[GenCat]

I have been having this feeling like I am going to crash and my car is going too fast. Also feel like my mind is going none stop, I feel like the world is speeding around me and im moving too slow. Also feel jittery if I sit in one spot for too long. Also I don't feel as tired now at night and I keep waking up at 4:30 and it drives me crazy that I cant sleep without a sleeping pill. Whats going on with me, is it bipolar related?

To me it would signify the beginning of a hypo/manic episode. It would be too late for me to put the brakes on. What have your past manias been like? Do you have a relapse plan? with warning signs? and coping strategies?

[wildflowerchild25]

Sounds like mania or hypomania. I keep feeling like I'm going to crash my car too. It sucks. Try to do calming things like taking a shower or bath, coloring, etcetera.

[GenCat]

Originally Posted by Bipolarartist

To me it would signify the beginning of a hypo/manic episode. It would be too late for me to put the brakes on. What have your past manias been like? Do you have a relapse plan? with warning signs? and coping strategies?

I haven't really had any...im new to being diagnosed with bipolar, so im new to figuring out what manic stages feel like.

Did no-one give a checklist of mania symptoms or go over with you the symptoms that brought you treatment? Do you have T? They can help. I don't know what country your in so can't give you advice about local services.

[lawrenman]

Most likely you are experiencing what would be considered something along the lines of a bipolar episode.

First of all lets start with the car thing. Its possible that because you are not reaching deep enough restful sleep your mind is having trouble with its motor capabilities.

Your mind when it has racing thoughts means you are pretty much on the way to mania. However, you can control your thoughts. The only way I know of that works is to simply slow everything down. Sitting outside on a sunny day. Walking. Doing things to calm your mind essentially. Watch a TV show that does not interest you at all...maybe a children's program. Work on controlling your breathing. Take a nap in the mid-afternoon. Ready yourself for the nap by taking a long walk and eating some food with protein in it. Put your body to work on basic everyday tasks while letting your mind calm down...that sort of thing.

Overall, keep in mind that you are not crazy. No one truly is...in that they still can control their mind. Let your subconscious have control so you can get restful sleep when you need it. Your active mind will try to control things around it too much if you let it. You need balance in all things.

I haven't studied sleep medication enough. I am concerned that it may affect how your brain works when you sleep. The brain has an active mode and inactive mode. Its possible that the sleep medication might interact negatively with the active mode would be my guess but I'm not sure.

[deelooted]

Originally Posted by GenCat

I haven't really had any...im new to being diagnosed with bipolar, so im new to figuring out what manic stages feel like.

I am new to this diagnosis, too. I am learning a little more what my signs are that indicate I am headed for a manic ride, and driving is key. Are you irritated at others when you a driving? What emotion are you feeling while driving?

For me, if the answer is yes, others are irritating me, manic episode coming on. Same for the sleep... I will wake up earlier and earlier, until I cannot sleep. Thank God for trazodone!

And if I feel mopey while driving, chances are that I am headed downwards into a mixed mood.

Hope you get some good rest, as this is very important for us mood swingers

[GenCat]

Originally Posted by Bipolarartist

Did no-one give a checklist of mania symptoms or go over with you the symptoms that brought you treatment? Do you have T? They can help. I don't know what country your in so can't give you advice about local services.

Nope. My Therapist is only available during sessions.