[GoldenSnitch]

Hi everyone. I've heard a lot of mentions of mixed episodes or moods or states since joining the board and I was just curious about what a mixed episode presents like for you (for anyone who doesn't mind sharing). I think that I've been having some of that lately and it is a very strange experience. What helps you when you are feeling mixed? Have you been able to find triggers? Just looking for some more info/experience with this.

Thank you!

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[CopperStar]

For me they vary somewhat, but typically combine severe insomnia, agitation, intrusive and racing thoughts, anxiety and very impulsive, risky behaviors, with suicidal ideation, crying episodes, paranoia and feelings of despair and being trapped. The grand finale is usually a psychotic break.

I'm not sure what my exact triggers are for mixed states, since it tends to feed on itself. Insomnia will be an initial symptom, for example, but the sleep deprivation also exacerbates everything and eventually brings on the psychosis, which means I sleep even less, and on and on.

I was never able to find relief outside of medication, most of my life has been quite the train wreck. I finally caved and tried Zyprexa this year after a bout of being homeless and psychotic for a while. So far the medication is working.

[Slowbrains]

Originally Posted by CopperStar

For me they vary somewhat, but typically combine severe insomnia, agitation, intrusive and racing thoughts, anxiety and very impulsive, risky behaviors, with suicidal ideation, crying episodes, paranoia and feelings of despair and being trapped. The grand finale is usually a psychotic break.

I agree, mine symptoms are about the same. Except towards the end of episode i kind of slide in to depression rather than psychotic break. I don't see any specific triggers, it's more like exhausting after hypomania without ability to stop.

Increasing seroquel over 200mg helps somewhat, at least paranoid behaviour and racing thoughts tend to slow down.

[Wanderlust90]

My "mixed" states or dysphoric hypomania is very similar to that described above except that I usually crash into a depression rather than psychosis also.

[Slowbrains]

Googled dysphoric hypomania because i didn't know what it means, came across with this article.

Bipolar II and Hypomania

I'm currently unable to study it through (being hypo) but there was some new-to-me things. It's somewhere in the middle

[Wanderlust90]

Yeh technically BP2 has no mixed state as by definition (DSM) a mixed state is both depression & mania not hypomania but BP2 mixes it up too, in fact the whole reason I sought help was due to a dysphoric hypomania. Most uncomfortable experiences ever. I self harmed, was suicidal, anxious, restless, irritable, angry & aggressive & couldn't sleep even tho I desperately wanted to to escape myself. I also felt driven to do something, anything, but couldn't figure out what to do, like I didn't have the concentration to be content???

[GoldenSnitch]

Thank you for all of your responses. You have been very helpful. I've been experiencing some things like what has been described unfortunately

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I had a mixed episode this winter after stopping my meds cold turkey. I had all the physical symptoms of mania but I was crying all the time and suicidal and extremely irritable. I couldn't sleep. drive or be around people. I was on home hospitalization in a hotel for several days because I couldn't be around people but my therapist agreed to not hospitalize me.

It was hell. Not like bipolar 2. I don't think. I am bipolar 1.

[BlackSheep79]

Irritable, insomnia, suicidal, hopeless. I feel a horrible feeling of energy running through my body. I was mixed for five months. I hope I never have to go through it again. I would never wish this on my worst enemy.

[CycloMary]

I have had episodes where I feel like a wild animal trapped inside my body.
Restless, anxious, too much nervous energy, crying, irritable, want to escape sooo badly, feel trapped, suicidal, want my brain to just shut off..... which used to lead me to drink too much �� which made it all worse.

I experience the same, so when I get like that, I'll take Respiradal PRN or a tranquilizer to help smooth it all out. That usually helps me. By no means drink alcohol....it doesn't mix well with a mixed state.

[HALLIEBETH87]

I basically get depressed but with anxiety, irritability, and self harm and suicidal tendacies.

