[appletosser]

Every time I have an episode, which admittedly is almost all the time, I get quite a few obsessions and compulsions. My psychiatrist said it might be my brain trying to distract itself from whatever mood I'm in. As a way of dealing with the bad feelings and thoughts. Most of my hypo-manic periods are often filled with anxiety and anger, so they're not much fun, and I've got a lot of rapid cycling which is stressful.
Does anyone else have this problem? Or does someone have a solution? Or at least something that can calm it down a bit

I get obsessive and a little paranoid and really angry during my hypo periods. I think it's called dysphoric, but I'm not sure about that. Anyways.. yes, I get the same way. full of rage. hatred even. I'm not proud about that. I project my feelings on everyone around me when I get that way, but I am working on it. all we can do is the best that we can.

[appletosser]

I guess dysphoric is the opposite of euphoric so it sort of fits. I really hate the anger. I know it's not "real", as in I'm not really angry at people, that it's just the illness, but it's so hard not to take it out on people. And I get angry at my self for the obsessive behaviour, but I can't stop that either. I'm sort of glad I'm not alone in feeling this, but I feel sorry for anyone who struggles with this

Nope. your not alone!

[appletosser]

btw.. how is the lamictal working for you? I've been on it for about 6 months now and it hasn't helped that much

it has helped tremedously... still need an anti depressant boost, and the abilify has made the biggest difference for me, but I wouldn't want to go without the lamictal.

[appletosser]

my psychiatrist just put me on a little abilify and it slowed down the rapid cycling, but I've been depressed since I started.. maybe I should ask if a little anti-depressants could work for me. I mean, it can't hurt

[Clinte89]

Maybe inundate yourself with a hobby you enjoy so it gives you something healthy to obsess about? Thats the only advice I can give you. Sorry

yeah.. zoloft helps with anxiety and depression so that's the right fit for me

[Clinte89]

Try lexapro that worked well for me untill it quit working then things went batty.

[appletosser]

Thanks for the advice. I've tried that, but when I'm depressed I don't seem to be able to do anything except obsessing over counting, sorting things and so on. But maybe I should try to start writing or drawing again

[appletosser]

Cipralex, or lexapro, killed my depression about a year ago, but sent me into 5 months of rapid cycling. I'll ask about the zoloft. Thanks guys^^

[Clinte89]

Ouch yeah no lexapro for you then lol

[appletosser]

nah, I'll stay away from the lexapro