[moodswings70]

Hi,
I experienced a depressive episode about 24 years ago, which took many years to get into remission. I have been on antidepressants and anti-anxiety meds for 18 of these 24 years. I've only every experienced depressive and anxious symptoms. However, over the last month, I have experienced what my therapist has pretty much confirmed were hypo-manic episodes.
The first episode was a month ago. I had a day where I felt like I was jumping out of my skin. I just couldn't settle down. My mood felt good. Almost euphoric. In fact, I would say after lunch I got more euphoric and felt more jumpy. I went to the gym in the evening and did about 50 minutes of cardio. I ended up waking up in the middle of the night and watching a movie for 2 hours. The next day I wasn't as jumpy, but I had a hard time settling in. By the following day I was fine.
The next episode came 10 days later. I woke up in the morning feeling serene/peaceful. I definitely don't feel like that in the morning. By evening, I was teetering on euphoric again. I would classify it as a carefree feeling. Also, I got this feeling in which I became hyper awake or alert. It was as if my mind became intensely clear. I took my nightly meds, which toned the feelings down a bit. I fell asleep and then woke up in the middle of the night and was awake for 2 hours. I was very tired the next day, but my mood wasn't bad. After catching up on sleep that night, I was teetering on a high feeling. Carefree. And, again in the afternoon and early evening, I had that hyper alert/awake feeling in my head.
The next episode came this week (this is two weeks after the last episode). I was meditating, which I do at the direction of my therapist to help with anxiety. In the midst of the meditating, my arms just relaxed and I felt very in the moment and like the meditating was really working. When I got done, I was thinking, "Wow that really worked tonight." After the meditating, I was watching TV with my mom for about an hour. All of a sudden, I felt something just change. I felt like I got some energy and didn't want to sit still. My behavior became a little erratic in that I just wanted to talk and became animated. I went on the computer while my mom was watching a program that was playing music. So, I was chair dancing to the music. She definitely noticed the difference and asked me what happened. She said, "You were just here with me all night and nothing was going on." I said I don't know. Luckily I was able to sleep that night.
When I woke up the next morning, I don't know that I could tell anything one way or the other. But, then as I started on my way to work, I just had to listen to music. Most of the time, I drive in silence. But, I started playing my IPOD and just had myself a good time listening to all kinds of dance music. By the time I got to work, I felt very carefree, which lasted the rest of the day. The energy was still there through most of the morning.
As they day went on and I took my anti-anxiety meds (which have a sedating effect), the energy started to fade 'cause I was feeling more and more tired. As I said, though, the carefree feeling lasted for the day and into the evening. By night, I was pretty tired.
I woke up the next day back to my usual self. I had my therapy appointment that evening. My therapist knew about the very first episode. So, I told her about the next two. My therapist said these are definitely some kind of hypo-manic episodes. I asked her if she thought they would stop. She said now that I've had three of them, she didn't think so. But, she didn't know what they meant, which is why she wants me to call my psychiatrist next week.
So, any thoughts from people in the Bipolar community? Does this kind of thing sound familiar to you? Thanks in advance for reading!

[Miswimmy1]

How long were these hypomanic episodes lasting? I believe that in order for a diagnosis to be made for either Bipolar I or Bipolar II, symptoms must last for at least a few days without ceasing. Has anything happened in the last few months to provoke a change in mood? A move, a new job, a new boyfriend/girlfriend, change of the seasons, etc.? It would be interesting to have only depressive episodes for 24 years and then suddenly, out of the blue, some hypomania. One of the primary features of Bipolar is the cyclic changes in mood.

I would definitely talk to your pdoc about what you are experiencing.

[moodswings70]

Originally Posted by Miswimmy1

How long were these hypomanic episodes lasting? I believe that in order for a diagnosis to be made for either Bipolar I or Bipolar II, symptoms must last for at least a few days without ceasing. Has anything happened in the last few months to provoke a change in mood? A move, a new job, a new boyfriend/girlfriend, change of the seasons, etc.? It would be interesting to have only depressive episodes for 24 years and then suddenly, out of the blue, some hypomania. One of the primary features of Bipolar is the cyclic changes in mood.

I would definitely talk to your pdoc about what you are experiencing.

