I can feel it coming on...

I can feel my "mania" creeping up on me. I don't really know what else to call it. They are my episodes. I don't really have mania--i'm bp2--not the way the 1'ers have it anyway. My episodes consist of inconsiderate, rude behavior coupled with mean, irrational comments and just plain *****iness. I know this, yet I can't stop myself from having it happen. I can feel it knocking, however. It has been for the past few days. I have been grinding my teeth so bad, I think I am chipping them. My headache is getting worse because of this. I have been trying to keep this anger at bay, but it is getting harder and harder. I can hear it in the back of my mind, wanting to come in. This is really weird for me. Usually, it's just there, but since I have been on my meds, it's just like it is looking in through a window or something. I am kind of scared it will creep up on me when I least suspect it. I have been keeping to myself for a few days, but I don't think it helps. Do any one you guys have tips or a strategy that helps you? Taking a time out for some "in thru the nose, out thru the mouth" breathing doesn't seem to be working.

Mady, what medications are you taking? When I feel a hypomanic episode coming on I try to

• avoid caffeine
• eat regularly and properly
• go to sleep at a regular hour (if I can't sleep I take a sleeping pill)
• do a hard workout at the gym
• Being around my horse naturally will calm me down, so I will go to the stables
• Yoga can sometimes help
• Surround myself with people that are fun to be around and aren't triggers
• Go to a movie