[ariatboot]

How do you know if your moods are changing because your meds are finally working or your swinging from a depression into a mixed or manic episode?

My situation in short....for the last two month I have been in the deepest depression I have ever been in. I was hospitalized for a week for suicidal intentions and was even put on Adderall which is a stimulant just to get out of bed for a few hours a day. But I think Im going into a mixed episode. Im needing less sleep and having the racing thoughts but it only happens when Im trying to go to sleep at night. I cant blame it on the Adderall because it wears off by 6:00 at night and I go to bed at 10:00. I have had one mixed episode and it was pure hell. I just dont have much experience with this and the sudden change in my mood is really freaking me out. Any input would be great, Thanks!

[GreenIvy]

For me I don't know at first. If I keep some of the depressed feeling and become irritable and agitated then I am going into a mixed episode. If the feelings lift and start feeling like my old self again and stay there I know I am stabilizing. If I start feeling better then normal then I know I may be going manic or mixed. I have to give it a little time to see what happens but I pay very close attention to see if I have any of my early warning signs. Those are the best clues for me as to what is happening.

[BlackPup]

i generally hope for the best then get disappointed if it all comes crashing down. I usually feel a bit mixed when i start a new drug, it is as though my brain and it are fighting it out to see who is going to win!
Like Nikki said look for the early warning signs that things are swinging in the wrong direction and get them to adjust your meds if you need to.
Glad you're coming out of that nasty depression and hope that it is the beginning of good things for you.