Do any of you pace, or pace for very extended periods of time?

I have worn a pattern in the lawn from pacing, I have paced for so many hours of the day that when I wake up my legs are in some serious pain. Last two days I have been doing nothing but pacing, my mood is manic, mixed, manic still.

I don't know what is making me pace, could be that I'm agitated ( I don't feel severely agitated) , could be that my thoughts have mostly turned into racing fractions of thoughts? I don't know, but I am not getting anything done at all all day long except a good leg workout It's distressing me because last time I did a marathon paces I ended up pacing hospital corridors. I really want to do other things, like the dishes and such but I can't seem to stand still for more than 2 minutes. And the pacing is mindless motion accomplishing nothing.

Please tell me I am not the only one that does this.....Is this common bipolar behavior, or maybe a coping thing... I've been at it for years, but it's really driving me nuts, when I am a "normal" me I don't pace (except when on the phone)

Today I have paced for apx. 13 hours WTH?? How do you stop doing it? Mind over matter isn't working.

Ughh It's 5 am, I'm going to go attempt to weed my garden and see if I can manage, sleep time has come and gone, it's extremely quiet.

[madisgram]

Bipolar Disorder Symptoms

Increased activity and gestures (pacing, tapping feet) may be seen.
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/bipolar_disorder/page3_em.htmanika, i've never experienced the pacing but this article mentions it. it must be frustrating. sounds manic to me. don't know if you had this symptom before meds. some meds can cause pacing too. abilify is one of them. regardless how bout calling your pdoc? he can tweak your meds and help you out of the mania with the adjustment. just suggestions.

Thank Madisgram,

So I'm not abnormal *phew* I have for many years done the pacing when I'm off, but this last year it has become severe pacing. I am manic so that's good information, I never noticed it in the symptoms list before. It is really frustrating, because I make lists of all the things I want to get done, and I am lucky to get one thing done. It's like the pacing is involuntary almost.

I saw my Pdoc yesterday at the hospital for outpatient and had a med added. Maybe I need to give a another day to hopefully take effect.

Everything I have attempted to get away from the pacing has failed, and I end up right back at it. It seems like when I am pacing I am not really thinking much at all, like very partial thoughts.

[blueoctober]

Hi Anika. From your post it sounds like the pacing has become an unhealthy coping mechanism. Perhaps setting a time limit on allowing yourself to do it and gradually decrease that time each week. I hope that helps.

[FuriousGeorge]

Originally Posted by Anika

Do any of you pace, or pace for very extended periods of time?

I have worn a pattern in the lawn from pacing, I have paced for so many hours of the day that when I wake up my legs are in some serious pain. Last two days I have been doing nothing but pacing, my mood is manic, mixed, manic still.

I don't know what is making me pace, could be that I'm agitated ( I don't feel severely agitated) , could be that my thoughts have mostly turned into racing fractions of thoughts? I don't know, but I am not getting anything done at all all day long except a good leg workout It's distressing me because last time I did a marathon paces I ended up pacing hospital corridors. I really want to do other things, like the dishes and such but I can't seem to stand still for more than 2 minutes. And the pacing is mindless motion accomplishing nothing.

Please tell me I am not the only one that does this.....Is this common bipolar behavior, or maybe a coping thing... I've been at it for years, but it's really driving me nuts, when I am a "normal" me I don't pace (except when on the phone)

Today I have paced for apx. 13 hours WTH?? How do you stop doing it? Mind over matter isn't working.

Ughh It's 5 am, I'm going to go attempt to weed my garden and see if I can manage, sleep time has come and gone, it's extremely quiet.

13 hours is a lot of time to be doing something like pacing. I think it would be good to talk to your pdoc to make sure there isn't some kind of med side affect or interaction going on. If you can't see your pdoc right away, maybe the ER would be a good bet.

Best wishes.

[siljie]

I don't have Bipolar, but I definitely have a big pacing problem. I've had it for years, every time I get stressed or any kind of negative emotion. We have this big table in the dining room, and I'll find myself not even noticing that I'm pacing around and around and around it. I rarely ever sit down and have meals, I usually find myself pacing around while I'm eating actually. My family gets onto me about it all the time, especially when I do it at night and they'll say they couldn't sleep because I was stomping around all night. It's almost like dissociation for me, like my mind leaves my body and I'm just pacing and pacing with no control over my body or thought to stop it. So you're definitely not alone.

Originally Posted by siljie

It's almost like dissociation for me, like my mind leaves my body and I'm just pacing and pacing with no control over my body or thought to stop it.

