New to the bipolar section

Hi all,

My name is Katie and Im a Bipolar 1 Rapid Cycler. I was told about a month ago by a new pdoc that Ive been treated for years for this. I just got out of being in group homes/supervised living not too long ago. The other doctor kind of kept it away from me for some reason which I think is kind of unethical. And he called it major depression.. lol I kind of knew I had moodswings almost from day one.

I can cycle anywhere from 2 days to multiple times in a day if Im stressed out. Ive been having some problems again and they've been tinkering with my meds a lot lately.
It hasnt been easy at all for me. Im currently now on Loxipane, Lexapro, Lamictal, Seroquel, Ativan and Lithium. Their getting a new Lith level on me on Monday and I could be possibly going up with that one too.

Ive been going from being up all night in high manias to sleeping practically entire days away in depression. And of course to the angry mania and breaking things.. The voices and psychotic thoughts have died down for the most part thank God with the antipsychotics. At least I will say that one for sure.

Ive been having to stay in the house especially when I am swinging multiple times in a day and I really can't plan anything right now with how it is. So its been horrible. Its like Im a hostage with this thing all around. Im using coping techniques over here and online boards and trying to keep myself out of the hospital that way. Its been helping to anchor me somewhat which is good. Enough that I havent been out getting into trouble at least or acting when Im in a severe depressive state.

I just keep on fighting here to the end and waiting til Monday..The current mood is just plain BLAH over here now and my head is hurting me..

Welcome to PC!

I was recently rediagnosed as Bipolar (II I think) and also experience the rapid cycling. I left a pdoc/therapist (private practice) after two and half years of getting now where. He believed in non-labels. GRRRRRRRRRR!

Anyway I'm glad you found us...

I'm bp 1, but I don't rapid cycle that much. I usually spend months in mania or depression, but the meds have helped shorten those bouts--I have to get them adjusted if I feel the mania or depression coming on. I'm lucky to have a great aggressive meds provider who doesn't let me stay in an episode long due to a recent OD. I see her every 2 weeks right now.

I do have a friend from my support group who is a rapid cycler so I can empathize with you. She sometimes just has to shut herself up in her house with the drapes drawn to get through an episode. I've seen her switch from optimistic to pessimistic in a matter of minutes. Arriving at the support group to having to leave to crawl up in a corner & cry. I don't know how to help her other than listen...--Suzy

BTW, welcome!--Suzy

Hi Katie,

Welcome to PC and to the forum. You will find lots of people who understand what you are experiencing.

I wish you well,

January