Who else paces? I'm going nuts here from pacing around for the past 2 hours at work. I've been walking from one end of the building to the other... back and forth... back and forth... I can't stop!

I've been like this for as long as I can remember, so it's not med-induced. It could be exacerbated by meds though. But I am exasperated! I can't sit still. Ugh.

You?

[MickeyCheeky]

I pace a lot as well! It doesn't bother me too much if I have to be honest, but that's probably because I don't even realize that I'm doing it! Nevertheless, you're not alone in this, @bluebicycle. I've been doing this as well for as long as I can remember it! I guess that's just the way we are! Sending MANY safe, warm hugs to you, bluebicycle! Stay safe!

I think some of us just have ants in our pants a lot. If not meds-related, it could be personality related and/or certainly bipolar disorder related.

I've mostly been more on the "up" side in my life. I've slowed down a bit as I've aged, and with bipolar medications, but before, I was all over the place. If not constantly moving, I'd almost be violently typing at what seemed to be 100 mph. I'm a fast typist, and used to be even faster. I used to do a lot of writing in my old jobs. I would say that I didn't pace as much as speed. Such quickness often made me impatient waiting for others. If someone blocked my way, I rammed through. I jokingly call myself Speedy Gonzalez to my husband's Slow Poke Rodriguez (these are cartoon characters for anyone not in the know).

[Moose72]

Are you talking about akathesia? I've had times when I pace for hours or rock back and forth- I can only stop for less than a minute and then I have to pace and rock again.

Hi Moose. Are you asking MickeyCheeky or me? Or both of us? If me (or both), I was sort of referring to a lifetime of being a person who couldn't easily sit still or fully relax (without alcohol). However, I unfortunately, have had years of experience with akathisia. It's very possible you could have akathisia, given what you wrote. You should talk to your doctor about it. If in the past, you never or rarely experienced what you're describing, then perhaps akathisia is a good guess. Akathisia is just terrible! In my experience, the difference between my past akathisia and just being hyper (or even psychomotor agitation) was discomfort. Akathisia was very painful for me, at times. I don't mean pain as in a back ache or headache, but mentally painful. The inner restlessness of akathisia was sometimes so severe that I wanted to scream. I'll admit that severe agitated mania also made me feel that sometimes, but it was pretty clear when I was mostly stable or stable with akathisia vs. manic with agitation. In the latter case, many symptoms on the mania symptom list could be checked as happening. Not so in the former case.

[Blue_Bird]

Yes I pace nearly all day

I only pace if I'm manic, bored, or dealing with akathisia. Otherwise, no.

Originally Posted by Moose72

Are you talking about akathesia? I've had times when I pace for hours or rock back and forth- I can only stop for less than a minute and then I have to pace and rock again.

I don't know if it's akathisia or Restless Leg Syndrome. It could just be my personality.

I have the need to move my legs, rather than rock back and forth. I don't think I've ever done the rocking too much.

It's hard at work when I'm trying to sit in a chair and I have to keep changing positions.

[Wander]

This happens to me when manic/mixed. I know I am not in an episode when I’m not pacing and moving so fast. Meds have also done this to me in the past. It’s horrible. I’m sorry you are going through this.

[Wild Coyote]

I don't pace as much as I "jig" my left leg. I do this almost constantly. I do it no matter which meds I am taking.

I hope things have calmed down for you, Blue.

Love to ALL! :grouphug;