[LettinG0]

So. My depression is finally beginning to lift some. YAY! However, I REALLY almost feel like I am going to go straight from depression into a hypomanic state....I'm beginning to recognize some of the early signs for me and I am beginning to see them. I know BP always cycles; but, do you guys tend to go from down to up without a "normal" period? I am new to being aware of my disorder, so I was just curious. Thanks for any responses and insight.

[Mountainbard]

Sometimes I've gone straight from depression to hypomania (or, rarely, vice versa) but usually I've had a relatively brief period of relative stability first. Not always though. I think it depends on your situation, stressors, and triggers.

[Moogieotter]

Hi LG,

For me, I had a hard time worrying about hypomania too coming out of depression. I kinda learned that it was just normal happiness - something I was not used to and a bit uncomfortable if that makes any sense. I think as long as you are medicated and more importantly, getting a solid sleep schedule, you're probably just feeling good after a bout of depression - I'd just be mindful and go with it!

You rocks!

moogs

[LettinG0]

Originally Posted by Moogieotter

Hi LG,

For me, I had a hard time worrying about hypomania too coming out of depression. I kinda learned that it was just normal happiness - something I was not used to and a bit uncomfortable if that makes any sense. I think as long as you are medicated and more importantly, getting a solid sleep schedule, you're probably just feeling good after a bout of depression - I'd just be mindful and go with it!

You rocks!

moogs

Yeah...I kinds wondered if I'm just "paranoid" LOL. Afraid feeling good = hypo. Ima just roll with it for now and keep a wary eye on it.....Thanks, Moogs...you rock too!

[LettinG0]

Originally Posted by Mountainbard

Sometimes I've gone straight from depression to hypomania (or, rarely, vice versa) but usually I've had a relatively brief period of relative stability first. Not always though. I think it depends on your situation, stressors, and triggers.

Thanks Mountain for your insight. And, oddly enough - reinforcing the "it just depends" - I USUALLY do go from hypo straight to depression. That's kind of normal for me. I just don't think I have ever gone straight from depression into hypo....it's usually a longer climb. Maybe Moogs is right and I just don't know what feeling good feels like!

I have Ultradian cycles that switch one way or the other. Talk about feeling like a yoyo!

Switching up feels like a rocket ride whereas a down switch feels like I jumped off a cliff with no in between. These switches last maybe a 1/2 to a whole second, maybe.

[LettinG0]

Originally Posted by AlwaysChanging2

I have Ultradian cycles that switch one way or the other. Talk about feeling like a yoyo!

Switching up feels like a rocket ride whereas a down switch feels like I jumped off a cliff with no in between. These switches last maybe a 1/2 to a whole second, maybe.

OH my goodness.....let me NOT complain about what, compared to you, would be a slow shift up and down bless your heart. It's bad enough when they are slower switches. Can't imagine Ultradian cycles!

[Resident Bipolar]

There are different cycling patterns in Bipolar Disorder. The most common is to have a stable period of relatively "normal" mood in between an episode of depression and hypomania/mania. However, in some variants there may be no period of stability in a mood cycle and this can sometimes vary - it might not be the same with every cycle you experience.

Outside factors can also facilitate a shift straight through from depression into hypomania or mania - medication, emotional experiences, recent successes etc.

[jacky8807]

I cant be the only one that doesnt "worry" about but welcomes hypomania.
I should probably be worried about where it leads but i dont. Its the most lovely feeling on the planet. So euphoric and powerful that i dont care if depression comes after.
Unfortunaley the mixed states and or full on mania that may follow is problematic but man....hypomania is an addictive drug!
As for my cycle its either hypomania to depression or hypomania to mixed/ mania
Not usually depression to hypo

Originally Posted by LettinG0

So. My depression is finally beginning to lift some. YAY! However, I REALLY almost feel like I am going to go straight from depression into a hypomanic state....I'm beginning to recognize some of the early signs for me and I am beginning to see them. I know BP always cycles; but, do you guys tend to go from down to up without a "normal" period? I am new to being aware of my disorder, so I was just curious. Thanks for any responses and insight.

Okay, I finally get what your saying. I was just using me as an example. I took you as a rapid cycler. What are your cycles like?

Let us know what's happening.

[touched by fire]

Just this week I've gone thru;

-Blah (normal I guess)
-crying/pissed/very depressed and wanting to crawl in a hole and disappear
-happy, laughing with my family and being goofy
-kinda depressed and generally blah
-today I'm going up and up... got a large sum of money coming and I can just feel the storm coming and I'm going to do something really, really dumb and I won't be able to control myself... like a one way plane ticket somewhere kinda dumb?...

[LettinG0]

Originally Posted by AlwaysChanging2

Okay, I finally get what your saying. I was just using me as an example. I took you as a rapid cycler. What are your cycles like?

Let us know what's happening.

Oh Always....I was just trying to be supportive of you. Thank you for using you as an example. My weird sense of humor and great empathy were just saying that I shouldn't complain when you, bless your heart, cycle so rapidly. Thank you so much for sharing your story.

As for what my cycles are like.....I can paint two ups and two downs every year for about the last 35 years. But, I don't think I've ever went straight from depression to hypomania; so, it's a little weird for me. But, I have just been on medication for about 3 months and we have NOT found the magic formula yet. So, I am thinking that some of this may be med induced.

Thanks again for sharing.

[wildflowerchild25]

I have a SHORT (1-3 days) period of stability in between cycles usually but that's it. And there have been times where I went to bed completely depressed and then woke up at 6am raring to go - hypo!

Originally Posted by wildflowerchild25

I have a SHORT (1-3 days) period of stability in between cycles usually but that's it. And there have been times where I went to bed completely depressed and then woke up at 6am raring to go - hypo!

I know that feeling too well. What a great way to wake up! I usually have a kewl song like 'Dancing in the Street' from Van Halen jamming in my head!

[Wander]

Last October I switched literally overnight from deep depression to Hypomania. I had been in hospital for depression and ECT so I was very unwell then overnight I had much less sleep than usual and woke up feeling GREAT! I have been cycling between hypomania and mixed states ever since. I did have about a week where I felt almost normal but still couldn't sleep without meds. Now my pdoc thinks the anti-depressant he put me on set this off so I am slowly coming off it.
Did any meds changes occur before the switch in moods?

[LettinG0]

Originally Posted by Wander

Did any meds changes occur before the switch in moods?

Yes. I have not found the right combination of meds yet...I have just recently begun the switch from one AD to another. I also, recently began Lamictal. So, I am still in the trial and error phase with all of my meds. Been a yoyo since I was IP in October. I know that ADs sometimes do not work at all for us. I guess we will see just how "up" I go....and call pdoc....