Hi Miswimmy,
Thank you for responding!!!

The first episode lasted a little over 24 to 36 hours.

I am not sure how to determine the timing of the second episode. As I said, I woke up feeling very peaceful or serene (definitely not the norm). The energy and excessive alertness started that evening. I was awake for two hours during the night. The next day I was very tired and groggy, but I still felt the carefree. The 3rd day, I was still carefree, but the increased energy was back as well as the excessive alertness in the late afternoon/evening. So are they two different episodes? One continuous?

The most recent episode was a little less than 24 hours.

No, there have not been any major changes in my life. I had a relative who was going through a very difficult time, but that was more concern for worry and stress than for a carefree feeling.

I will be calling my pdoc tomorrow.

Thanks again!!

[Victoria'smom]

Mine are a lot longer and not as euphoric. You may want to look into whether you're having a mixed episode or if it's actually independent episodes.

When I'm feeling in a way the doctors would diagnose as hypo, I wake feeling rested which is unheard of. My mind feels VERY clear...even my sinuses feel clearer than they ever have. I feel like I've been given a stimulant...get more talkative and have increased self esteem and confidence. I get euphoric, carefree and excited about everything. The thought of getting a Starbucks feels like winning a million dollar lottery would feel to the average person.

What you have described sounds very familiar but I cannot say with certainty it's a hypomanic episode....I'm not even certain what I experience is...but the doctors seem certain and I fit the criteria so who am I to argue I guess.

Good luck and we are here to support you if you have questions or concerns

[moodswings70]

Originally Posted by Miguel'smom

Mine are a lot longer and not as euphoric. You may want to look into whether you're having a mixed episode or if it's actually independent episodes.

Thank you! I called my pdoc. Right now, I have to keep a sleep log and a mood log for my next appointment, which is in another 5 weeks. She wants to see if there is any kind of pattern. The only thing she said so far is that because of my age (early 40's), it would be rare that it is bipolar disorder. But she said it does happen.

Again, thank you. Seems like it is going to be a waiting game for me.

[moodswings70]

Originally Posted by ElsaMars

When I'm feeling in a way the doctors would diagnose as hypo, I wake feeling rested which is unheard of. My mind feels VERY clear...even my sinuses feel clearer than they ever have. I feel like I've been given a stimulant...get more talkative and have increased self esteem and confidence. I get euphoric, carefree and excited about everything. The thought of getting a Starbucks feels like winning a million dollar lottery would feel to the average person.

What you have described sounds very familiar but I cannot say with certainty it's a hypomanic episode....I'm not even certain what I experience is...but the doctors seem certain and I fit the criteria so who am I to argue I guess.

Good luck and we are here to support you if you have questions or concerns

Thank you for providing this description of what you go through!! I am in the process of logging my mood and sleep for my pdoc, which she asked me to do. Some of this sounds familiar. For me, though, listening to a song I like makes me feel like I can soar. I have to say I really enjoy it. Interestingly, though, yesterday, I had some kind of episode in which I got all this energy, but I never got the euphoric carefree feeling. I must admit I was bummed. But, I was having a hard time standing still or even sitting still. Then, I sat down for a bit and felt like maybe I could take a nap. So, I laid down. But, I could tell I wasn't going to fall asleep. So, I got up an cleaned my clothes closet. Still wasn't really tired after that. Today I was much calmer. Even, my family could see the difference today.

[franz kafka]

I think it's worth running by your psychiatrist. Your episodes are very short, which might mean they aren't technically hypomania, but a good pdoc can figure out if bipolar meds will work best for you.

[RainyDay107]

The age 40 thing...I've never heard that and, well, I highly disagree but I'm no doctor.

You might actually be having one continuous hypomanic episode. Or you might be building up to that...the fact that it keeps "coming back" so soon is why I think it's a possibility.

I can sleep some and have a bonanfide hypomanic or even manic episode. It's sleep very like you describe. I'll go to sleep and wake up a few hours later, shooting out of bed and being thrilled about starting my day.

The Adderall may not be a factor if you've been taking it as directed and without it causing hypomania in the past. My most intense manic episode involved no stimulants except caffeine, which I'm not sensitive to. Similarly, my most soul-crushing depression was when absolutely there were no IRL triggers or changes.

