[VoodooGirl]

I live in Michigan which obviously has distinct seasons and I have been told by a therapist before that the change of season to spring or fall are two of the worst times for those with bipolar, and I think she was correct. For the first time in quite awhile, I am unmedicated, and while I have been doing well for the most part, now that the weather is changing and getting nicer I can feel a sort of mania kicking in. An unreal amount of energy, feeling like I can do anything, like I am super funny and clever, and the impulse to spend any money I have whether or not I actually need anything. Was just wondering if anyone else had these seasonal blips and how they deal with them??

[Crazy Hitch]

For me, personally, I am very sensitive to changes in the seasons and I can track distinct mood swings according to episodes. I guess the only advantage of this is being aware of this and getting some self help strategies in place before hand that I can write down and commit to. I'm pretty bad in Winter generally and I need to plan for this. When I am well, I can work out what I enjoy and map out strategies that I can use that will be of benefit when depression / if depression occurs.

[scatterbrained04]

Yes, I tend to have that. I swing high in spring and low in fall. I haven't noticed it as much since I've been on meds though. I think it's pretty common. Some people also go low in the spring and high in the fall.

After the winter we've had (Ohio), I think normal people are starting to swing high though LOL!!

[Zippo]

As soon as the frogs start their deafening chorus I start to rev up. Get way too optimistic when all winter I was hopeless. Thanks frogs.

[BlackSheep79]

I live in a state like Michigan that also has four distinct seasons. I go hypo in the spring even though I am medicated. Right now I'm going thru the beginning stages which for me is irritability, sleep issues, and I'm talking a lot. Next I will be bouncing off the walls and starting a million projects. Last year looking back I was on e-bay a ton, but it didn't cause financial problems, but still way out of the norm for me. I was also in a mixed episode, long story. I really have no advice. I just ride it out, and my pdoc knows this happens to me so if it gets out of control I know when it is time to get into the pdoc. I just started seeing a new therapist and I talked about the irritability, and he told me to work on living in the now. I'm trying, but that might take a lifetime.

[czarina1984]

I live in Northern Wisconsin so it is a problem here too. I make sure to keep my sleep schedule more strict than normal. I also sleep with room darkening shades or a face mask. I have a much harder time in spring but I just am aware of it and ride it out.