[Tucson]

Lately I have been cycling up and down which lasts a couple days at a time. This is not normal for me. I did not realize it until now, but I am really stressed and a little burnt out. I take care of my mother with dementia. Even though it is not hour by hour care, I still am stressed over time. I am so tired. I think this has exacerbated my symptoms of depression. Now my mood is going up and down. Little things are now bothering me now and triggers episodes of depression.

Can stess over a long period of time cause wide mood shifts to happen? Rapid cycling that lasts for just a couple days at a time?

I am thinking of placing my mother in a nursing home just for a couple days. They should be able to deal with her for she has been difficult and even violent lately. But this would allow me to take care of myself. I bet my mood returns to baseline over this period of time.

[Justugh]

the short answer is yes

the long answer is yes it is due to the chemicals released during stress and the fact the head chemicals are already out of wack it can alter your system .then your system tries to balance it out then more stress

up and down up and down up and down

if u can go to a gun range and rent a firearm for the awhile and shoot it off (the stress ) they offer different kinds so u can have some fun ........and honestly things going boom is relaxing and fun for me (even cheaters fishing is fun ......light the fuse throw it in cover up and scoop out the fish with a net.....one stick and u have few days worth of food )

[Curiosity77]

Stress definitely throws me off, and caring for a parent with dementia sounds very stressful and emotionally difficult. Do you have help with this, or doing it on your own?

[Tucson]

I am taking care of my mother by myself with my teenage daughter's help. I am really frazzled.

[meganb22]

Yes, stress can most definitely cause rapid cycling. I know it does for me, at least. Stress is a huge factor that can exacerbate bipolar. I hope you feel better and maybe get some help with your mother.

Good luck!

[Curiosity77]

That's really tough to do on your own. I don't have anything really insightful to say, except be kind to yourself.

[Joheishan]

Mate, please be careful...
I completely agree with Curiosity77 that you should go easy on yourself.
We sometimes feel we have to be strong when we have to take care of others, but you can't if stress destroys YOU.
And I mean literally destroy you; about 2 years ago I was so stressed out I got physically Ill. I felt weak, my throat hurt and I couldn't stop coughing for a month.
The doctor said that the stress had weakened my immune system to the point I was dying, so if stress can do that, it can sure as hell cause your symptoms.

[~Christina]

Yes Stress can wreck you quickly, One avenue you might look into is having a caregiver come in and take over a few days a week , you can just go to bed and sleep or go out and do something nice for yourself..

you have to take care of you so your able to care for her

[Flyer]

Does she qualify for hospice? They can come in check vitals, bathe her, etc, as well as give you some support verbally, share 'shortcuts', new ideas, and a break, if nothing else for a cup of coffee while they are involved with her.

'Call in' your supporters by phoning them, just to shoot the breeze. As a therapist told my daughter, "Do something mindless." ie a hobby, game, walk around the house, plant a seed, etc. Things like that should be done all the time, not just when you're down.

If she is becoming verbally abusive, combative, and physical, No One deserves treatment like that and it may be time to let go of guilt if you have it, and admit her. It is a hard decision, but may be best for her and your family. Those ppl get to go home after 8 hours, where you don't have that privilege.

I have never heard of temporary placement for a few days, but if that's available, use it to your advantage.

My heart goes out to you. Take good care of you! and your daughter.

[themuna]

Originally Posted by Justugh

if u can go to a gun range and rent a firearm for the awhile and shoot it off (the stress ) they offer different kinds so u can have some fun ........and honestly things going boom is relaxing and fun for me (even cheaters fishing is fun ......light the fuse throw it in cover up and scoop out the fish with a net.....one stick and u have few days worth of food )

All for this. Unless you're unstable to the point where you don't want to be around a gun, This can be great relaxation. The shooting range works better than yoga for me.