[Sad&Bipolar]

I have the gift of Bipolar 1, and am in the depression zone most of the time. I have suddenly shifted into a mixed state with a high level of mania.It's very uncomfortable and confusing. Yet, I am so glad to not be extremely depressed. I feel like I am willing to do anything to keep the mania triggered. I also know how dangerous a high level of mania can be when depression symptoms exist simultaneously. I really need to be under the care of a doctor who has a good understanding of Bipolar and medications. Unfortunately, I don't have a pdoc at all right now. A good, caring doc with personality and who is also good with meds is hard to find. I have recently visited 3, and have been disappointed with all of them.

I have moments of almost joy - and I am laughing. Then I will switch into intense rage. I have had a lot of negative ideations and desires.

How do you cope with mania, and being in a mixed state? I want to jump out of my skin; I want to scream. What can I do to gain control?

[Lobster Hands]

Well, I don't really know what to tell you to help you cope with your mixed state because I struggle with the same things. But I too would love to hear other peoples comments.

[wildflowerchild25]

The only way I was able to deal with my mixed state was to use Benadryl to keep me calm, which I don't recommend (I used waaaay too much). However taking the recommended dose might help take the edge off. I also exercised a lot to burn off energy - I hate running but I went running every night. Running would help me manage my anger.

Honestly each mixed state ended in a hospitization for me because I could not keep myself safe. Good luck to you and KNOW YOUR LIMITS. If you feel unsafe bite the bullet and go to the ER. At the very least they can give you Ativan or something to help you calm down.

[catsrhelm]

I wouldn't wish the mixed state on anyone, because it is the pits. Basically, it's a storm that you have to ride out.
Mania, I just enjoy while it lasts.

[Sad&Bipolar]

I really feel like I need help. But no way am I going to the ER. They treat you with such a lack of dignity and respect. They take away all your clothes! It's a self-esteem breaker.

Luckily, I found a really good therapist who is seeing me at least twice a week since he knows I haven't found a doc yet.

I really appreciate that the three of you took the time to reply.

Have the very best Tuesday!

[LaborIntensive]

I had a friend with these mania issues. I am mostly just depressed or borderline "ok" then back being down again. He however would swing wildly up and be basically jumping off the walls and looked insane to me. But as the years grew on he got married and lived a few blocks from the rec center. When the mania kicked in he would go swimming, walk the track, play racket ball and man o' man did that seem to be a good thing both physically and mentally for him. With proper meds as well he is a whole different person. It's been awhile but last time we saw each other he was holding the same management job for over 5 years and was on his second child! Oh yeah and the down days, that's how we met. He would just sit in the coffee shop with his laptop, books and notebooks trying to discover something of interest and looking for a better job.

[outlaw sammy]

I love manic episodes while they last - but the damage left behind is horrible to deal with. Mixed episodes only seem to damage my social well-being, but not my financial, legal, or environmental status. Depression nearly always kills me by suicide, but because I survive, I can go on without much damage. Bipolar disorder as a whole is a living hell. Statistics tell us that we either learn to live with it - or die young.

[Standup2me]

Cats, you are right - they suck!

If I had words of wisdom I would share.... but no wisdome

[BipolaRNurse]

I'm just coming off a mixed episode myself. They are hellish and this one went on for weeks. Thank God (and my pdoc) for Zyprexa.... I've had six good days in a row now. :-). It does get better.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ManicIcarus]

I can't speak for full blown mania as I've only ever had really intense hypo-mania, but I can say I try to find something to put the extra energy into. Organizing, writing, cleaning, cooking, or just whatever you can do that's productive (or not productive). That is of course easier said than done sometimes because sometimes mania makes it so you can hardly concentrate on one thing at a time.

[manicmonday!]

I've been mostly out of a depressed state for a couple weeks now....long time for me, but I'm in the same boat. When someone that ticks me off is even in my sight I remove myself because I'll blow up! When the mania spikes I clean, write, punch a mattress, or whatever. Basically, if you're in the mood to do something and you know it's safe and won't harm, do it!
HOPEFULLY this time neither of us will end up in the hospital, lol. [I'm def prone to it]

[Jennibella]

I am new here. In fact, this will be my very first post. I may not have much experience with this forum, but I have tons with the kind of state you find yourself in. Please hear me when I tell you this: right now, no doctor is going to sound like they have the right answer. That's what makes a mixed state so horrible, you're not depressed, yet nothing is right. You're manic, but without the confidence. Go back to the doctor you disliked the least, please. The hardest part about this condition, for me, has been acknowledging when I am well that I should not be making decisions when I am sick. I wish you all the best.

[r010159]

Wanting to keep the mania triggered while in a mixed state? I know my mixed state is hell, agitation to the extreme.

[Atypical_Disaster]

Honestly, the only thing that's helped me in mixed states is to take extra meds. It sounds like that isn't an option for you right now. My advice? Do something that will occupy you that's not dangerous. Take care of yourself too and do things to pamper yourself(take soothing baths, listen to your favorite music, whatever works for you), and for the love of God don't ingest any caffeine, that will make it all worse.