Which affects you more?

Mania or mixed episodes. I’ve only had 2-3 depressive episodes since I was diagnosed with bipolar.

I run about 50-50. My (hypo)manic episodes and depressed episodes are pretty even in number and severity. I haven't had much of either over the past year or so, and I haven't had a severe mania or depression in five years. My meds are working well and that's why I haven't been around here much lately...nothing to report. LOL

Happy to know that i'm not the only one that doesn't recognize when hypomania sets in. I can never tell if its hypomania or if i'm just in a good mood, depression is always easier for me to spot as well.

I am Bipolar II and I go into mania at times. When I do, it lasts for 2 weeks. But for the most part I'm depressed even though there is no reason to be depressed. It's like a dark sad mood than takes over my whole body. I have learned to accept it and I deal with it by praying and using coping skills that help me. Now I've been diagnosed for 16 years now and I have just this last year finally learned to to cope with my mood swings. By keeping a Mood Tracker each day, I can see my patterns. I also now realize that even when we shift moods, it won't last forever. This too shall pass.

Mixed episodes hands down. I rarely get pure depression. Before I was put on Geodon I was in a constant flowing mixed state with occasional bouts of pure hypo/mania. Now I’ve been at baseline for 8 months. It’s a wonderful experience. Not being so unwell all the time. Now PTSD is crushing me so no real escape from mental illness for me. Maybe 2020 will be better.

I have Bipolar 1 so I run mostly mildly manic on good days. I have been plagued recently with depression which I take bad with as I don't get this depressed. Haven't been this depressed (sui thoughts etc) for 8 years. But my mania is sever (sever paranoia, delusions and occasional hallucinations) but hey ho go with the flow

Hi Miss Laura!

I am so sorry that you are feeling so depressed. I am Bipolar 1 too and I can relate to the diagnosis but I run between very mildly depressed, feeling somewhat stable or mildly hypomaniac. My hypomania always has a irritable side which is very annoying. I just wanted to say that I can relate to a degree and that I hope you feel better soon! Prayers!

Thanks, I'm feeling so much better of late might be cause it's my favourite time of the year. No sui thoughts etc which is great. I really do take bad if I'm depressed to this extent as it's quite bad but least I'm out of it now. I hope your well

I've been diagnosed Bipolar 1. My natural/baseline state is a hint of depression with a splash of anxiety. Hypomania only comes along every couple years and lasts for a month and then turns into full blown mania/psychosis. A depression usually follows a manic episode and is pretty severe. Depression occurs much more than mania.

I used to be diagnosed Bipolar 1. Bipolar 2 now allows mixed episode though. I think the mixed episodes are the worst. I have the depressed mood and suicidal ideation as well as the manic energy and rapid thoughts. I can’t concentrate enough to use any skills I have learned. “Pure” depression is pretty bad too, but at least I’m able to use my skills. I love the hypomania, but I commit to too much and spend more money on consumer goods than I have, or at least have budgeted for.

My most common episode is mixed. Next to that is hypo/ manic, and least often is pure depression. As I get older I seem to be having more hypo/manic episodes. I love a good, mild hypo state. Unfortunately, it usually ends up mixed. Mixed is the worst mental state to be in. At least for me. I am at my most dangerous because I feel like tearing my body apart, can’t concentrate to distract myself, and have off the charts irritability, agitation, and SI.

I have Bipolar type 2. Probably 97 per cent of what I experience is depression.

Hypomania is rare for me, and only lasts a few hours, which makes me question if it's emotional dysregulation in response to a trigger and not hypomania at all. But I do have bipolar disorder because anti-depressants will send me truly hypomanic for two weeks at time. It's been many years since I've touched antidepressants for that reason.

I'm far more manic than depressed. My manias become psychotic and I become very difficult to treat, resulting in long admissions. The few depressions I have had have been brutal and also psychotic so my psychotic features swing both ways, depression and mania.