[ozzy1313]

If you've read my posts over the last few months you will know that I've gone from depressed, to anger, to despair, etc etc. I seemed to have had a total breakdown about 2 weeks ago.

Anyway, way back in August the tip off of this entire thing was the decision to re-do my kitchen. I tore down a wall, took all cabinet doors off etc. Then once depression set in I didn't touch it again.

2 weeks ago my lamictal was upped and I was put on lithium. Almost right away my mood increased. I started my kitchen again and painted all cabinets, ordered new flooring, spent hours looking at furniture and trying to decide on paint colors. This decorating has consumed all my thoughts. With this new energy and good spirits I have started working out again, am happier at work and home, but I am obsessed over remodel and buying stuff I really don't have the money for.

Should I just enjoy the good feeling? Is this just a normal excitement after coming out of 4 months of depressed hell?

[ozzy1313]

I am sure many people get excited about home improvement (why else would people do it) so that part is ok, but it's the rushed feeling of now that I did one room, I have to do the next, and I come up with all these elaborate ideas which do not pan out. I make plans to donate furniture, contacting sellers on craigslist, etc. It's the rushed brain feeling that has gotten me to finally finish the kitchen, and today I was able to slow down my brain enough to not start painting a wall that isn't even finished yet but is this obsession "normal"?

[Mountainbard]

ozzy I think the fact that you've gone back and re-read your posts is a very positive thing. I think the fact that you're wondering whether you're getting hypomanic is also a good thing. Many wouldn't understand that, but the fact you're questioning your behavior means that, if this is a hypomanic onset, you have a much better chance of nipping it in the bud. As to whether it is, you'd have to ask your pdoc, but from your description I'd say there is some hypomania at play. But your self-awareness in making these posts has slowed it down and may even stop it.

[lacerta]

Yup, sounds like hypo but seems you will be ok especially if you set limits to spendings, watch yourself getting enough of sleep etc.

[Homeira]

It is pretty normal to get a little carried away with a remodeling-project. But when it turns into overspending that is a sign of hypomania I think. I recognize myself in what you are describing. Try to take a couple of days off from anything that has anything to do with the remodeling project. Do something else that you enjoy. It is normal to be able to take some time away from a project like that, but if you find yourself unable to do that, or if it is extremely hard to do it, then I think I would assume it is hypomania (or at least beginning of hypomania ). I am speaking from my experience. Hope it will help you!

[Crazy Hitch]

Okay, so here's my personal opinion only.

The thing is, you seem to have snapped out of your depressive phase pretty quickly. Too quickly, in fact.

Everyone's hypomania may look a little different but for sure there are some common characteristics.

For me - increased energy, increased expenditure, pursuing things at all costs and working on projects would be an indicator of being hypo or on the cusp of entering a hypo phase.

And I don't think I'd just let it slip by. I'd be pretty open and upfront with my pdoc. Sure, it feels good. But for me it can quickly spiral out of control.

Wishing you well.

[~Christina]

I think your finishing the kitchen is a good thing, Do not move on to another room, Put restrictions on your money so you literally would not have it available to you at all

Self awareness is a wonderful thing to have , but it often slips away when we least expect it.

Are you keeping a detailed mood chart ?

[ozzy1313]

Yesterday was so excited about getting new furniture from a seller on craigslist and today I am wondering why I made an offer.

Maybe I am just an impulsive person and it's not the bp. I just tend to rush into things and then after the fact I'm like "wtf was I thinking"

[ozzy1313]

Luckily they turned down my offer. I have over $400 in bills due next week and the table was $350.

[ozzy1313]

Of course now I want to go out and buy a credenza- figure I can charge that.

That's a pretty fast reaction to meds. It's hard to know what's going on, but if you're not being destructive and just enjoying having energy again, that all sounds good. My understanding of hypomania is different than just feeling great; it's got elements of irrationality and destructiveness to it--otherwise, if it's just a sense of feeling great, why would anyone treat it? It's good that you're aware enough to watch for signs of spinning out of control, in case the current feeling is a precursor to hypomania. I would also wonder about that immediate response to meds. Are you typically that sensitive?

[ozzy1313]

Originally Posted by licketysplit

That's a pretty fast reaction to meds. It's hard to know what's going on, but if you're not being destructive and just enjoying having energy again, that all sounds good. My understanding of hypomania is different than just feeling great; it's got elements of irrationality and destructiveness to it--otherwise, if it's just a sense of feeling great, why would anyone treat it? It's good that you're aware enough to watch for signs of spinning out of control, in case the current feeling is a precursor to hypomania. I would also wonder about that immediate response to meds. Are you typically that sensitive?

I seem to always feel the effect of meds right away. I don't know if it's a mental placebo feeling or if they really work that fast, but it has been this way forever whenever I start a new med.

[touched by fire]

High's come with irritability. Until I'm cashing out my retirement (which there's nothing left of) and blowing up over the tiniest insignificant things... I'm not too concerned and just roll with it. Last week was dark and angry. This week I'm ready to complete a months worth of tasks in three days. RooooOOOOooooller CoooOOOoooaster