Is this "normal"?

I have bipolar 1 and I couldn't find the answer to this question which I researched for quite a while. During the winter I have HUGE manic episodes and psychosis which happens every year since I was 15. I don't have depression during that period, at least that I am aware of. I'm non functional during the winter and I struggle with life itself so I don't always recognize my symptoms. Does anyone else have this problem in the winter? How can I help this from not happening? I really want the ability to complete a college program and have a successful job

Also in the spring I have mania and in the late summer I have hypomania (right now actually). Fall is the only season I actually get a break when it comes to mood disorders. I always have hallucinations though, I don't always know when I have them since they seem so real, is this normal? Do bipolar individuals have hallucinations often? I don't have them as often now that I've been taking risperdal thankfully.

Any information will be greatly appreciated

It is quite common for people with bipolar to have hallucinations. I also understand it is quite common to cycle wih the seasons. I am a rapid cycler so I have no pattern to my cycles that I can tell just yet, except I know the winter is actually opposite for me. I get crushing depression/mixed episodes. I think I have seasonal affective disorder because this has gone on for as long as I can remember, even before I was dx'ed.

As for controlling the moods, you really need to get some sort of therapy to help you learn coping skills you can use to ground yourself during manic episodes. Learning some mindfulness skills would be a tremendous help (at least it was for me). DBT and CBT (dialectical behavior therapy and cognitive behavior therapy) can be really helpful with bipolar. I do DBT and I have gotten a lot better at handling my mood swings.

Good luck to you and never fear - you are, of course, normal - whatever that is

Welcome to PC, fox- it is nice to meet you

Yes, I have crazy hallucinations every time I go manic...hence my diagnosis of bipolar 1 with psychotic features. My hallucinations are so real to me, it is not until later after the episode is over that I realize they might have been hallucinations... notice I said "might have been"- even afterwards, it is still difficult for me to accept that the visions/sounds were hallucinations.

I also change moods with the seasons, and it is a crap shoot whether it will be mania or depression. Wildflowerchild has given great recommendations on how to deal with it. Mindfulness is key to learning the signposts of oncoming mania or depression.

Not easy, but possible. Blessings to you, I wish you the best.

I spent 2010 totally delusional and only ended up with a bipolar diagnosis. It confuses me,too

Maybe moving out to an area with more sunlight will help?

You can try the blue light lamps and check your vitamin d levels. It may not eliminate symptoms, but can still help. Just a thought.

I don't have the money to move to a better area sadly. I struggle wit having a job because I also have autism spectrum disorder, adhd, and ocd. I have to be careful where I work so I don't get hospitalized from being over stressed which can trigger mania (this has happen twice so far). I was recommend the DBT program and maybe I can find a family member that could help me with the expenses.

Do you have hallucinations when you're not manic though? I have them to what seems to be all the time. I'm not having them as often because of the resperdal though so that's how I know they were hallucinations.

There is blue spectrum lights that can be bought at Lowe's or something like that. And if you install them and your whole house then you have one big light box. However they are more expensive than yellow light.

Just wanted to say there is a definite seasonal component and pattern to my moods. I always end up in the hospital in the summer, because of suicidal mixed states.

I am 57 and when I was younger my cycles were different, they have evolved over time.