Hi, I'm having a mixed episode. Saw my pdoc last week, not new to my diagnosis (bipolar I), I'm strong. I know this will pass. But it's hell.

I'm wondering if I can "flip" this
into hypomania. Anyone know?

I'm aware that could turn into
mania or depression. I'm not in denial and I am not suicidal. But mania or depression would be better than this.

My last two voluntary hospitilizations didn't help me. My anxiety got worse and they didn't adjust my meds. And it was a big bill I can't afford as I'm disabled and on SSDI. I'm struggling to pay the last hospital bill.

Thanks for any suggestions and support.

[Skitz13]

I get, I really do. i've just started experiencing mixed episodes this year and they're hell. I've always said that I wish it was one or the other.
I don't think there's a way of flipping it. I think you just have to go with it and try and manage until it's over.

I really truly am sorry you're having to go through this

[lilypup]

Have never had a mixed episode but they sound like hell. I hope you feel better soon.

[TheatreKid]

Mixed episodes are so painful.

In the past I've been guilty of trying to flip it by ingesting a lot of caffeine, or by purposely staying up instead of forcing myself to lie down, but that usually sends me into psychotic mania or depression, so lately I've been trying to get through it with routine and hoping it blows over soon.

[Secretum]

Being mixed sucks. Can you see your pdoc for an emergency outpatient visit? If you're not suicidal, they won't put you in the hospital. An antipsychotic would probably help a lot with the agitation. Keep us updated.

[~Christina]

Mixed is hell on earth X's a million ... I agree with Secretum .. Can you get a hold of your Pdoc and get a PRN AP ? Being mixed doesnt mean you will go manic or depressed automatically .. I have come out the other side and been somewhat baseline.

I hope you find a to nip this in the bud and get back to living and loving your life .

Thank you for your replies. I take Geodon so bases are covered on antipsychotic. My pdoc will fit me in immediately if I need a visit. Within 48 hours minimum. I have some family support but if I'm not doing better by tomorrow...I'll call him.

Thank you so much for the replies. Makes me feel less alone.xoxo

[Tucson]

Sounds like you have a good handle on your situation.

I have a side question. I know how mixed episodes can be fiercely emotionally painful. I have experienced this before. After several days I was almost ready to have myself admitted to a hospital. I have run into one person who said that they had mixed episode(s) that lasted one and a half years. Considering there are meds for this, given how long this lasted, wouldn't a person have been driven to do something about it? Who could last that long without intervention? I personally would of had a nervous breakdown and have been hospitalized.

I am trying to understand what is meant by having a true mixed episode. I think different people use this term differently, perhaps even a little loosely. I am not detracting away from their suffering. I am just trying to understand how a person can cope that length of time with mixed episodes.

PS: I have thought I was an ultra-rapid cycler. My mood "cycled" several times a day. But I discovered that frequent shifts in mood may not be actual bipolar cycles. Since then I have discovered the cause to be my response to stress. Stress and bipolar IMO do not mix well!