Exactly!! This is exactly how I feel while doing it, my thoughts are not even thoughts while its going on, just little pieces of words and stuff (although when my racing thoughts get fast enough this also happens). And it does feel as tho I am basically absent. I don't notice I'm doing it either. When I do notice I'll try to stop and do something else , 2 minutes later I am doing it again. I rarely sit either normally.

I don't think this is my meds because it's a pattern I get into, last time it was a severe mixed episode, this time manic. I am really thinking it's because my thoughts are so discomposed that I can't function like that.

Timing is a good idea, worth a shot, but I don't know how well that will work since I don't realize till I'm in the midst of it.

Thank you all for your input.

[DamianV]

Originally Posted by Anika

Exactly!! This is exactly how I feel while doing it, my thoughts are not even thoughts while its going on, just little pieces of words and stuff (although when my racing thoughts get fast enough this also happens). And it does feel as tho I am basically absent. I don't notice I'm doing it either. When I do notice I'll try to stop and do something else , 2 minutes later I am doing it again. I rarely sit either normally.

I don't think this is my meds because it's a pattern I get into, last time it was a severe mixed episode, this time manic. I am really thinking it's because my thoughts are so discomposed that I can't function like that.

Timing is a good idea, worth a shot, but I don't know how well that will work since I don't realize till I'm in the midst of it.

Thank you all for your input.

Sounds like a habitual pattern that needs to be broken.... can you add any fresh experiences to your life to break it? Maybe head to the beach? The mountains? The library? the park? Anything to break the pattern. I think that the more you do it, the easier it is to fall into it every day as well....
Yes, it does sound like a manic episode. When i go into one, i pace from one task to the next all day and can't get anything finished. What you're describing however does not sound constructive at all and 13 hours is a LOT.

Psychomotor Agitation- did some more reading. Mental tension and agitation causes the involuntary pacing, wringing of hands ext.

I'm at the height of this manic episode which has been going on just over a month. Psychosis is still present, and I have been rapid cycling a bit then returning to mania. Safe to say I think I am probably just extremely agitated, and under mental distress. Not to mention I am a bit worn out.

I hate to discount anyone's suggestion's, as I appreciate any insight! I will try them out.

DamienV, I don't do this all the time, but I do it when I am having a bad episode, unfortunately my manic episodes are always long and severe. However, when I am out of my house I do stop doing it, so thanks for suggesting that, I think I need a break, so I'll get out of the house for a while. It would be pretty embarrassing to be pacing in public, and public is probably enough distraction that I don't do it. I wish 13 hours was my record

It was mentioned yesterday by my pdoc that if my meds do not work in the next few days I'll be admitted, so I am totally willing to try anything at this point.

[Beezup2]

Originally Posted by Anika

Do any of you pace, or pace for very extended periods of time?

I have worn a pattern in the lawn from pacing, I have paced for so many hours of the day that when I wake up my legs are in some serious pain. Last two days I have been doing nothing but pacing, my mood is manic, mixed, manic still.

I don't know what is making me pace, could be that I'm agitated ( I don't feel severely agitated) , could be that my thoughts have mostly turned into racing fractions of thoughts? I don't know, but I am not getting anything done at all all day long except a good leg workout It's distressing me because last time I did a marathon paces I ended up pacing hospital corridors. I really want to do other things, like the dishes and such but I can't seem to stand still for more than 2 minutes. And the pacing is mindless motion accomplishing nothing.

Please tell me I am not the only one that does this.....Is this common bipolar behavior, or maybe a coping thing... I've been at it for years, but it's really driving me nuts, when I am a "normal" me I don't pace (except when on the phone)

Today I have paced for apx. 13 hours WTH?? How do you stop doing it? Mind over matter isn't working.

Ughh It's 5 am, I'm going to go attempt to weed my garden and see if I can manage, sleep time has come and gone, it's extremely quiet.

Yes, I pace too, usually near bedtime and I will give it this - it helps me tire myself out for sleep! I've notied I want to do this when my anxiety is outta sight, I'm pushing manic (BP Type II) or I feel that agitated "trapped energy" I want to throw off. Walking in the day actually helps, too.

I applaud you switching gears, I believe, to trying other activities. Switching up for variety sounds like a helpful thing. I wash dishes too however it relaxes me. Perhaps being productive in other ways will boost spirits and result in a nice environment, look, whatever.

