I’ve kept a chart of my mood swings for the past year. It’s amazing to see what triggers most of my downswings. Without question,it’s difficult relationships. I knew that this was a problem,but seeing the reality on a piece of paper forced me to make some serious behavioral changes. I have to limit contact with certain people,no matter how much I care for them. I wish I were the type who could have exciting,but difficult people in my life,but as my chart clearly pointed out. I can’t.
There is a mood swing chart and an example of one of my charts at the back of my book Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder. The Health Cards can provide you a lot of information as well. I faithfully chart my mood every night. It’s depressing to see how this illness controls my life,but I at least know I am doing [ Read More ]
I am excited to post my new bipolarhappens.com podcast series called Conversations with Sherri.
Sherri is a dear friend of mine who has bipolar I. She has been in an off and on manic/psychotic episode for over two years- and of course,there is a lot of depression mixed in there as well. In this opening podcast,Sherri and I talk about her bipolar disorder one history as well as her experiences of mania. She is such an honest and funny person! Our next conversation is on benzodiazapine addiction –Sherri just got off a 20 year Klonopin habit. No kidding. She’s a rock star.
I think you will really enjoy and be enthralled by this candid and very informative conversation about mania and all of it’s symptoms and troubles.
Please do leave your comments on ourconversation and what you would like us to talk about in the future. After the Klonopin conversation- we will discuss [ Read More ]
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 ]
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 ]
Hi,It’s really early in the morning and I’m off to my trip to Texas. So far,so good! No anxiety at all!
I will not be on the blog for a few days. There are many reader comments where people ask questions= please feel free to answer them with any advice you may have. As always,be careful not to offer medical advice,but you can offer suggestions and places to go for more information!
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.
The health information contained herein is provided for general education purposes only. This site should not be seen as a substitute for an official diagnosis or for professional health care.
reader comments….
Hi,It’s really early in the morning and I’m off to my trip to Texas. So far,so good! No anxiety at all!
I will not be on the blog for a few days. There are many reader comments where people ask questions= please feel free to answer them with any advice you may have. As always,be careful not to offer medical advice,but you can offer suggestions and places to go for more information!
Julie