[AAAAA]

Well it's official, I'm in my manic stage. After all these years, you'd think I'd be able to read the signs.

I've been getting an incredible amount of housework and spring cleaning done. We completely redid our bedroom (almost finished).

I've been a bit cranky with the family because they're used of depressed mom not having the energy to care if they've done the dishes or similar chore on their night.

There was a major break down at my husband's job yesterday and he put in a 17 hour shift. He came home early today, and instead of being sympathetic because he's got to be dog tired, I was just really irritated that he was so slow finishing the closet + ten other small things that he has to finish before I can continue. I've got all the clothes washed and pressed, ready to return to be put away, but I cannot until he's finished with the trim.

When he snapped at me that he'd worked 17 hours the day before, slept four hours then put in another 6 today MY reaction wasn't sympathy. It was resentment that he feels obligated to stay at work until the job is done correctly but I have to beg, bribe, and nag to get him to put in the slightest bit of effort on home improvements.

It did not occur to me that the source of all of this turmoil is me. I crushed 10 big black bags of soda cans today that I'm donating because I waited so long to haul them in that I didn't want to bother them by bringing TEN bags of cans. This was a three hour project that kept me occupied while I was waiting for hubby to finish the closet.

Nope, a light didn't come on until I was standing in the shower scouring my clothes hampers with cleanser and a toothbrush and getting extremely annoyed that I may miss the only program that I look forward to all week (Lost) because there were four that I was cleaning today.

I so love my manic stages, and I missed them terribly, but I didn't realize until today that it also impacts my family relationships on every level.

AAAAA! I often don't realize it either till the Q-Tips and toothbrushes come out for cleaning or it's 3 steps and turn 3 steps and turn, practically running through the place because a million disparate chores are cascading into my mind and trying to get them done all at once.... Can totally relate.
At least you did realize, that's something, right?

[BashfullOne]

It's good that you realized your in a manic stage. I never realized before that these had names (Manic Stage) - I always thought I was being normal then - and that the depression was all that was wrong with me. My eyes have been opened since I've been diagnosed as bpII. I don't have manic stages very often anymore. I'm mostly depressed and more depressed... LOL One of these days I have to feel better!

[Ascension]

I can completely understand the double edged knife that mania can be. Keeping it reigned in is so hard. The sad thing is I can relate to the title of this thread... My extreme swings feel like home or an old friend. I call my illness my mistress. I relish my emotions almost as much as my loved ones and if I have to chose between healthy and the illness I have to really assert myself.

[AAAAA]

I do love my manic stages, I haven't had a major one in a long time. I've gotten so much done, it's just so satisfying. Today we put new insulation in the basement and I put the first coat of paint on the utility room.

I do hope that it's a positive thing that I realize what is going on. Hubby figured it out last night with the hampers in the shower. It's a good thing that my kids are older. Like I said, I haven't been this manic in a few years so the 16 year old's aren't overly familiar with this stage. So I sat them down and explained things to them.

Normally it isn't a big deal if they wait until 9 to load the dishwasher. These days I need I don't know what the kitchen will be used for from one minute to the next, so they need to do their chores in a timely manner.

FYI soft scrub pads ROCK, although they run out of cleanser too soon.

I know the crash is coming, and if this mania is any indication of the depth of the depression, it'll be a bad one. I'm hedging my bets right now and hoping to get all of my spring cleaning and renovation work finished before the crash.

[Moreta]

I've been getting an incredible amount of housework and spring cleaning done.

You want to come clean my house next?

[lynn P.]

(((AAAAA))) - at least you're getting things done. I hope the crash won't be a bad one.

[Anneinside]

Have you let your pdoc know that you are having a manic episode. There might be a med tweak that will slow you down and also help you from having a deep fall.

[AAAAA]

I haven't contacted the doctor. I quit taking my meds several months ago. Traditionally I only seek help during the depression mode.

[Pughead]

This thread title:
"My old friend is back"

That's actually a good way to think of it, as a "friend" and not an enemy. It is what it is, but looking at it and embracing it rather than fighting it is probably a good thing. I read it in a book somewhere, and I think it makes sense. Embrace your troubles as friends. Easier said than done of course, and I am no exception at all! But I was just making an observation based on the thread title. I hope you're feeling better.

[AAAAA]

I'm trying to be more patient with my family. Their priorities are not the same as mine. I also don't know how long this is going to last, so I have many projects I want to complete before I revert back to the depression stage.

My own experience with this process is that I'll be going full steam ahead one day and the next I've crashed into the depths of depression. It would be much easier if there was a slow decline.