I'm a rapid cycler, with mostly mixed episodes. When I first developed bipolar I only had mixed episodes.

Usually the episodes manifested themselves with a sensation of disconnect between my mind and body -- like my mind would be racing and energized, and my body would be utterly lethargic, to the point where I couldn't even hold my head up. I felt physically exhausted, and like all of my energy was trapped inside.

My emotions were all over the place, which seemed to create the overall effect of a kind of numb, mechanically-driven feeling. Like a buzzing feeling, stimulated and detached.

Has anybody else noticed the difference between hormonal moodiness and neurologically-induced moodiness? I've been in the process of switching birth control pills, and the mood stabilizer that I'm on is UTTERLY ineffective at stabilizing hormonal mood swings (which makes sense). I think more doctors should stress checking your hormone levels (and regulating them) as an additional way to stabilize oneself. Anybody agree?

Sorry to get off topic, hope you can find the med/therapy combo that's right for you... sounds like you're on the right track by being attentive to and proactive with your mental health.

Jessie