[LonesomeTonight]

For those of you who are bipolar II, how long do your hypomanic episodes usually last? I'm really hoping this one ends for me soon (been a couple weeks, I think), because I'm afraid my intense irritability (compounded by stress from stuff with my daughter) is going to lead to H telling me to get out. Also dealing with some intense anxiety. I'm not 100% sure it's hypomania--might be bad reaction to the Abilify my p-doc has me trying (along with Zoloft, which I was already on) to treat the BPII. I just feel like I have no tolerance/patience for D (being super clingy and wanting me to be there the second she calls for me) or for H. H has been upset with me a bunch lately. And understandably so.

I just don't know how to shut it off. Or for him to possibly understand this is a passing thing, I'm doing my best, and to maybe try to not take stuff that personally for this brief time period? Not that I'm trying to excuse myself AT ALL. But short of locking myself in a room and avoiding human interaction till this passes, not sure what to do.

What behaviors do you currently struggle with that cause a problem for your husband? I'm so sorry you are going through this. I'm dealing with stress from my son that is much different than yours but I do relate to the kids causing stress stuff. I'm so sorry for you.

[Theresa1991]

Sorry you are struggling!

My hypomanic episodes can last pretty long. I have been mostly hypomanic for the last two years I guess, with short breaks in which I have been depressed, mixed or normal. Usually an episodes last like four weeks until I get a small break. I don't really enjoy it because I also get very irritable, tend to drink more and get myself into dangerous situations, have racing thoughts and basically feel like I am on Speed.

[Sunflower123]

Bless your heart. I'm sorry you're having such a rough time. My hypomania usually only lasts between 1-2 days and usually occurs when my doctor has put my on 4 antidepressants instead of the usual 3 for depressed episodes and winter. I'm going through some stuff with my daughter right now and know first hand how stressful that can be. I don't get hypomania very often...just this awful depression that I lug around most days.

[LonesomeTonight]

Originally Posted by ElsaMars

What behaviors do you currently struggle with that cause a problem for your husband? I'm so sorry you are going through this. I'm dealing with stress from my son that is much different than yours but I do relate to the kids causing stress stuff. I'm so sorry for you.

Thanks, Elsa.

Right now, being irritable, snapping at him over things, being much less patient with our daughter than usual, etc. Or the other night, he was trying to be supportive, and I accused him of being patronizing (that came up in marriage counseling a couple days ago). And it feels like something I can't really control, unless I step away from the situation that's making me irritable (which I'm trying to do). I'm feeling a bit calmer today, so maybe it's starting to pass?

[RainyDay107]

I'm glad you're feeling a little better.

My hypomanic episodes typically last a long time, meaning several months or a couple of years. I'm type 1 and it gets a bit blurry for me - I've switched into fully blown mania on a handful of occasions, unfortunately.

I have never had a period of remission, so I don't know if this has helped you or not. I do remember what "normal happy" felt like...I haven't had it in a long time.

I relate to the irritability--sometimes I feel impatient with others as they seem (to me) to be thinking SO slowly.

I hope you continue to feel better, hang in there. xo