[SilverSprings]

I am trying to figure out (if possible) what causes my episodes. I have noticed a possible major trigger for me. I have been supplementing magnesium oil lately, and noticed in particular (after 2 days of hypo-hell) just a few hours before I had sprayed magnesium oil all over my body. Before i 'lost it' I felt extremely tired, yawning like crazy (a few hours before normal bedtime, after dinner and just 1 beer which i slipped slowly). Unless I have a beer allergy (which i doubt) i am starting to see more frequent correlations between the magnesium oil and hypomania. I have no idea why- i thought it was hard to over-dose on?

A quick tally of my typical daily diet shows Im getting 200-300+ mg of magnesium through diet, eat pretty healthy and occasionally take a vitamin.
So, i am wondering if there is some kind of anxiety which kicks off these rage attacks / hypomania to kick in. It is hard to find much online other then some saying magnesium causes tummy troubles or anxiety.

side note: Last year I had been taking a really potent magnesium supplement, and almost blacked out while on a walk w/ my parents. I felt my heart palpitate really hard and started to see stars. I had to grab both of them to steady myself, and then i was terrified that i was going to die .... Perhaps i need to stop taking alternative measures for awhile and let the meds do their job....

[Crazy Hitch]

I haven't heard of this correlation before so thanks for putting this out there.

Would be interesting to see if anyone has similar experiences!

It would be great if you could sort out a reason for your hypomania. I hope you found a solution for yourself.

[BeyondtheRainbow]

That is weird. Magnesium is actually a muscle relaxant and so should make you a little sleepy if anything. I take 500 mg/day for migraines as a supplement (no idea how much through food) and have never noticed any difference in mood. I don't know anything about the oil.

But we all know that bipolar responds weirdly to so many things. So it's certainly not impossible. The same neurologist who put me on magnesium wanted me to take CoQ10 and that made me hypomanic. My sister (who isn't bipolar) had agitation from it and warned me to be careful and sure enough 2 pills in I was agitated and it stopped when I stopped the CoQ10. So anything is possible.

[Ripose]

I read somewhere that one form of magnesium is being tested as a replacement for lithium. I have no idea if there would be any connection with your issue, I just thought I would throw this into the discussion.

[SilverSprings]

Thanks for the input. I have laid off the magnesium completely, just taking a mild herbal sleep aid and a nerve tonic. Magnesium oil is supposed to be very potent, perhaps i started too much too soon... I can recall having this sensitivity and being very irritable the last time i was using it. I think it is absorbed easily where I spray it... under arms, feet, etc. I know it sure stings!! I figure since i eat a pretty healthy diet, and it caused a possible flair up- there is really no need. I also read that there is a lot of hype surrounding magnesium companies and lots of health claims- i just wonder who to trust ??

I also read about magnesium helping with bi-polar, perhaps it might help in those who are untreated? Or in smaller doses? and the fact that im being treated by meds just put me over the top? Soo hard to say. My Pdoc doesn't know much about Mag, simply told me just because its natural does not equal safe!!

My lesson is that I need to show my Pdoc all my meds herbs and such, make sure they are all safe. And with magnesium and other things, not to 'go there' unless it is OK'd by the Dr. Its amazing to me how sensitive I am...

The GREAT news is that I have not had ANY episodes since... and even went through my roughest part of my cycle without any major mood issues!!! hooray!!! I think the lamictal is really kicking in now I dont want to jinx it, but I haven't felt this stable in years and years......!!!!

[zepchic]

I think magnesium can potentiate some drugs too

[Trippin2.0]

I wish I had episodes that were caused.


Then I would avoid being bipolar altogether.


I understand that there certainly are triggers to certain mind states, but I honestly doubt that its the cause, my theory is that it fuels the inevitable... Bipolar is random by nature. Even the stupid DSM states there's no rhyme or reason for our episodes...


We're allergic to stress though, that's for damn sure. Just a pity that stress is so subjective, and nearly impossible to avoid.


Let the record show that I'm not saying triggers don't exist. I'm not trying to invalidate anyone's experience with this post.

Even I have triggers, just not for BP (unless you count prolonged periods of stress or severe distress, but that's a whole different topic) its just that my personal triggers affect my BPD mood fluctuations and backwards thought processes, not my BP.


Seriously, I would prefer to have identifiable triggers, I would be less bipolar if they were part of this stupid puzzle that is my mind.

[SilverSprings]

Originally Posted by Trippin2.0

I wish I had episodes that were caused.


Then I would avoid being bipolar altogether.


I understand that there certainly are triggers to certain mind states, but I honestly doubt that its the cause, my theory is that it fuels the inevitable... Bipolar is random by nature. Even the stupid DSM states there's no rhyme or reason for our episodes...


We're allergic to stress though, that's for damn sure. Just a pity that stress is so subjective, and nearly impossible to avoid.


Let the record show that I'm not saying triggers don't exist. I'm not trying to invalidate anyone's experience with this post.

Even I have triggers, just not for BP (unless you count prolonged periods of stress or severe distress, but that's a whole different topic) its just that my personal triggers affect my BPD mood fluctuations and backwards thought processes, not my BP.


