[franz kafka]

Pdoc says I'm in a mixed episode. My main symptoms are oscillating mood (depression and mild euphoria and normal mood), occasional psychosis, racing thoughts, and severe agitation. I can't sit still and I also can't focus on anything long enough to get work done. Or anything done for that matter. I can't even sleep the day away because I'm too ramped up. I'm completely miserable.

Any tips for getting through a mixed episode? Pdoc is working on the meds side of things but I need some tools for surviving until those kick in.

[benzenering]

Exercise helps me.

Find a healthy way to expend the excess energy you have. Do you have a favorite outdoor hobby? What about just walking around in a mall or getting fresh air by walking outside your apartment? You can do all those things while listening to music, too. The music and whatever you're doing will help you keep your mind off all the negative thoughts.

Another great thing you can do is artwork or doodling. I know that sounds so weird, but art takes a lot of focus and concentration. I know you said you can't concentrate well (and believe me, I know that feeling!), but once you're in the zone, it's a great way to make the uncomfortable, unwanted thoughts subside (at least temporarily). All you need is that initial push to start drawing. And the level of concentration required by drawing is nowhere near the same level of concentration required by reading or watching complex movies. You can ALSO draw out your feelings as a way to "release" some of the negative thoughts.

[Under*Over]

Im really sorry you feel like this. Mixed episodes are the WORST.

What helped me yes was walks. When I would feel the most revved up, when I would feel the worst of dysphoric mania (when I would be shaking in my skin hating myself and wanting to do all these bad things to myself) walking helped. It was like- if the outer me could find some way to channel inner mes energy... I could move it away from being so negative and painful.

But mixed episodes suck. I wouldnt wish it on my worst enemy. I hope your doctor is also helping you through this and you can move past this episode into something better really soon