You sound like you're being responsible. xo

[moodswings70]

Originally Posted by franz kafka

I think it's worth running by your psychiatrist. Your episodes are very short, which might mean they aren't technically hypomania, but a good pdoc can figure out if bipolar meds will work best for you.

Ok...thank you for the advice! I called my pdoc last week. My appointment is still a few weeks away. So, she wants me to keep a mood log and a sleep log, which I am doing. She is hoping to find some kind of pattern. Any time I have another episode, I do my best to record what was going on and how I felt so I can report it to my therapist and pdoc. I will have to wait to see what the pdoc comes up with from my logs and reports on my episodes. I will definitely let her know how long they last. Thanks again for responding!

[moodswings70]

Originally Posted by glamslam

The age 40 thing...I've never heard that and, well, I highly disagree but I'm no doctor.

You might actually be having one continuous hypomanic episode. Or you might be building up to that...the fact that it keeps "coming back" so soon is why I think it's a possibility.

I can sleep some and have a bonanfide hypomanic or even manic episode. It's sleep very like you describe. I'll go to sleep and wake up a few hours later, shooting out of bed and being thrilled about starting my day.

The Adderall may not be a factor if you've been taking it as directed and without it causing hypomania in the past. My most intense manic episode involved no stimulants except caffeine, which I'm not sensitive to. Similarly, my most soul-crushing depression was when absolutely there were no IRL triggers or changes.

You sound like you're being responsible. xo

Thank you for your response!

This is all very new to me, so I can't say at this point if it is one continuous episode or if it is going to turn into that in time. But, you make a good point and it is something for me to watch out for.

Two of my episodes involved me waking for 2 hours at night. One episode did not cause me to wake up at night. Again, this is new to me. I will have to see how each episode develops.

Thanks again!

[moodswings70]

So, I believe I had a forth episode this past weekend. I say it that way because all of a sudden I had all this energy, but I never got the carefree/euphoric feeling, which I am really upset about. I mean, if I am going to have these things, the least my brain can do is let me feel really good through them. Otherwise, I want my money back!!!!

Late in the morning on Saturday, I got that energy increase. I found myself not really being able to stand still. I was standing talking to my mom and I just kept swaying back and forth. We were going to meet my Aunt for some lunch. So, I was waiting for my mom to get ready. She moves slow because she has a bad back. I am used to this and let her take her time, of course. But, Saturday nothing seemed to move fast enough for me. And, she just seemed to be moving extra slow to me.

When we were out, I was standing in line with my aunt to order food. Again, I couldn't stand still. Swaying side to side. Just moving around. She even commented that I was really moving. Again, the line wasn't moving fast enough. When we sat down, I ate and noticed a little relief, but then the energy kicked up again. My leg was just bouncing up and down very erratically. Over lunch, I noticed that the energy would increase, then maybe calm a little. Then start up again.

When we got home, I still had the energy. I start walking through the house really fast as I am getting things done. I had taken my car for service and got the call to pick it up. I noticed feeling a little calmer for the drive. When I finally got home, I sat down to record what had happened. I thought I felt a little tired and, thought, maybe I could try to take a nap. So, I laid down and realized after a few minutes that my mind was going. So, I got up and cleaned my closet for the next 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Still wasn't tired.

Eventually, I got dinner and went on the computer for a good part of the night. The energy seemed to subside as I was on the computer. I was up that night until about 12:30am. Never got tired that day. I am usually one who takes a nap when I have off from work, especially after taking my car for service and cleaning a closet. But, I never got tired.

[bipolar angel]

Originally Posted by moodswings70

Thank you! I called my pdoc. Right now, I have to keep a sleep log and a mood log for my next appointment, which is in another 5 weeks. She wants to see if there is any kind of pattern. The only thing she said so far is that because of my age (early 40's), it would be rare that it is bipolar disorder. But she said it does happen.

Again, thank you. Seems like it is going to be a waiting game for me.

