it is- but when I’m depressed as I am today- I wish it would just show up for a few hours so that [ Read More ]





Bipolar Disorder and Hypomania

Lovely mania.. not!

I float a lot when I’m depressed. As my brother said,it’s like I spend all day working hard to get nothing done! My hypomania is so different. I get it all done in one day!

I love hypomania- the good,euphoric,mildly up kind. It’s the best drug in the world. The problem is that in the 30 years (OMG!) I have had hypomania,it has never stayed good for very long. Before I knew how to treat and ultimately prevent it,the mania was very destructive. It only felt good,but it wasn’t good. Right now I am feeling better than I have in a long time. I’m getting work done- my thoughts seem normal and I’m really sticking to a positive view on life despite these interesting economic times.

How do I know if this is the beginning of hypomania? That is always a question for [ Read More ]





What is the real me?

I know WHO the real me is…. my question is WHAT is the real me in terms of energy,happiness,work ability etc. I often mistake hypomania for the ‘real me.’I  have a NORMAL card in my Health Cards and that helps immensely.  But the hypomania gets me a lot. I can be hypomanic for only a few hours a day and not know it. When you rapid cycle a lot,you can miss the mania and then get broadsided by the depression.

I think the real me is gregarious,happy,focused,calm and industrious.  What about you?

 Julie

If you click on the mania subject button to your right,you can read about the difference between hypomania and mania.





Bipolar Disorder and Mania:Are you Manic Julie? (Julie’s mom)

Are you manic Julie?

I get so pissed when my mom asks me this question! Of course,I taught her to ask it and I want her to ask it,but it always makes me mad.

I mostly have euphoric hypomania. It is wonderful at the beginning. It’s tricky as it usually comes after a depression- so I desperately want and need to feel better. But I know that what goes up must come down,so I have to be ready for the downswing.

I’ve trained myself by using the Health Cards to go into treatment mode as soon as the hypomania starts. Damn,damn,damn. That is actually mild language for what it feels like to realize that feeling good is actually being manic.

If you have a lot of mild manias,this means that you’re rapid cycling. It means your meds are not working fully or that you or something outside of you [ Read More ]





Bipolar Disorder Mania and Normal Excitement

What is the difference between bipolar disorder mania and normal excitement?

Mania makes everything look beautiful and interesting.

Excitement is the result of something beautiful and interesting.

Mania is a brain mistake. Excitement is real.

Julie