Who else has a hard time sitting still in general (i.e., not just when you're manic or mixed)? I'm talking about leg bouncing, finger tapping, pacing in circles, shaking, rocking, etc..

Just wondering who else is like this. Sometimes I wonder if it's med related or just a "bipolar quirk."

I answered "yes, but only in an episode", but that is only in recent years. When I was younger, childhood to maybe early 30s, I was hyper pretty much all of the time, except during the rare depressive episodes. I called myself "Speedy Gonzales" like the Looney Tunes character. Fast, fast, fast! Impossible to stop.

Actually, nowadays even during hypomanic and manic episodes, I can be more speedy in my brain than body, though as the severity rises, my body speeds up, too. A difference is that in my youth, I was very sure footed and balanced. Since taking certain medications, I am clumsier. If I run around a lot, I am prone to falling or banging into things. Perhaps my weight plays a part, too. I'm almost 20 lbs overweight. In my youth I was quite slim. Most people in my family put on weight in middle-age, so I can't blame Seroquel XR for all of that. However, Seroquel XR, and likely another med (or two), do slow me down a little, having sedative effects.

bluebicyle, thanks so much for all of the interesting threads. You help to keep the forum interesting and vibrant!

[unicornlady]

I always feel like rocking or pacing. This is very difficult for me when I have to stand still and look professional at work. It is not only when I am in an episode. It started when I stopped taking Clonazepam.

[Skeezyks]

Quite a few years ago now I developed what I presume is restless leg syndrome. (I never sought treatment for it.) Over time that rls feeling spread throughout my body. Plus, as I've aged, my level of generalized anxiety has increased as well. And, between the two, I find sitting still to be a challenge. I can do it by focusing on what I'm feeling & simply being with it in a mindful manner. But it definitely is a challenge.

[Blue_Bird]

Yes but it's just the way I am, I've always been a pacer

[~Christina]

Looking back I have always been in motion regardless of General Bipolar of course hypo/manic I’m bouncing all over, zooming all around. Legs bouncing, I’ll take a pen and just slap it back in forth in my fingers, or click the top for hours.

BirdDancer you brought up a VERY good point about meds effecting our ability to get around and not deal with falls or carrying bruises stumbling or Veering into things, I know some meds in the past were certainly causing that for me.

Blue !!! Another great thread . Thank you so much

I voted "yes, sometimes"

I can, (usually for a little while) but when I've lost focus or become bored, teir's nothing anyone can do