Seriously, I would prefer to have identifiable triggers, I would be less bipolar if they were part of this stupid puzzle that is my mind.

Thanks for your input I had a long discussion last night w/ my Pdoc. She cautioned me just b/c it is natural, again does not equal safe. However, she OK'd some other homeopathic remedies I have been taking to help me be less anxious (Nerve tonic) and to also help me to sleep (Moon drops).

I think it might not just be the Mag supp, it might have also been the fact that i was very overly tired (trigger for me) very sexually deprived (well in my mind i was, in reality and acc'd to my BF - its another story....) plus i took the magnesium, which might have just either put me over the edge- or made me uber tired. I was yawning like crazy... should have simply went to be but pressured myself and blew up which cont'd into the morning.

I just notice lately the only major change (other then making sure to get enough or close to enough sleep) is that my meds have been increased and I might actually be at the theraputic dose now after 6-7 weeks and I have laid off the magnesium oil alltogether.

Anyhoo... not sure but at least i am feeling well.

Pdoc also cautioned that just b/c i had a great week (following the 2 day long episode) that it could also happen again. :/ I know, i am not stupid... just hopeful. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst right?

[SilverSprings]

Originally Posted by zepchic

I think magnesium can potentiate some drugs too

That is also my suspicion, I am typically very sensetive in general to drugs and homeopathic remedies. I am glad i shared here- perhaps it at least helps others to have a heads up.... And a reminder to share all meds and natural remedies w/ your Pdoc!

[SilverSprings]

Originally Posted by Trippin2.0

Even I have triggers, just not for BP (unless you count prolonged periods of stress or severe distress, but that's a whole different topic) its just that my personal triggers affect my BPD mood fluctuations and backwards thought processes, not my BP.

ps- I just wanted to comment that I also have PTSD dx... so perhaps that is what is being triggered - obviously lots of 'perceived' stress can push me over the edge, and maybe cause the rage/moods... not sure how the BP plays into that...

Part of me is curious if I am really really BP. Like- it is some kind of made up BS... however, since the medication is proving so effective, It likely makes more sense for me to accept that it is... and just work on solutions, management et...

I have found this book to be extremely helpful in promoting a healthy lifestyle and trigger management. Perhaps i have much to learn, and am naive to think avoiding my triggers will be helpful.. All I can do is try and experiment. Who knows.
Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder
by Fast, Julie A./ Preston, John

[Trippin2.0]

You're are not naive no


And its not uncommon to doubt a dx when you have more than one and are unsure about what is what.


I mean Idk anything about PTSD, but on the surface my co morbid dxs mimic each other to the untrained eye, and I have to dig beneath them to reveal the truth.


Like if its BPD mood shift, something, or more accurately someone, did or said something to trigger a thought, that triggered a feeling, that triggered an emotional response....


On the other hand, if its completely random, say I wake up wishing I had died in my sleep and my day or week/s progresses along that path and nobody and nothing can untrigger it... Well then that's my BP being a sneaky b!tch.


If I didn't take the time to untangle them I would probably also doubt their validity...


The shytti part about having co morbid dxs is that they tend to feed off each other.


So for instance, my BP kicks starts my OCPD (which I otherwise have a really good handle on) the OCPD feeds the Borderline in me (because of my obsessive negative thought loops), and it can and does turn into one tumultuous hot mess.


With time and introspection I have learned to MOSTLY untangle the BP from the BPD, which means they fuel each other less.


And in turn my OCPD stays mostly manageable.


Like if I can take a step back and realize my BPD is rearing it's ugly head and get a damn grip on myself, then it doesn't kick start, exacerbate or lengthen a BP cycle...


Untangling them is no easy task tho, so don't kick yourself if you realize you suck at it. It takes alot of practice, diligence and patience with yourself.


Give it time, it can't be easy having PTSD and BP.

[BeyondtheRainbow]

Have you ever had treatment for PTSD? I did exposure therapy (it has some specific name the type I did but I forget it) 3 years ago and while it was really hard to do and took me a lot longer than someone who only had PTSD (also I have what on here would be called complex PTSD although I'd never heard the term before I came here) it was completely worth it. PTSD is always going to be part of my life but it is so much less of my life now than it was before. It took a lot of convincing for me to agree to do it and it isn't a period of my life I look back on and think "that was the best time I've ever had" but it did help so much. I rarely have nightmares or "flashbacks" (I hate that word for some reason) and I don't get stuck in my past nearly as much. I still have scars and things that are problems from those times but the memories themselves are no longer so painful.

I don't know how you find someone who can do this. My therapist took the training and I was the first person he did it on; I think he partly took it to help me since he doesn't do a lot of PTSD-esque stuff now. I know that it was also hard for him and that someone made it easier for me to see that he struggled too with what I was dealing with.

If you want to know more ask and I'll tell you more about what I did.

[SilverSprings]

Originally Posted by Trippin2.0

You're are not naive no


And its not uncommon to doubt a dx when you have more than one and are unsure about what is what.