I can tell you, I was fine,classic overachiever as child,-probably was dysthymic or mild depression but never diagnosed,went out,was quiet but had friends,etc..went to college-came out of my shell/went to parties,dated,etc
I say all this..so you can understand-I wasn't diagnosed until age 35/36. I got pregnant/was very sick the whole time/depressed. After the baby was born-continued to be depressed/was in therapy/had pdoc-was on antidepressants. By the time the baby was 1-I was also having anxiety mixed in/more meds/therapy,etc. Then on a combo of wellbutrin/effexor-jumping out of my skin/felt like world ending/paranoid/afraid to be alone-got myself inpatient. Changed all the meds around. Came out on antidepressant/as needed anxiety meds. Had pdoc/therapy. Within another yr was having depression/sometimes wired/sometimes only sleep 3hrs per might,shopping sprees,then so depressed/tired/not want get out if bed.
Ta da...pdoc decided manic depression-changed the names over last few yrs..but basically bipolar 2 with occasional anxiety-officially at age 36yrs. I am considered to have hypomania.

Mine can be more obvious -or-suttle where others just seem to think im full of energy/got lots of work done at work/little hyper...but i can tell if im more edgy/more irritable/interrupt people more/talk a lot/talk fast,etc

I say all this to let you know that there are people diagnosed when older
I now take elavil-very low dose/only 10mg and neurontin as mood stabilizer-only 200mg.

Hang in there.

L

[Unrigged64072835]

I didn't get diagnosed until I hit menopause at 47. Before that I was diagnosed with MDD. Pdoc decided to try a mood stabilizer because I went through all the ADs and nothing worked.

[lilypup]

There's a guy in my bipolar support group who had his first manic episode at 62. He then went into a depression. He showed all the classic symptoms. It does happen.

[Moose72]

I was diagnosed at 34 ish. That's a lot of years to go through mania and depression unmedicated.

[RainyDay107]

Originally Posted by moodswings70

Thank you for your response!

This is all very new to me, so I can't say at this point if it is one continuous episode or if it is going to turn into that in time. But, you make a good point and it is something for me to watch out for.

Two of my episodes involved me waking for 2 hours at night. One episode did not cause me to wake up at night. Again, this is new to me. I will have to see how each episode develops.

Thanks again!

You're welcome! Here to support you.

[moodswings70]

Originally Posted by bipolar angel

I can tell you, I was fine,classic overachiever as child,-probably was dysthymic or mild depression but never diagnosed,went out,was quiet but had friends,etc..went to college-came out of my shell/went to parties,dated,etc
I say all this..so you can understand-I wasn't diagnosed until age 35/36. I got pregnant/was very sick the whole time/depressed. After the baby was born-continued to be depressed/was in therapy/had pdoc-was on antidepressants. By the time the baby was 1-I was also having anxiety mixed in/more meds/therapy,etc. Then on a combo of wellbutrin/effexor-jumping out of my skin/felt like world ending/paranoid/afraid to be alone-got myself inpatient. Changed all the meds around. Came out on antidepressant/as needed anxiety meds. Had pdoc/therapy. Within another yr was having depression/sometimes wired/sometimes only sleep 3hrs per might,shopping sprees,then so depressed/tired/not want get out if bed.
Ta da...pdoc decided manic depression-changed the names over last few yrs..but basically bipolar 2 with occasional anxiety-officially at age 36yrs. I am considered to have hypomania.

Mine can be more obvious -or-suttle where others just seem to think im full of energy/got lots of work done at work/little hyper...but i can tell if im more edgy/more irritable/interrupt people more/talk a lot/talk fast,etc

I say all this to let you know that there are people diagnosed when older
I now take elavil-very low dose/only 10mg and neurontin as mood stabilizer-only 200mg.

Hang in there.

L

Thank you for your response! Sorry to take so long to write back. I saw my T this week. I didn't get much clarification. I am not sure what to think. I don't see the pdoc until the end of April. I don't know that I am going to get any answers until then. My T said that at this stage it is about ruling things out. I haven't changed my diet or started taking any new meds or supplements. Because of my age, hormone changes have come into question from my T's perspective. I made an appointment with gyn doc for the middle of the month. So, that's where I am at. No answers until I see pdoc and gyn doc for maybe some kind of diagnosis or something closer.
On the phone, my pdoc did say that it would be rare for bipolar to show up after 40. But, she said, it does happen. As in your case, it did happen. So, I will have to just wait a few more weeks and see.
I appreciate you describing your symptoms. I have had low level depression for 20 years. I am the quiet type, though. It sounds like your bipolar episodes developed over time. I recognize the jumping out your skin. That's how I felt during my first episode. Then, my next 2 episodes included more energy. The final thing I had, I did not have euphoria or a carefree feeling, but I had a lot of energy. More energy then I've ever had. So, thank you again for your response!

