[xRavenx]

Lately, I feel like I've been making so many big plans (vacations, etc) and spending a lot of money impulsively on things and people in order for them to be able to do all these things that I want to do. The excitement feels good, it's sort of catching up with me where it's hard to keep up with my thoughts and schemes anymore. When I try to slow myself down though, I feel I'm unable to and that my mind just won't stop.

Also, I worry too much about others lately and what they think of me, and I get sort of concerned that they will decide they can't keep up with me anymore, although so far my (new) significant other seems to be excited about everything I keep up with. I hope it doesn't fall apart. I feel I'm losing control, and I'm anxious about it. I feel like I'm all over the place, easily distracted, and it's hurting both my self-esteem and wellbeing. I also feel I come off as a space cadet as well at times, and I hate giving that impression since people are not very understanding and lash out in frustration when I get that way. Then, I feel horrible. I hope I don't get full-blown manic as a result of the way things are going....or that I don't crash into a depression. Can anybody relate and have any advice to help get through this period?

[Gabyunbound]

Sounds like your hypomania started out as exciting and positive in some ways and now it's turning bad on you, which I can definitely relate to. When I get like that I increase the Seroquel (which I see you take) and that can definitely bring me back down to baseline, though then very very sedated.

When I've been well for a while I very slowly titrate it down again. This is all with the blessing of my pdoc though she gives me the titration schedule, so I don't do it too quickly, which is what I feel like doing at that point.

I definitely understand your worry about how others think of you and what that can do to one's self esteem given your behavior (I've been in the same boat, with depression as well). Hopefully they will be forgiving and understanding that you are just not yourself at the moment. Please try to remember that this too will pass and hopefully you'll get back to baseline and not crash. Everyone's different, but as I say, I up the Seroquel.

[xRavenx]

Originally Posted by Gabyunbound

Sounds like your hypomania started out as exciting and positive in some ways and now it's turning bad on you, which I can definitely relate to. When I get like that I increase the Seroquel (which I see you take) and that can definitely bring me back down to baseline, though then very very sedated.

When I've been well for a while I very slowly titrate it down again. This is all with the blessing of my pdoc though she gives me the titration schedule, so I don't do it too quickly, which is what I feel like doing at that point.

I definitely understand your worry about how others think of you and what that can do to one's self esteem given your behavior (I've been in the same boat, with depression as well). Hopefully they will be forgiving and understanding that you are just not yourself at the moment. Please try to remember that this too will pass and hopefully you'll get back to baseline and not crash. Everyone's different, but as I say, I up the Seroquel.

Thank you, that is very helpful. I have been suspecting too that Seroquel might need to be upped even more. The pdoc recently upped it, but I still think it might need to be even higher. She seems to be a fan of upping it when I have flare ups, so I'm going to talk to her soon. I wouldn't be surprised if she recommends doing so, and hopefully that will prevent the crash. It gives me anxiety that I'm in a new relationship, because he hasn't been around long enough to really see as much of the "baseline" me. He has an anger streak since he is struggling with his own issues, but so far, not directed towards me, and he's understanding when I talk to him. I guess time will tell and building that trust with someone new is scary, especially when dealing with Bipolar.

[MusicLover82]

It sounds like you are experiencing times of hypomania and also mixed episodes. My pdoc has given me permission to take extra Risperdal when I get overly hypomanic/mixed or can't sleep due to racing thoughts. It may be a good idea to talk to your pdoc about possibly having a PRN plan (taking something as needed) when the hypomania gets out of control. I would make an appointment soon to be seen about maybe increasing the Seroquel, for sure, and maybe also ask about taking something PRN for those hypo/mixed times. These are just ideas from me, of course. Your pdoc will know what to do.

[xRavenx]

Originally Posted by MusicLover82

It sounds like you are experiencing times of hypomania and also mixed episodes. My pdoc has given me permission to take extra Risperdal when I get overly hypomanic/mixed or can't sleep due to racing thoughts. It may be a good idea to talk to your pdoc about possibly having a PRN plan (taking something as needed) when the hypomania gets out of control. I would make an appointment soon to be seen about maybe increasing the Seroquel, for sure, and maybe also ask about taking something PRN for those hypo/mixed times. These are just ideas from me, of course. Your pdoc will know what to do.

Thank you. Yes, I definitely have a long history of mixed episodes and see that it's getting that way again. I hope a PRN plan is suggested...I will talk to my pdoc.

The good news is you have some awareness and are keeping an eye on things. Keep it up and check in with a doctor sooner rather than later if you can. Big hugs!