I was tracking my manic cycle on a calendar. It seemed to be similar to a woman's menstrual cycle. 3 weeks or so of feeling "normal", (whatever the heck that means) then I'd start going up.

For me the up portion of the cycle just meant I was more "on." Funnier than I normally am, quicker. Like the synapses in my brain were freshly oiled and firing clean. This went on for 1 to 2 days followed by a downward slide lasting 2 to 3 days.

During the down time I was short tempered, quick to snap at people and give them a piece of my mind, whether they deserved it, or not.

I was also likely to spend one day of my down time in bed because I just couldn't deal with people. They were too damn annoying and I just didn't have the energy.

6 months ago I started 1 hour a week therapy sessions with a Psychologist.
5 months ago I started on generic Depakote.
Between the two I feel a great improvement. My highs aren't quite as high, which I miss a bit, but my lows are nowhere near as low. For that I'm very grateful.

Good luck to you, and to all of us.



))))>>>Peace & Hugs<<<((((