Can hypomania be internal?

Hi all,

I have a problem where my mind races so fast it is painful. My mind cannot relax. It feels like a panic switch is stuck on. I look calm to others on the outside but inside I feel like I'm going to explode. Could this be hypomania?

It's called 'racing thoughts' and its a symptom of mania, or even anxiety can bring on a racing mind. My pdoc prescribes an AP (antipsychotic)- respiradal to calm the racing mind.

Are you taking any? Do you have a pdoc?

Im currently in a partial program. Just started meeting my team. They all initially say anxiety but I dont think these constant racing thoughts are anxiety?

I am like that sometimes when hypo because I am trying my best to appear normal as I hate attention (due to PTSD issues). Yours may or may not be hypomania. Do you have any other symptoms? reckless behavior like over-spending, speeding in the car, irritability, euphoria etc?

Are you taking an antidepressant? This can also induce racing thoughts. How about rapid speach?

I am on zoloft. No rapid speech or euphoria/reckless behavior. Just extreme unmanageable racing, obessive thoughts. They never stop;(

I should mention ive had these since childhood.

How's your mood? Top of the world? Can't quit smiling? Are you on a mood stabilizer? A panic switch turned on. Is it like fight or flight?

Racing thoughts are just part of Bipolar for most people, there are medications that can slow it down , Your Pdoc will help you find a medication that can help you.

Meanwhile , you can help yourself with coping skills, Mindfulness, Meditation, Breathing exercises.

I hope you find some relief soon

Its funny you ask. My mood feels pretty bright but not on tip of the world. The panic switch in brain is like a surge.... like nothing can calm my brain. It feels like my brain chemicals are running on empty.

Sometimes anxiety can induce racing obsessive thoughts as well.

Racing thoughts arre just that, "racing thoughts". It is only one symptom of many that makes up hypomania. But you do not have to be hypomanic to have them.

I'm so sorry that you are going through all this. I'm not a doctor and I couldn't say. Can it be a physical trait? A biological issue? Could be. You said you had this since childhood. Have you had a CAT or MRI?

Sounds very much like anxiety. Trust your team.

It feels stronger than anxiety though. This is awful!!

Anxiety can be crippling.

I never knew brains came with an OFF switch until a nurse taught me a new way of breathing when I was inpatient. By gosh, it works most of the time when I take the time to do it right. You just close your eyes and breathe in slowly to a count of five, hold it for five, then let it out for five. Release your anxiety as you relax your body. Do this until your mind quiets down. It really helps.