I'm stable and sleepy all the time

Yes, I've had my vit. D levels checked so it's not that. I don't know why I'm so sleepy and down so much. It's not depression. My mood is fine. I just have no energy to do anything. No motivation.

My friends that also have bipolar berate me for sometimes wanting to have a little hypomania just so I don't have to feel this way all the time and it's frustrating. I just don't know what to do.

I can certainly relate to low energy/motivation with no depression. I think a lot of people can. I believe it is a part of bipolar disorder. That some symptoms lag behind, while others don't. Not black or white or burning red at all times, but shades that combine some of each, and that they vary.

For me, the decreased day light might be playing a part, and the stress of this time of year. I'm OK, but not experiencing an equalibrium or definitely not a better balance of heaviness and lightness of being. I'm trudging along with a bit of struggle. I don't know a better way of describing it right now. I'm hoping that when January comes, I can literally and figuratively rid myself of some of the stress, like as if a great exhale. It is odd that sometimes it's hard to identify why one experiences such an imbalance.

I'm hoping that such a release will bring back an energy and motivation for you very soon.

P.S. I confess that last night I only took 500 mg of my Seroquel XR instead of 600 mg. I would never have done that if I thought my psychiatrist would object. For me, sometimes lowering my sedation rather than trying to activate myself more is the right move. I know the opposite is true for others. But then sometimes I can activate myself a bit through means other than medication manipulation, but that works only if the "spark" is right at the right time.

I am sorry you are struggling with sleepiness and with feeling down.
I am also sorry your friends "berate" you for wanting a bit of hypomania. I think a lot of us desire some degree of hypomania if possible without any harmful repercussions.

Have you ever attempted using a stimulant med? Some people with BP are able to use then with stabilizing meds on board.

Wanted to respond, as your current status sounds very frustrating.
I hope you feel better soon!

WC

Unfortunately I can't take stimulants anymore because I have a history of abusing them. I have to find other means of staying awake these days. They seemed to cause mania for me before I stopped them anyway.

Do you feel sedated, or just sleepy? What are your sleep hours like, and about how long has this been going on for?

You mentioned no motivation/energy, but said no depression. But those are symptoms of depression, no? How are other self-care things going?

Maybe force some physical activity daily for a bit and see how you respond? Depending on where you live and weather conditions, maybe get outside an hour or two a day if not already and see how you respond?

I can certainly relate- I have zero energy as of late.