[Side of the Angels]

I have been paying attention to my episodes a lot recently, where I am what I am doing, who I am with when I change or the level of the episode. It has occurred to me that a pattern has developed. I feel I am able to control when I go into a mania. I don't know if its true but it sure seems like it. When i talk to someone about my manic depression, explain it or something. That seems to get me high and set me off. Certain people i am around seem to set me off into mania. Not psycho mania but just high. I dunno. Just a thought.

[BlackPup]

Great that you are starting to see patterns of what sets you off. I also found certain things are likely to speed up my thinking, but just when you think you've got it figured it something else pops up!!!!!

What is also important is knowing ways to calm yourself down when you recognise yourself going faster. I find meditation and sleep help but if I'm past that I use sleeping tablets and increase my meds.... Hope this helps

[SunReach]

I can see a sort of pattern in mine as well...Not sure how well I can control it though! I find it hard to deal with it while getting on with everything else as well, as other things interfere with my dealing if they are not part of the way I deal. (I hope that made sense!)
For me, the key to balance is learning how to work with the meds and at the same time using whatever insight I have to keep the episodes as 'smooth' as possible..

[sugahorse1]

Over time, I do think you learn to recognise triggers. I don't handle stress well, nor lack of sleep.
Certain people push my buttons. Not doing anything can make me depressed...

[Side of the Angels]

Originally Posted by BlackPup

I find meditation and sleep help but if I'm past that I use sleeping tablets and increase my meds.... Hope this helps

It does, thanks! I am a huge fan of meditation. I am in recovery from alcoholism and prayer and meditation is part of my daily rituals. It works, it really does. thanks again. <3

[Side of the Angels]

Originally Posted by sugahorse

Over time, I do think you learn to recognise triggers. I don't handle stress well, nor lack of sleep.
Certain people push my buttons. Not doing anything can make me depressed...

Heck yeah, not doing anything makes it allll worse. Sleeping makes it all worse. Its a viscous cycle. I am calling the mental place today and get in to see someone. Thank you for your words and support, I appreciate it a great deal. <3

[Side of the Angels]

Originally Posted by SadRobot

I can see a sort of pattern in mine as well...Not sure how well I can control it though! I find it hard to deal with it while getting on with everything else as well, as other things interfere with my dealing if they are not part of the way I deal. (I hope that made sense!)
For me, the key to balance is learning how to work with the meds and at the same time using whatever insight I have to keep the episodes as 'smooth' as possible..

Yes I do find that if, for example, I am in a certain way, transitioning or super manic, my kids irritate me bkuz, well, theyre kids and they do waht they want and it doesn't fall into what I want to be doing or how I want to be communicating. Boo hoo, I know, lol but in those times I pray, I take a minute to recognize how I react and slow down a bit and force a joke or smile. Some days are better than others, eh? Thanks for your words.

[sugahorse1]

Music triggers me-hypomania or depression. I sleep to get away from it all. And because the depression or hypomania is tiring

[Side of the Angels]

Originally Posted by sugahorse

Music triggers me-hypomania or depression. I sleep to get away from it all. And because the depression or hypomania is tiring

Music can trigger either for me, though I do not get hypo-mania, I get mixed and I rapid cycle, so sometimes it doesnt last very long. I sleep to escape it all as well. I sleep all the time. I dont necessarily want to either. I cant function at all because I sleep so much. Ulgh. I hate the depressive. it always lasts longer and is way more extreme than the mania.

Originally Posted by toolesque

.. I am calling the mental place today and get in to see someone...

Originally Posted by toolesque

... I hate the depressive. it always lasts longer and is way more extreme than the mania.

How did it go setting an appointment, toolesque?
Hear you on the depressive part. It's the exact same for me. And on the hypomanic side, I get very impatient and irritable too. Sometimes triggers are hard to identify...and let's face it, sometimes episodes are a brain shift with no real trigger. But! Being able to identify triggers is a great tool in being able to get a better grasp on the ones that are more controllable. For me, I've found I can better recognize signs of the manic-y ones that will really set me off into rage, and that has really helped lessen the frequency (well, that and the meds for sure!) For example, doing a self-quarantine, trying to avoid say, grocery shopping (where everyone will annoy the **** out of me), or trying not to push through tasks that are getting me worked up. Doesn't always work, but it's definitely helped.

[xadorningxwoundsx]

Different people are triggers for me. When I'm alone my mind goes into a major depressive episodes, sometimes with psychosis. I get in really giddy hypomanic episodes with my boyfriend, hence why he's agaimst the idea of me getting on meds, and at times if I'm alone for extended periods i go into full blown psychotic manic rages. Music effects my mood and sometimes i can avoid depressive episodes by singing upbeat love songs, heavy metal triggers mania of some form or another while bands like evanescence typically make me depressed. I find that listening to a song that describe your mood repeatedly until it gets old then listening to a happier song is a good way to both deal with how you're feeling and get back to a happier mood.