[JustJace2u]

Apparently I either need to do more research or need to talk to my psychiatrist more. I was diagnosed officially about 3 weeks ago with BP II and MDD (I think that's what he called it). How is it possible that I have been feeling almost like I'm on cloud 9 and happy? I'm so confused, and even a little scared as to what can happen next. Sorry if this isn't making any sense.

Bipolar II means you have depression and mild mania call 'hypomania.' Many people, including myself, experience hypomania as an intensely pleasureable or euphoric episode. It could be that you're swinging up into a hypomania. Tell your doctor as the good feelings can get out of control with wild and reckless behavior. My doctor tries to modulate my hypomania. He doesn't try and squash it entirely because it is so much fun. We haven't had too much success -- it usually ends badly, in a crash into paranoia or anxiety.

Enjoy yourself but try to get some help in keeping the good feelings from escalating too much.

[Queen of Hearts]

I'm not terribly familiar with MDD. I am BP II. My diagnosis came after an incorrect diagnosis of depression followed by 3 years of euphoric hypo mania which did feel like being extremely happy/cloud 9. It can be scary at first. Now I am very aware of the cycles and what behavior will result. Information helps. Good news....it can be managed.

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[JustJace2u]

Thanks for the input. I really do need to do some research. Thankfully I have an appointment to see my psychiatrist in a week or so.

[MusicLover82]

Hypomania is nothing serious to be afraid of. Just make sure it doesn't escalate by not sleeping or overdoing it on stimulants such as caffeine. You also need to keep your behaviors in check like doing risky things or overspending. If your thoughts get out of control and you feel out of control with your behavior, give your pdoc a call to see if he/she can make a change to your medication. What are you currently taking, if anything?

I'm BP 2 as well, and my hypomania is usually no big deal and doesn't interfere with my daily life. I work a professional job and nobody notices any strange changes in me.

Are you seeing a T (therapist) yet? I highly recommend that when you are first diagnosed. You need to learn more about your illness and how to cope with it.

I know it is hard when you are first diagnosed, but you will get the hang of things. Living with Bipolar is a balancing act, and you'll learn ways to cope and you'll learn when to see your pdoc (psychiatrist) or T (therapist) when you are too far off balance.

[JustJace2u]

Currently I'm taking Forfivo, Adderall, Vraylar and Xanax. The thing that scares me right now is that fact for the last few nights I've only gotten about 4 hours of sleep each night, waking up at about 2:30-3am and feeling wide awake.

[Queen of Hearts]

You might consider talking to your pdoc about prescribing something to take as needed for sleep. I have something for that. I'm actually not sure if he prescribed it for when I'm manic or my PTSD, but it helps :-)

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[MusicLover82]

Originally Posted by JustJace2u

Currently I'm taking Forfivo, Adderall, Vraylar and Xanax. The thing that scares me right now is that fact for the last few nights I've only gotten about 4 hours of sleep each night, waking up at about 2:30-3am and feeling wide awake.

I wonder if the Adderall is making you hypomanic. It's a stimulant. You might want to ask your pdoc about that. Do you need the Adderall to function?

It takes a little while for the pdoc to get all the combination of meds right when you are first diagnosed. Try not to worry or be discouraged. It's a process and the more feedback you give your pdoc, the more he/she can help you.

[JustJace2u]

He started me on the Adderall when I first started seeing him because I have a hard time staying focused on any one thing for any length of time. This makes it difficult for me to function at my full potential at both work and school. I was thinking about asking him if I really needed the Adderall, or if there's something else I can take in place of it. I do know it takes time for meds to take full effect and it takes trial and error really to find the right mixture of meds for each individual.

[JustJace2u]

Originally Posted by Queen of Hearts

You might consider talking to your pdoc about prescribing something to take as needed for sleep. I have something for that. I'm actually not sure if he prescribed it for when I'm manic or my PTSD, but it helps :-)

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I may ask if I can get something more like Ambien. I know when I've taken that in the past it has definitely helped. Being new to all of this makes it that much harder for me. I'm not always the greatest at expressing myself.

[JustJace2u]

Originally Posted by Queen of Hearts

You might consider talking to your pdoc about prescribing something to take as needed for sleep. I have something for that. I'm actually not sure if he prescribed it for when I'm manic or my PTSD, but it helps :-)

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I notice your profile says you are in Illinois. *waves from Chicagoland*