Posts Tagged ‘Hypomania’

I was so excited yesterday because the Hypo mania decided to pay me a visit… awesome! but, of course, today I’m feeling a little bit moody and “bitchy” I suppose!I guess I didn’t really understand that I could have the ups and downs even with the meds, learning my lesson. I definitely don’t mind the ups (Hypo mania) or the “normal” state of mind that the medication is responsible for but the depressed, moody, bitchy, sensitive, and anxious feelings (just to name a few) I’d rather just kick in the ass (with my pointiest of pointy high heels) GOODBYE! I try to stay positive, most of the time, but for now I’de rather bitch and complain about the drastic swings of my mood from happy to sad, patient to inpatient, excited to anxious and oh… let’s through in a little bit (oh fuck it I’ll be honest) A LOT of anxiety!!! and see how this girls handles life… WTF!!!!! -XOXO CrazyInHeels

It’s hard to get through the days when I’m not in a heightened state of mind. I’m slowly reaching a “normal” state of mind but I feel like it’s a slightly depressed mood because I wish I was hypomania. I feel like I still have a lack of energy and interest. I’m definitely not lying in bed crying anymore and for that I’m thankful but I wish I still had all that energy and drive. Maybe I haven’t reached the full potential of happiness while being normal. I’m just two weeks into my new meds so I’ll hold out hope. Just load me up with more drugs until I’m happy. I’m ready to kick up my heels and get back to life. – XOXO CrazyInHeels

My mood is lifting with each new day. I’m feeling much better and am getting back to being the CrazyInHeels girl that I am. I look back over the last few months and I can see all the warning signs of hypomania and manic depression. I went from an extreme high to an extreme low in a matter of a day or so. The hypomania was great and I look forward to it’s return. The depression can stay away! I haven’t been myself lately and that made me very sad. Those closest to me saw a difference as well. Now they get to see me return to me and it’s nice to hear people say that they see me going back to normal. I hate crying in the middle of the day for no reason, having an extreme lack of energy, experiencing extreme agitation & frustration, being highly combative, being filled with anxiety, and feeling completely hopeless. It’s horrible to be us when were depressed. It feels like your stuck in your own hell and you can’t get out. I’m so thankful that I have access to meds! I can’t stress how manageable my life is when I’m medicated. I’m genuinely a happy person, I work hard, I’m confident, and I’m in the scope of reality!!! Life is so much easier when I’m medicated and I strongly suggest you seek medical attention if you think you could be bipolar. You have the potential to live a normal healthy life but you have to be willing to admit that you’re “crazy”… much love!!! – CrazyInHeels

It was a little hard to get out of bed this morning but I did it anyways. As the morning progress’ I’m happy to report that my mood is significantly better than yesterday. I have more energy than the last couple of weeks. I think it makes me feel better just to go see my doctor and then know that I’m starting a new med that will make me feel better. Almost a relief that the happiness will return soon. I’m returning to a “normal” state of mind (whatever that is) without the manic depression or, unfortunately, the hypo-mania. I’m easier to talk to but not overly talkative. I’m not confined to my bed because of depression. I’m not combative and angry. I’m not overreacting and irrational. I’m coming back to me.  -CrazyInHeels

My fiance noticed a difference already this morning. I’m sure he’s jumping for joy on the inside.

I have been oh so lucky as to have been diagnosed as Bipolar II and I’m definitely a rapid cycler. My thoughts are definitely crazy but I guess you could say that having Bipolar II makes them a little less crazy. I don’t wander the streets in my underwear and think I have super powers but I do experience drastic mood changes that affect my daily life. My moods cycle rapidly throughout the day. Sometimes I have good days and some days I have bad days. Sometimes I have a good hour and the next hour I’m crying in the bathroom. I keep a journal of moods and it’s very interesting to visually see how up and down I am… crazy!

There are many different types of bipolar:

• Bipolar I and Mania
• Bipolar II and Hypomania
• Cyclothymic Disorder
• Rapid Cycling
• Mixed Episode

The following definitions are taken from: http://www.mixednuts.net/bipolar.html

Bipolar I and Mania: Most people with bipolar I have episodes of both depression and mania. In very rare cases, they experience only mania. Bipolar I is distinguished from bipolar II by the severity and duration of the manic phase, which can last anywhere from a week to several months, and the experience of delusions. Risky behavior is common in manic episodes and patients often require hospitalization for their own safety.
The symptoms of mania can include rapid speech, insomnia, disconnected thoughts, grandiose ideas, hallucinations, extreme irritability, feelings of omnipotence, paranoia, violent behavior, a marked increase in strength, and openly promiscuous activity.

Bipolar II & Hypmania: People with bipolar II suffer primarily from episodes of severe depression with occasional episode of “mild” mania, called hypomania. Hypomania differs from mania in that no delusions are experienced.  Like mania, hypomania can cause severely impaired functioning. The hypomanic episode often feels so good that bipolar patients often discontinue their medication in quest of a hypomanic episode. This is especially problematic because symptoms that come back after stopping drug treatment are often much harder to get back under control a second time. While Bipolar II has sometimes been described as a “milder” form of bipolar disorder than Bipolar I, the suicide rate among people suffering from Bipolar II is actually higher than that for those suffering from Bipolar I.

Cyclothymic Disorder: People with cyclothymic disorder alternate between hypomania and mild depression. It is not as severe as bipolar I and II, but persists for longer periods with no break in symptoms. Cyclothymic disorder can later become full-blown bipolar disorder in some people, or can continue as a low-grade chronic condition.

Rapid Cycling: Most people with bipolar disorder have an average of 8 to 10 manic or depressive episodes over a lifetime. Some, however, experience much more severe symptoms called rapid cycling. They can swing (cycle) between “highs” and “lows” many times in one day. To be considered a rapid cycler, you must have at least 4 mood swings in a year.

 Mixed Episode: During a Mixed Episode, symptoms of both mania and depression occur at the same time. The excitability and agitation of mania is coupled with depression and irritability. This combination of high energy and agitation along with depression makes the mixed episode the most dangerous for risk of suicide.