They're the worst

[WibblyWobbly]

Racing racing racing thoughts, I feel like steam is coming out of my ears and that my body is just going to explode. Self-harm, rage, impulsive driving to anywhere because I feel so agitated and restless, crying uncontrollably, and a very strong impulse to kill myself any way possible. I can't be around people or I'll rage so when family starts blowing up my phone I ignore it until the cops call. "I'm fiiine, just doing some shopping, no need to worry." The whole thing is a total blur. I definitely should not have been driving. Sometimes it's triggered by hypomania, sometimes I wasn't on the right meds. I get really depressed afterwards. It's the worst, most dangerous state I've been in.

[scatterbrained04]

I'm pretty sure I experienced a mixed state a few years ago, which is what led me to seek help. I was depressed, suicidal, and self-harming. I was also anxious, energetic, and had racing thoughts. There was some impulsivity. I was also having hallucinations, I think. I would see like a big bug run across my floor out of the corner of my eye. I'd also feel like I had bugs crawling on me. I had noise sensitivity and often felt outside my body (which made driving a little unsafe). Worst episode I ever had in my life. And that's also when crap hit the fan with my son. If it was not for him, I'm not sure I'd still be here.

[Pikku Myy]

Exactly what CopperStar said

[nowIgetit]

hmmm I have been dxd as BP 2 with mixed features, I didn't realize that such a thing supposedly does not exist. for me I usually have symptoms that present much like significant depression and anxiety, like irritability/rage along with unstoppable crying spells and severe fatigue, no interest in socialization or leaving my house, feeling very overwhelmed, having insomnia, hard time concentrating, being very jumpy.

[Wanderlust90]

Sorry it never used to (DSM IV TR), now there is no mixed episode but a mixed features specifyer (DSM V)

[HALLIEBETH87]

Oh they're the worst'

Anxiety, impulsive, suicide ideation, irritability, sadness, and sometimes racing thoughts.

It all gets really overwhelming and I usually end up IP.

[Cocosurviving]

I have BP 1. My pdoc took me off Lithium at my request and in know time things went downhill quickly. I had anxiety, I was impulsive went and got a few piercing and tattoos. I had bad insomnia. My racing thoughts were terrible. I most wanted to hurt others...family members because I believed they wronged me. Now hurting a stranger was no problem either because I had road rage and carried a bat. I once jumped out the car with my bat and scared the hell out of another driver. After it happened I sat in the car and thought abt, what had happened. I was actually in the wrong. Then I started crying trying to figure out what was wrong with me. I would be manic and depressed at the same to. With my family I could try to kill them while crying. I'm mad pissed off and upset crying. For me once it's over I'm mad. I feel my actions were justified. I've been IP twice for mixed episodes

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[ComfortablyNumb5]

I get severely aggressive. Can't sit still or sleep. Actually last night while I was laying in bed, I kept thinking of horrible situations going through my head. I don't even want to tell what they were. I get extremely mean to people. Slamming doors, hanging up phones, the middle finger ect ect.

Dx: BP2, PTSD, bulimia/anorexia
Seroquel 300mgs
Trileptal 300mgs
Buspar 45mgs
Ativan 1mg PRN
Vyvance 50mg PRN

[Paprika18]

Originally Posted by GoldenSnitch

Hi everyone. I've heard a lot of mentions of mixed episodes or moods or states since joining the board and I was just curious about what a mixed episode presents like for you (for anyone who doesn't mind sharing). I think that I've been having some of that lately and it is a very strange experience. What helps you when you are feeling mixed? Have you been able to find triggers? Just looking for some more info/experience with this.

Thank you!

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Lately I was to do fun things instead of my previous slug mode, but my body is so exhausted. It might be my meds. Not sure yet.

[LadyShadow]

Sleep. Its a big thing. I am going on almost 15 hours no sleep. Its gotten to the point where I feel out of place in the daytime. Like almost uneasy. Can go from 0 to 100 in seconds then turn around and cry. Emotions at an all time high. Or just broken down to the lowest point.

The trigger is SLEEP. YOU NEED IT. I can't stress this enough. I am suffering now because of it.

[lunaticfringe]

I have been hospitalized a couple times for what I would define as a mixed episode. I get very out of control, angry, impulsive, wanting to kill myself or someone else desperately. For me the mixed episode is marked by a high energy level and impulsive, negative thoughts. Honestly I think I spend most of my time in some sort of mixed state.