[Jennyanydots]

When you can't sleep because you're wired, do you have get rapid flashing of visual imagery with bring colors and clear images? I don't know if this is "normal" for people or like a bipolar symptom where your brain playing tricks on you....

[Wild Coyote]

I don't experience these images when I cannot sleep. (BPII)
I hope others will comment as well.

Best Wishes,

WC

[*Laurie*]

Hmmm. I think I have those types of images going on in my mind throughout the day and when I'm falling asleep, too. Clear, vivid images (often with sounds, usually remembered words or music). I seem to remember details of memories, especially those that involved strong emotion, that most other people don't recall.

For example, I have stark memory of New Year's Eve 1999 in which a friend and I were watching glorious fireworks in the sky. We were holding hands and jumping up and down with the excitement of the night, and she was saying some things to me. A few days ago I brought up that memory to her - a memory that is so clear and meaningful to me - and she seemed vague. I don't think she remembers the moment, at all.

That type of thing occurs with me frequently. I used to think that people were just thoughtless, forgetful, or that they didn't really care. Now I wonder if people who don't have MI simply don't receive the "imprint" that I, a person with bipolar disorder and PTSD, receive. Perhaps their brains are just not as sensitive to stimuli as mine is, so they forget more quickly.

[Jennyanydots]

I'm thinking they are actually hallucinations....they are not like day dreaming or thinking about the day or past experiences. They are similar to hallucinations that I get when I'm in a manic episode. I hope its not the start of a manic episode. I generally get one about this time of the year.

[Wild Coyote]

Originally Posted by *Laurie*

Hmmm. I think I have those types of images going on in my mind throughout the day and when I'm falling asleep, too. Clear, vivid images (often with sounds, usually remembered words or music). I seem to remember details of memories, especially those that involved strong emotion, that most other people don't recall.

For example, I have stark memory of New Year's Eve 1999 in which a friend and I were watching glorious fireworks in the sky. We were holding hands and jumping up and down with the excitement of the night, and she was saying some things to me. A few days ago I brought up that memory to her - a memory that is so clear and meaningful to me - and she seemed vague. I don't think she remembers the moment, at all.

That type of thing occurs with me frequently. I used to think that people were just thoughtless, forgetful, or that they didn't really care. Now I wonder if people who don't have MI simply don't receive the "imprint" that I, a person with bipolar disorder and PTSD, receive. Perhaps their brains are just not as sensitive to stimuli as mine is, so they forget more quickly.

Hi Laurie,

I do have imagery of memories. These memories are very vivid. I have thought these events are very strongly imprinted because of my PTSD. However, I could be wrong. My brain is also ultra sensitive to stimuli.
After reading your post, I feel BPII could surely be involved as well.

You often share and raise awareness.
I am deeply grateful for you and your Presence here at PC.

With Gratitude,

WC

[Wild Coyote]

Originally Posted by Jennyanydots

I'm thinking they are actually hallucinations....they are not like day dreaming or thinking about the day or past experiences. They are similar to hallucinations that I get when I'm in a manic episode. I hope its not the start of a manic episode. I generally get one about this time of the year.

Actually, I now recall one incident where I was seeing colors. I was on a high dose of prednisone (for a different condition) and the doc thought I was hallucinating; however, the doc could easily be in error about what was actually going on for me.

Does anything help to avoid a manic episode?
I hope you are not getting into a manic episode.

(((((( Jennyanydots ))))))

Best wishes!
WC

[Blueberrybook]

Originally Posted by *Laurie*

Hmmm. I think I have those types of images going on in my mind throughout the day and when I'm falling asleep, too. Clear, vivid images (often with sounds, usually remembered words or music). I seem to remember details of memories, especially those that involved strong emotion, that most other people don't recall.

That type of thing occurs with me frequently. I used to think that people were just thoughtless, forgetful, or that they didn't really care. Now I wonder if people who don't have MI simply don't receive the "imprint" that I, a person with bipolar disorder and PTSD, receive. Perhaps their brains are just not as sensitive to stimuli as mine is, so they forget more quickly.

Same with me. There are also falling asleep & waking up hallucinations. I usually hear bird chirping before sleep. My daughter tells me whether her eyes are open or closed at night, she sees multi-colored flowers floating around and sometimes geometric shapes. I panicked about the not knowing about falling asleep hallucinations, but then I talked to my youngest sister; she sees the flowers too only hers are all one color, like pink.

I hope this is not a sign of bad things to come for my daughter...but my sister has apparently had this since childhood and has no mental health issues. Truly, I hope it does not mean Parkinson's in their future (my paternal grandmother passed away from that). Or mental health iussues in my daughter's case.

[Wild Coyote]

Originally Posted by Blueberrybook

Same with me. There are also falling asleep & waking up hallucinations. I usually hear bird chirping before sleep. My daughter tells me whether her eyes are open or closed at night, she sees multi-colored flowers floating around and sometimes geometric shapes. I panicked about the not knowing about falling asleep hallucinations, but then I talked to my youngest sister; she sees the flowers too only hers are all one color, like pink.

I hope this is not a sign of bad things to come for my daughter...but my sister has apparently had this since childhood and has no mental health issues. Truly, I hope it does not mean Parkinson's in their future (my paternal grandmother passed away from that). Or mental health iussues in my daughter's case.

I have a friend who sees colorful geometric shapes as she falls asleep. She has seen these for over 50 years. Her health is fine. I hope this helps.


WC

[Fuzzybear]

[Faltering]

I get this same thing sometimes. It's always random images, not memories. I was never sure what it was and if it was normal.

[Pookyl]

Yes I get these and it is always part of an episode.
I also hear music and I’m always conducting. I always see an old-style carousel spinning.
For me, if I want to stay out of hospital I need to take Valium as soon as the music starts.

[xxblackrosesxx]

When depressed I can actually see myself dying or my friends or family saying hurtful things to me. Or sometimes I see words telling me what to do.

[*Laurie*]

Originally Posted by Wild Coyote

Hi Laurie,

I do have imagery of memories. These memories are very vivid. I have thought these events are very strongly imprinted because of my PTSD. However, I could be wrong. My brain is also ultra sensitive to stimuli.
After reading your post, I feel BPII could surely be involved as well.

You often share and raise awareness.
I am deeply grateful for you and your Presence here at PC.

With Gratitude,

WC

Thank you, from all of my soul.