[moodswings70]

Originally Posted by Fharraige

I didn't get diagnosed until I hit menopause at 47. Before that I was diagnosed with MDD. Pdoc decided to try a mood stabilizer because I went through all the ADs and nothing worked.

Ok...yeah, I am in my early 40's. Not having too much menopause symptoms yet, except that I started with night sweats about a year or so ago. My T and my family are pushing that it is a hormonal thing. Or at least they want me to get checked for that. So, I made an appointment with gyn doc to talk about the mood swings I have experienced over the last two months. I've been dealing with low level depression for about 20 years. The last 6 or 7 years the depression has been pretty well under control. But, still on meds. I can believe that it starts with menopause. If you don't mind me asking, how did it progress?

[moodswings70]

Originally Posted by lilypup

There's a guy in my bipolar support group who had his first manic episode at 62. He then went into a depression. He showed all the classic symptoms. It does happen.

Thanks for this information! That is what my pdoc said. But, I won't see her until the end of April. So, I have a wait to hear what she comes up with. Thanks again, though.

[moodswings70]

Originally Posted by Moose72

I was diagnosed at 34 ish. That's a lot of years to go through mania and depression unmedicated.

That is a lot of years.

[Cocosurviving]

I was dx'd BP 1 at 35/36 after I had a hysterectomy. After the surgery all the classic symptoms started. I knew something was wrong so I went for help. I had to get two opinions to get to the truth. I have had episodes mine are seasonal. Depression and mix in the fall and winter. Hypo and mania in the spring and summer. I've been hospitalized a few times for mania. I take meds for my symptoms and have learned to pay attention to my moods. I have a PRN med to get me through episodes and I get plenty of rest. I try to stay stress free besides bills lol. I keep out of man drama, gossip and family drama. Lol....I pretty much keep to myself. I must be doing something right I have not been in the hospital since 2014

[moodswings70]

Originally Posted by Cocosurviving

I was dx'd BP 1 at 35/36 after I had a hysterectomy. After the surgery all the classic symptoms started. I knew something was wrong so I went for help. I had to get two opinions to get to the truth. I have had episodes mine are seasonal. Depression and mix in the fall and winter. Hypo and mania in the spring and summer. I've been hospitalized a few times for mania. I take meds for my symptoms and have learned to pay attention to my moods. I have a PRN med to get me through episodes and I get plenty of rest. I try to stay stress free besides bills lol. I keep out of man drama, gossip and family drama. Lol....I pretty much keep to myself. I must be doing something right I have not been in the hospital since 2014

Thank you for this response. It helps me to know what other people have gone through and how their symptoms developed. Even though, I have experienced only a few episodes, I think keeping in mind what others experienced can help me in figuring out what is going on. One thing I have learned is that these episodes seem to take on different forms for people. There may be some general similarities like feelings of euphoria, high energy, less need for sleep. But, the intervals they last for and when they come on, seem to vary. So, this is good for me to know. It sounds like you learned to cope with things over time. That is good! Thanks again for the response!

[rwwff]

Well, piling on the age thing. I wasn't diagnosed till 51. I have no idea how long its been running though, its really chewed the heck out of my memory. I had a lot of paranoia and a couple periods of auditory hallucination, so essentially, I'd get really depressed, but too afraid of psychiatrists to call for help; and I'd never threaten <s>, I'd just act. And before I'd finally give up and act, I'd magically get better.

Can't be bipolar though, bipolar people cycle hourly or daily. I was bouncy for several weeks at a time, and down would be maybe three to six months.

So I dunno. Only the sequence of events over the last six months forced my hand, and a psychiatrist saw me "up"; and that's pretty much "game over" when it comes to the question of "what's up doc?" ;-D

I'm hoping the meds take the potency out of my depression (if it happens again); otherwise my doc may be quite annoyed to observe it, hear my notion of SI, and know I didn't call or talk to anyone last time.