Lastly, maybe, using myself as an example, specific triggers are popping up that get you looking to pacing as a distraction, nervous habit or something in that direction. But behaviors which are so detrimental to our mind and body, may mean we're in need of a consultation with a healthcare team for some long-needed relilef. Best to you

Well I did switch it up. My boyfriend wanted to take the kids and I go-karting for father's day! I am scared of speed and cars haha. On the way out the door I was going to grab an ativan but decided against it as I hadn't slept last night, I was afraid it would knock me out. I've never been in a go-kart before, I was pretty nervous.

I didn't drive a go-kart just a passenger. I am a little proud, I did not have a panic attack, near having one but I coaxed myself through it and even managed to have a little fun too. I'm still feeling rather agitated and manic but am more tired. I think the speed and the scare factor in a weird way helped me let off a little tension. I was thinking something a little more peaceful, but it was actually a good distraction.

[Devilstompa]

I also pace when my thoughts are racing.

[Blue_Bird]

Originally Posted by pacing free

yes there is a cure for pacing disorders i myself paced around none stop for years and no longer pace or have anxiety any longer, for this you need to stop taking your medical medication, for theses are the cause of your pacing and anxiety, i;ve learnt this with a 100% successfull so your mental doctor is just making you feel this way it wont stop right away fr me it took about 6 to 7 months before improvement so dont give up

You shouldn't be advising anyone to stop their prescribed meds.

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[annielovesbacon]

I pace when I'm hypomanic. I kind of dissociate and my brain leaves my body and before I realize it I've been pacing for hours. I think it happens because I have SOOO much energy but my brain won't sit still enough for me to do anything like clean, read, watch TV, etc. i HAVE to pace.

[HALLIEBETH87]

I did while in psychosis

[Icare dixit]

I love to do it outside on a railway platform after sunset surrounded by bright lights which are so much brighter and blend together so beautifully. It's so much nicer if you don't see where you're going but as you just go in circles you don't need to. It's like heaven. No people around or very few. Cameras, but they've never called the cops. I didn't care when manic, but it must've looked strange. I do pretend I wait for my train or I am actually waiting for one.

But when I stay at home I prefer to dance to lose excess energy. It's far more effective.

[cashart10]

I agree with Icare dixit. I dance lavishly and constantly when I am manic and I thoroughly enjoy it. It often feels very sensual...like being in a rave with no drugs.

However, I also pace...sometimes constantly and often without noticing. I may pace because I'm either manic or panicked. Once I become aware of it, sometimes I can stop and sometimes I cannot stop. Either way I will feel entirely insecure about it.

Old thread, but...

Yeah, I do the whole pacing thing when I'm extremely hyper. My dad actually yelled at me once, "What the hell are you doing? Why are you pacing in your room?" I was like, "I was thinking of the awesomest idea ever!! I'm going to be a bestselling book author!" (Tbh, I can't write for sh*t. lol. I have no idea how to write.) He said, "yeah, ooooookay... Just leave me out of it"

I pace when manic. I will sit down for a second, get right back up and begin pacing. Over and over. Sometimes I feel like I'm doing something, looking for something I can never seem to find.

[RomanJames2014]

I can pace for hours and house just listening to music. I disillusioned eat fast or bit my nails. It's crazy. I usually have music playing though as I have rapid thoughts.

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[cincidak]

Originally Posted by Anonymous32507

Psychomotor Agitation- did some more reading. Mental tension and agitation causes the involuntary pacing, wringing of hands ext.

I'm at the height of this manic episode which has been going on just over a month. Psychosis is still present, and I have been rapid cycling a bit then returning to mania. Safe to say I think I am probably just extremely agitated, and under mental distress. Not to mention I am a bit worn out.

I hate to discount anyone's suggestion's, as I appreciate any insight! I will try them out.

DamienV, I don't do this all the time, but I do it when I am having a bad episode, unfortunately my manic episodes are always long and severe. However, when I am out of my house I do stop doing it, so thanks for suggesting that, I think I need a break, so I'll get out of the house for a while. It would be pretty embarrassing to be pacing in public, and public is probably enough distraction that I don't do it. I wish 13 hours was my record

It was mentioned yesterday by my pdoc that if my meds do not work in the next few days I'll be admitted, so I am totally willing to try anything at this point.

Something to think about, if it's psychomotor agitation it could be medication induced. That's what happened to me when my doctor put me on Saphris which is a antipsychotic.

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[cincidak]

After I started having the psychomotor agitation my doctor prescribed Requip, which took care of that symptom. I didn't want to go off Saphris because it made me stable. Hope this helps

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[LadyShadow]

I did some severe pacing when I was manic.