[hope1234]

hello,

my son who was just recently dx bipolar (after severe manic episode), has been down the last couple of days, now today hes upbeat and seems really happy...should i be worried? or is he just having a good day? I get really confused on the signs I should look for? the depression side is pretty easy to reconize, but the manic side is not so easy. I want to ask him but he has asked me to quit asking him every day how he is...I'm sure it gets annoying me asking him hows hes feeling all the time....any advice? thanks for listening

[lotusflames]

he might just be having a good day. if it seems over the top then that's the time to worry.

ask him how he feels! After all, he's the best one to know

[vjdragonfly]

It is possible that he is just having a good day. I can understand him not wanting to be questioned every day on how he feels. Do you have a close enough relationship with you son that he would tell you if he felt not right? Try not to worry so much, you both will make it though this.

[hope1234]

Originally Posted by lotusflames

he might just be having a good day. if it seems over the top then that's the time to worry.

ask him how he feels! After all, he's the best one to know

he doesnt seem "over the top"....i think i am just worrying to much...

[dragonfly2]

Mood shifts are very difficult to sort out sometimes, even for those of us who've been at this a while! He could just be having a good day, or he could be rapid cycling and ramping into a hypomania. Some things to watch for: how many hours did he sleep last night? Is he starting lots of projects or making big plans today? How fast is he talking? Most people don't just wake up and shoot straight into a full-blown manic episode. You should have a couple of days at least to watch and see if it gets worse. So, I would say, be watchful but not hypervigilant.

I read your earlier post and it looks like you've gotten some really good advice. Every person with bipolar disorder is different and it will take some time to become familiar with the way his illness presents itself. Just try to keep in mind that he will still have a range of "normal" moods - good and bad days - like everyone else.

The most important thing is to just be there for him and continue being the fantastic mom you've been. He's very lucky to have you.

[hope1234]

Originally Posted by vjdragonfly

It is possible that he is just having a good day. I can understand him not wanting to be questioned every day on how he feels. Do you have a close enough relationship with you son that he would tell you if he felt not right? Try not to worry so much, you both will make it though this.

we have always been close, but we have been getting even closer since his breakdown...I am prob just over thinking it...i just want to be as supportive as possible without being an annoying mom..thanks for your thoughts, they are appreciated..

[hope1234]

Originally Posted by dragonfly2

Mood shifts are very difficult to sort out sometimes, even for those of us who've been at this a while! He could just be having a good day, or he could be rapid cycling and ramping into a hypomania. Some things to watch for: how many hours did he sleep last night? Is he starting lots of projects or making big plans today? How fast is he talking? Most people don't just wake up and shoot straight into a full-blown manic episode. You should have a couple of days at least to watch and see if it gets worse. So, I would say, be watchful but not hypervigilant.

I read your earlier post and it looks like you've gotten some really good advice. Every person with bipolar disorder is different and it will take some time to become familiar with the way his illness presents itself. Just try to keep in mind that he will still have a range of "normal" moods - good and bad days - like everyone else.

The most important thing is to just be there for him and continue being the fantastic mom you've been. He's very lucky to have you.

thanks for your post...i think i worry so much now because I didnt see the signs of manic before, i just thought he was being a teenage/young adult..and he never really opened up about the racing thoughts etc..I have been reading everything under the sun on bipolar and looking back i do believe he has experienced rapid cycling..we go to the doc tomorrow to follow up on his meds...that has me worried as well...he has been on risperdone and tegratol thus far, but now that the psychosis is gone i believe they are going to take him off the risperdone...thanks again for letting me vent and your kind words... we are staying positive!!
-every day is a gift!!

[blueoctober]

The moods will fluctuate especially since he has just been put on meds. When I was first diagnosed my mood was all over the map for about the first 6 months. I know it's hard for a person to watch this happen to a family member (my mom is diagnosed as well).

It may also help if he could go through a out-patient group therapy program. You can check with his Psychiatrist to see if there's one in his area. That was really helpful for me.

[Anneinside]

I have never had group therapy, but I have had individual therapy for years and it has helped me recognize triggers and early signs of mania and depression so that I can take action. I would suggest some type of therapy.

Since you are worried about the onset of mania, refresh your memory about the symptoms of mania and use that as guide. You might encourage your son to start keeping a mood diary. They can be very simple, basically rating your mood every day.