I mean Idk anything about PTSD, but on the surface my co morbid dxs mimic each other to the untrained eye, and I have to dig beneath them to reveal the truth.


Like if its BPD mood shift, something, or more accurately someone, did or said something to trigger a thought, that triggered a feeling, that triggered an emotional response....


On the other hand, if its completely random, say I wake up wishing I had died in my sleep and my day or week/s progresses along that path and nobody and nothing can untrigger it... Well then that's my BP being a sneaky b!tch.


If I didn't take the time to untangle them I would probably also doubt their validity...


The shytti part about having co morbid dxs is that they tend to feed off each other.


So for instance, my BP kicks starts my OCPD (which I otherwise have a really good handle on) the OCPD feeds the Borderline in me (because of my obsessive negative thought loops), and it can and does turn into one tumultuous hot mess.


With time and introspection I have learned to MOSTLY untangle the BP from the BPD, which means they fuel each other less.


And in turn my OCPD stays mostly manageable.


Like if I can take a step back and realize my BPD is rearing it's ugly head and get a damn grip on myself, then it doesn't kick start, exacerbate or lengthen a BP cycle...


Untangling them is no easy task tho, so don't kick yourself if you realize you suck at it. It takes alot of practice, diligence and patience with yourself.


Give it time, it can't be easy having PTSD and BP.

Pardon my ignorance: What is co-morbid dxs? I know I need to be easy on myself, I am finally at therapeutic dose of Lamictal and really hoping it helps me more then hurts me. So far it seems to aside from the weirdness after upping my dose.

For ex: today and feeling the full spectrum of moods... it is a bit crazy. I think I saw that you are med-free... how do you manage your dx's without them? Just curious

[SilverSprings]

Originally Posted by BeyondtheRainbow

Have you ever had treatment for PTSD? I did exposure therapy (it has some specific name the type I did but I forget it) 3 years ago and while it was really hard to do and took me a lot longer than someone who only had PTSD (also I have what on here would be called complex PTSD although I'd never heard the term before I came here) it was completely worth it. PTSD is always going to be part of my life but it is so much less of my life now than it was before. It took a lot of convincing for me to agree to do it and it isn't a period of my life I look back on and think "that was the best time I've ever had" but it did help so much. I rarely have nightmares or "flashbacks" (I hate that word for some reason) and I don't get stuck in my past nearly as much. I still have scars and things that are problems from those times but the memories themselves are no longer so painful.

I don't know how you find someone who can do this. My therapist took the training and I was the first person he did it on; I think he partly took it to help me since he doesn't do a lot of PTSD-esque stuff now. I know that it was also hard for him and that someone made it easier for me to see that he struggled too with what I was dealing with.

If you want to know more ask and I'll tell you more about what I did.

Hi! No, I have only recently been diagnosed with PTSD- and BP2. Actually until I asked they didn't even tell me about the former, just the latter and even then just said 'bi-polar'. I had to dig/ask to find out. I will talk to my therapist about Exposure therapy! I am actually in the process of "gradual therapy", i wonder if it is the same? It was suggested by Pdoc, and T is helping me implement. I had to make a list recently and rate them - ranging from things I want to do, things Im nervous about, and things I would like to do one day (but no way in hell can imagine doing them on my own right now.) So far, I feel that is helping me! ie: I went golfing w/ BF and 2 strangers last weekend and I dealt rally well with it/pressure. I love to be active, so it is really nice to have the confidence coming back... and feeling more trusting of others which I greatly struggle/d with.

Once I get the BP and meds in check, I want to focus more on the trauma and honestly I am not really looking forward... but know i need to face it.

I also have flashbacks and nightmares. (they are way more intense since starting meds). I actually had a dream that my Ex-husband and present boyfriend were the same person... it was the freakiest thing b/c it looked like my BF but his personality was my Ex. ... I can go on and on about the dreams. My Ex and his family appear allot (i cut him/them off last year). As well as my own family and they are quite a trip!! I am hoping that subsides soon :O

[BeyondtheRainbow]

First, co-morbid means diagnoses occurring at the same time. So for you PTSD and bipolar II are comorbid.

That sounds a little like exposure therapy but exposure therapy is focused on the things that cause PTSD reactions. When I did it I wrote out a bunch of really bad scenarios from my past that still bothered me. I had to pick the one that bothered me most (which was actually the one I could handle coping with then) and I recorded myself reading that story and then every day did different techniques while listening to the story several times. Then in therapy we talked about the memory and my reactions until it no longer was so disturbing and then we went to another story. The kind I did is supposed to be one session weekly for 12 weeks; it took me 2 sessions weekly for 4 months but the BP and anxiety and OCD I already have made it harder and I needed times that we backed off or times we stayed on something longer than would be typical. I won't lie, it is incredibly hard work but it was worth it in the long run.

There are other PTSD treatments that I don't think are as aggressive; EMDR is one that I know very little about but someone on here will. I briefly discussed it with my therapist but it would have meant seeing a 2nd therapist for that technique because mine isn't trained and that didn't seem like a good idea.

If this is all new to you you may need to ease into it before tackling huge issues but I'm not a therapist so I really don't know how that works.