[gris212]

So it's summer time..my time of year when I'm most susceptible to being Manic. I'm seeing my therapist every 2 weeks but I'm not on meds because I have no insurance. I am fully aware I'm a bit manic, racing thoughts, high self esteem, and bouts of energy. I feel I have it under control because I'm getting enough sleep, I'm eating well, and exercising frequently.

It does make me wonder though when do you know your mania is out of control and you need to seek medical help?

Seeing my therapist I feel reassured I'm ok and if need be I will see her weekly.

[buzz bee]

Oh that high feels so good. But when you are manic you will crash. What goes up will come down. You need medication, however easier said then done, right? Can you see your therapist more then every other week?

Can you get government assistance?

[Victoria'smom]

Try to get yourself on a schedule. Set alarms for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and bed. Buy melitonin if you can for the racing thoughts. Set up weekly appointments now. I'm usually the last to know so please bring it up to your therapist.

[gris212]

My mania is never followed by crashes or depression. They are very serarate. I tried Melatonin, I didnt feel a difference, but maybe I also didn't give it much of a chance.

Yes, a schedule is good, not so much for eating because I'm doing a lot of running so I'm always hungry But definitely for my Bed time.

I plan to talk with my therapist about this Saturday.

Thanks!!

[pawn78]

You sound like me. I am basically hypomanic all the time, infrequent periods of depression, and infrequent episodes of really intense mania.

You don't sound manic to me, you sound hypomanic, which is quite fun for me, as long I can stay somewhat in control and not blow all my money, or quit my job and move to Hawaii or something.

I am on Lamictal, because my hypomania sucks normally, like a mixed state with bad irritability. The Lamictal keeps my mixed state away, so I can just stay at my baseline of hypomania (energy, confidence, intensity, etc)

[BipolaRNurse]

I get help when the few people in my life whom I trust tell me I'm out of control. When I get to that point I have little or no insight, so I have to rely on these people to tell me to call my pdoc (or call him FOR me if I'm being particularly stubborn. They have my permission to do this, although it hasn't been necessary as yet).

[gris212]

Ok I just read up because I didn't know of hypomania. Yes I fit the description.

Yes that is a good plan, having others point it out and they having your permission.

My plan is first contacting my thrapist. Second contact my psychiatrist regardless of no insurance and just pay out of pocket. Besides that's better than paying ER, ambulance, or hospital bill if worse comes to worse. My suburb also has a free clinic, I can see the doctor for free and just pay for medication.

I am thankful that I am very aware of my actions, emotions, and thinking patterns and even more fortunate that can keep it under control for the most part. I am very grateful that I have only had 1 hospitalization. (Knocking on wood!)

[~Christina]

One thing you might want to do is see a Pdoc and not start fulltime meds but get a PRN that you can take if you feel like hypo is heading to Mania . I know a common one is Zyprexa it seems to bring people back down really quick .. that is assuming you or loved ones can tell your over the top.

Enjoy your Hypo

[gris212]

Ok thanks! Except for being a social butterfly, no one has made a comment. But then again, I feel my family unfortunately doesnt notice much. My dad works a lot, my mom is worse off bc she's also Bipolar, my youngest sibling is still a teenager, and my 2 other sisters have their own families. I'm 35, I'm thankful Ive learned to recognize symptoms on my own. But my therapist or psychiatrist would definitely notice though.