This morning I woke up in a really good mood. I was eager to come to work and was making plans with hubby to get some stuff done around the house. I listened to upbeat music on the way to work and have my ipod set on easy listening right now (nothing too mellow). But, I am now wanting to just cry. I don't want to be out of bed. I don't want to be at work. I have serious thoughts of cutting myself right now and am thankful I'm at work where there is nothing sharp enough to hurt myself with. My thoughts are racing so fast I can't concentrate. I've started this thread over 4 times already.

Is this what is considered rapid cycling? Where I go from one mood to the opposite in just a few hours??

[Koigokoro-Love]

That would be it sweetie. Well, at least that's it for me.

It's really hard when you start rapid cycling. For me it's emotionally and mentally taxing and draining, as well as embarrassing if anyone's around, and completely unproductive and often times the stress gets to the point where it's physically painful.

I will tell you it will be alright. Something I always repeat to myself when I get like this is "This too will pass", because it will. That's the nature of it. It sucks to all hells, but it will pass. Hold off on any self harm, or suicidal thoughts, or any big and wild plans you want to fulfill, and stay rational enough to know that the emotions in your body right now are not real, and will go away soon.

My prayers are with you and if you get this before it ends, PM me. I'll be on and off all day and I'm willing to sit with you if you want me to.

KLove

[beauflow]

iamfred2
Koigokoro-Love

Rapid Cycling--- have a name to my chaos in my head at times; I am going to have to ask more about this to my t soon and what I can do to try to minimize the downs especially.

I have been told it can be hours, and some with days-- just with all of bipolar, it differs from one to another; I have to wonder does it last for 2 weeks (cuz that is what went on for me this last Monday and prior, i hope it is over for the moment - and been more- stable in ways)

I like what Koigokoro says-- "This too shall past"-- I too have to say that to myself in a chant some days...

Be well and hopefully you will be off the roller coaster of this.

[nicole84]

This sounds all too familiar for me too. Most recently had 2 days severely depressed and not wanting to even shower or move from bed, then the next day depressed during the day and mildly manic at night, to normal for 2 days and suddenly bursting into tears at night. It makes you wonder what the next day/week will have in store :-/

Technically rapid cycling is having 4 or more episodes per year. Ultra Rapid would be within days, and Ultra Ultra Rapid or Ultradian would be within the day. This is something that Pdocs do not educate us enough on I believe, also ultra and ultradian are considered rare, but from what I see even just here on PC, it's way more common then they say. My personal opinion, which is obviously not medically educated is that this might often be (but not always) a direct cause of medication. But that's just my personal opinion.