[annielovesbacon]

I've been trying to pay better attention to how I feel right before I go from depressed to hypomanic (or vice versa) because my T has been asking me questions about "warning signs" that my mood is about to shift.
So far I've noticed that when my mood is about to shift from low to high, I start staying up all night, planning for things way in the future, eating more (as in a normal amount), and starting to overload my schedule.
When my mood is about to shift from high to low, I start canceling plans, being tired but unable to sleep, and I start eating less.
I'm on the lookout for more signs.

What are some of y'all's?

[Morso]

Sounds very familiar. For me with the eating it's the opposite way. I don't feel like eating when I'm going to hypomania and I comfort eat while depressed.

Some warning signs are also spending money on clothes, making travel plans or traveling and partying hard.

[Ocean Swimmer]

Those are the signs. A mixed state can begin in a hopeless mood,then going into overdrive with the down feelings. This I consider the worst, so be careful.

[TishaBuv]

I just offered to write a motivational speech! Can I really do it, or am I manic?

[Row Jimmy]

I get "edgy" but I'm still learning to recognize the signs. For me, it's more about avoiding situations that get me into a bad state.

[It's Not Important]

Pdoc still isn't sure if I'm bipolar or borderline, but I feel a strong sense of dread right before things get really bad.

I really can't tell when I'm going to get hit with depression. I'll literally feel fine one day, then the next I'm suicidal. I'm sure there are warning signs, but I can't tell what they are.

With hypo/mania, it's a bit easier for me. I get less sleep and I start feeling agitated. I also don't eat a whole lot.

Mixed episodes are tricky... Usually I'll feel severely p*ssed off when I wake up. When I'm hypo/manic, I have irritability, but it's not to the point where I wake up severely p*ssed off.

[BeyondtheRainbow]

I can't really say there are too many things I know before I'm in deeply (probably because I normally get mixed rapidly) but if I start swearing I'm getting manic or mixed.

[hashiBP2?]

Originally Posted by annielovesbacon

I've been trying to pay better attention to how I feel right before I go from depressed to hypomanic (or vice versa) because my T has been asking me questions about "warning signs" that my mood is about to shift.
So far I've noticed that when my mood is about to shift from low to high, I start staying up all night, planning for things way in the future, eating more (as in a normal amount), and starting to overload my schedule.
When my mood is about to shift from high to low, I start canceling plans, being tired but unable to sleep, and I start eating less.
I'm on the lookout for more signs.

What are some of y'all's?

this sounds like me too

[hashiBP2?]

Originally Posted by annielovesbacon

I've been trying to pay better attention to how I feel right before I go from depressed to hypomanic (or vice versa) because my T has been asking me questions about "warning signs" that my mood is about to shift.
So far I've noticed that when my mood is about to shift from low to high, I start staying up all night, planning for things way in the future, eating more (as in a normal amount), and starting to overload my schedule.
When my mood is about to shift from high to low, I start canceling plans, being tired but unable to sleep, and I start eating less.
I'm on the lookout for more signs.

What are some of y'all's?

Originally Posted by TishaBuv

I just offered to write a motivational speech! Can I really do it, or am I manic?

oh my! i dont know you well enough to say but maybe you should do it when feeling manic

[Icare dixit]

More energy and less need for sleep are the best indicators, probably, as most/all mentioned. Being quicker, feeling/being more vigilant. More challenges, lessening your chances of success, feeling exhilarated by it, including opposition (though you might (first) get very irritable and agitated). Sometimes feeling you can't juggle/control it all, but this fear disappears (or you get depressed, maybe just shortly before moving on).

Irritability itself can also mean depression. Difficulty with keeping a routine is also a sign for both. Being late or almost late for work/school or some appointment can also be indicative of both.

Feeling unfree. Sleeping longer or being more tired than usual. Losing sense of what is meaningful and what isn't. Being slower at doing things. Just like depression, but subtle.

Edit:
Anxiety (even mildly) fluctuating might be the best sign that you are bound to face anxiety sooner or later that is too much, leading to a long depression. But don't try too hard to slow down or you will get more anxiety fluctuations. Try to avoid stimulation/opposition instead. Gradually do less, but don't get understimulated or it will also cause anxiety, a feeling of losing control. Always be vigilant to keep a balance. Look how others look at you, whether they notice a change, look (mildly) surprised.

[Phoenix_1]

Once before I had my diagnosis I went to my therapist and told her I was too happy. I was really really happy and it felt strange to be so happy. She laughed and said it was OK. But I felt that it wasn't Ok. It was BP hypomania and I didn't know it yet. I usually noticed the change at work first. I would get super productive. I loved my job. I felt really smart and felt that I could tackle anything. (I am smart according to IQ tests - but I usually feel stupid ). 3-6 months later I hated my job and myself and would call in sick until I either quit or they fired me. That was the depression kicking in. Repeat repeat. Now I'm on permanent disability. I'm on Lamictal and it helps a lot but I miss the great feeling of hypomania. Not enough to stop taking my pills though. I still have a low grade depression that won't go away.

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[bipolar angel]

Soo glad to read this thread!I was originally rx with depression,then some added anxiety,then bp2/bp unspecified. My pdoc,really wasn't sure how wanted to label my depression or bp because I do very well for long stretches w/very low meds,no symptoms,then appears again. I get hypomanic-Def notice more chatty,talk fast,start sleeping only 3-4 hrs at a time,awake 1-2 then sleep again,get irritable. ..but sometimes all this is so subtle,it might 2-3 days in and I realize what's been happening. I also comfort eat,specifically sweets/carbs,whn depressed-sleep more,no energy,don't focus well. Like you have list in your head of 5 things to do,you did 3 of them and now can't remember the other 2. Or get in car to drive to supermarket you always use start driving,after 5 minutes you realize driving your work route/store other direction.

[gina_re]

Depression....want to sleep more and no showers without leaving my house
Hypomania...way more energy than usual, the need to drink

[pirilin]

Compliance.

[Pikku Myy]

Anxiety