I'm new to this forum, but not quite new to bipolar. I was diagnosed with bipolar about five years ago now I think? I've had symptoms for about ten years. Almost constantly cycling, my doctor called it ultraradian cycling. It seems like a whole different disorder from the non-rapid cycling I read about. I'm hypomanic right now, and just trying to behave until I see my partner!
Hi there!

[Soupe du jour]

Welcome to the group, pineperson! It's always lovely when new people join us.

I'm sorry to read that you've been struggling so much with ultraradian cycling. That is a particularly rough course. Had you ever had more "traditional" presentations of bipolar disorder? Do you ever get a bit of a break from the cycling?

[fern46]

Welcome! Glad to have you here. I hope you are able to behave like you're hoping. Let us know if there's anything specific we can do to support you while you cycle.

Jump in on any of the threads. I enjoy new perspective. Enjoy!

[bpcyclist]

Hey, pine--bienvenue-- check in and say hey. It is where we check in and stuff
People are supportive and loving!!! Welcome!!!

Welcome!

[*Beth*]

Welcome to the board, pine

[Wander]

Welcome Pineperson! Ultridian rapid cycling is rough. Do you feel that your current treatment is helping? I used to cycle a lot and also have mixed episodes. It was hell. After decades I finally found a med that stopped it all. I hope you find stability too. Keep posting.

[bpcyclist]

Originally Posted by Wander

Welcome Pineperson! Ultridian rapid cycling is rough. Do you feel that your current treatment is helping? I used to cycle a lot and also have mixed episodes. It was hell. After decades I finally found a med that stopped it all. I hope you find stability too. Keep posting.

Mind sharing what that med is?

[Coolbreeze74]

Welcome!

Thanks for the warm welcomes everyone! I really appreciate them <3
For Soupe Du Jour-- I've always been ultraradian cycling, maybe at one point ultra-rapid cycling, but I do get breaks every so often. I wouldn't say it's any rougher, just a different beast.
Again, thank you everyone and much love to you all!

[swimmingly]

Hi Pineperson,

Welcome home!

[Fuzzybear]

Welcome

[Soupe du jour]

Originally Posted by pineperson

I'm new to this forum, but not quite new to bipolar. I was diagnosed with bipolar about five years ago now I think? I've had symptoms for about ten years. Almost constantly cycling, my doctor called it ultraradian cycling. It seems like a whole different disorder from the non-rapid cycling I read about. I'm hypomanic right now, and just trying to behave until I see my partner!
Hi there!

I hope your doc will finally find the right cocktail to ease that ultra rapid cycling. Have you also used therapeutic strategies learned from a therapist? They could also help. The combination of the best meds and therapeutic skills pushed my recovery further than meds alone.

[bpcyclist]

Have you been on Depakote? I t almost always knocks mania out.

Hi again!
Yes, my therapist taught me a boat load of coping skills and I've gotten to the point where I use one when it's needed. We also come up with plans when the cycling gets intense, like to take some time off work and to do daily check-ins with somebody. This is always either her or my boyfriend.
I have not been on Depakote. My doctor always lead me to believing that's more of a bipolar 1 medication, and I have bipolar 2. Right now I'm on Trileptal.
Much love <3

[bpcyclist]

Wait--you don't cycle between depression and hypo? Am I missing sthing?

[Soupe du jour]

Originally Posted by pineperson

Hi again!
Yes, my therapist taught me a boat load of coping skills and I've gotten to the point where I use one when it's needed. We also come up with plans when the cycling gets intense, like to take some time off work and to do daily check-ins with somebody. This is always either her or my boyfriend.
I have not been on Depakote. My doctor always lead me to believing that's more of a bipolar 1 medication, and I have bipolar 2. Right now I'm on Trileptal.
Much love <3

I'm glad you have a support network between your boyfriend and therapist. That's so important! Glad you also have a helpful skill and action plan.

I think many doctors use similar moodstabilizers for people with bp1 and bp2. It comes down to what works. I have read (and experienced) that some are better for certain bipolar courses than others, but I truly think that varies by person, too.

bpcyclist- I don't think you're missing anything sweetie, I cycle between hypomanic and depressed, just no mania so my doctor says Depakote wouldn't be a good fit since it seems to be more for the elevated side of things. Maybe I'll give it a try if Trileptal doesn't work and my doctor is up for giving it a try too