[meccorad]

So I've been keeping track for the past two months and I'm really starting to worry that I'm Bipolar. I've noticed that I'll stay depressed (by all standard definition) for about three weeks, then level off for a few days, followed by a week or less of fast paced speech, extra energy, and somewhat delusional thoughts. Then it's an immediate lapse into depression. It's not always a constant cycle either.

Just recently I was perfectly fine for a month or so, then out of nowhere I was extremely depressed, it was unbearable. I wasn't motivated to go to work, take a shower, or even eat a meal. Then I was practically bouncing off the walls today with this odd confidence. I'm expecting a crash, but I don't know when.

Secondly, I'm not on any psychiatric meds (even though I really should be) I haven't renewed my prescription since the last time I was in the hospital.

Is it possible to have such irregular cycles?

[sugahorse1]

Normal BP symptoms are about 4 cycles a year. But can be as much as a few per day

[CesarioRose]

Funny thing about Bipolar is that it's kind of ambiguous as to when a person cycles, how often, to what severity, etc. Because everyone is different. I personally cycle every few days, followed by normality, followed by a mixed episode, then usually depression, then either another mixed episode or normality, sometimes hypomania in there for a few days, then back to depression. Rinse and repeat. Month by month.

[madisgram]

mecco, may i ask why u went off your meds? have u contacted your pdoc? often times i need to reach out for help. i'm no professional but from what you describe it may very well be bipolar. i'd seek help, imho. you don't have to have those severe mood swings and meds help many of coupled with therapy. it changed my life. i no longer have to struggle for the most part. hope you will consider these options.

[blueoctober]

Originally Posted by meccorad

Secondly, I'm not on any psychiatric meds (even though I really should be) I haven't renewed my prescription since the last time I was in the hospital.

Is it possible to have such irregular cycles?

Prior to being diagnosed I found that I had more mood swings depending on the stress I was under and my pattern was similar to yours until my last major depression that lasted 3 months and I ended up in the hospital. As far as being off the meds you were prescribed it really depends what you were prescribed. If it was anti-d's and you do have bipolar that would cause more issues (that's how I was diagnosed). I would suggest speaking to a Psychiatrist regarding your symptoms.

[ladyjrnlist]

I have two-week cycles. So it does indeed vary per person.