[tentoedsloth]

Hi,

I used to think hypomania was just doing things like overspending, driving far too fast, and dangerous things like that. That's why I didn't believe my bipolar diagnosis for a long time. I almost never do really risky things

Since then, observing my strange sleep patterns, typically bipolar, and which medicines help me--the bipolar ones--I believe it. Still, I'd be interested to know what other people's hypomania is like.

I get irritable spells when I feel under so much pressure I could scream, and did a few times. That's what decided the doctor to give the diagnosis.

I also just suddenly get this really warm, happy feeling for no reason at all--it's wonderful, and I think the whole bipolar thing and the depression and all was a big mistake because I'm a totally happy person.

At times like that, I used to go out and make a lot of friends, and could be very lively and chatty--and a few weeks or months later, regret it, because I like a lot of solitude, always have. I would volunteer for a lot of things, and then have to find a way out of them because it was too much. (I've learned to control myself and not do these things to people.)

Sometimes I think I have life all figured out, how to handle emotions, like just don't let them bother you--they're nonsense--and I think I'll be happy forever, but a week or so later it falls through and I can't do it any more and it's back to the misery.

Does any of this sound like you?

[Pinny]

I really relate to what youve said.

Originally Posted by tentoedsloth

I also just suddenly get this really warm, happy feeling for no reason at all--it's wonderful, and I think the whole bipolar thing and the depression and all was a big mistake because I'm a totally happy person.

I can really relate to this! I have felt like this when Ive had my hypomanic episodes. Its all a big mistake and that Im actually fine and have been fine all along!

Originally Posted by tentoedsloth

... I would volunteer for a lot of things, and then have to find a way out of them because it was too much....

Yes! This very much too! Sometimes I felt like I hated myself for finding it so incredibly overwhelming. It was 'evidence' for me that I was a "total failure" when I had my depressive episodes.

I also struggled with spending lots of money, and being hypersexual.

[MuddyBoots]

It sounds familiar. Granted I usually progress to full blown manic episodes where I do those risky things, but during milder blips it's just feeling too fast and too much for this world.

[Soupe du jour]

I have bipolar type 1, so have experienced all levels of mania, including hypomania. As for hypomania, I had many periods in my life when I'd ride at that level for a long time before it ever escalated to full blown, or faded/switched. I've pretty much displayed all of the symptoms of hypomania/mania over time, but lean towards some over others. My hypomanias can be elated, irritable, anxious, and/or mixed with some depressive symptoms. Even within the same episode I may experience more than one of these. It can fluctuate at the drop of a dime, especially with a trigger. Meaning I could be flying on Cloud 9 one second and then turn into a viscous animal, the next.

I believe in the bipolar spectrum theory and that we all have our own "flavor" of the illness. I even think that personality can play a part in the illness presentation. For example, I rarely had hyperspending (I'm frugal by nature) and when I did, it was piddly compared to some peoples'. Impulsivity and disinhibition have been common symptoms in my illness. Yes, I become more sociable, too, but sometimes more "Star of the Show". Gosh, believe me! Grandiosity has also been involved, at times. During all of this, I can be unaware of any negative reactions from people, which there have been. Believe me! Other times, others see me "as a star" or a "sparkling individual", which exacerbates matters as it fuels the flames.

You referenced becoming more involved with things when elevated in mood. I definitely relate as I become very project-oriented. Often I bit off way more than I could chew, in this respect. When my mood fell, I became overwhelmed by what I got myself into. I couldn't maintain the pace, which when hypomanic or manic can be extremely fast.

I have experienced sleep issues when hypomanic/manic, but not nearly to the degree as others. Or when I did, I usually didn't care. More time to "Trip the Light Fantastic".

We all mostly have a "baseline" mood, which could be called "stable". Not everyone's baseline is the same, even among those without a mood disorder. One "normie" (for lack of a better word) can be ultra energetic and exuberant, regularly. A person with bipolar disorder who is low energy and negative as a norm, may be hypomanic when they act like that exuberant "normie". The question is if a person starts to act unlike their norm and seemingly for no good reason or to a surprising degree. People who know them must notice the difference, and sufficient symptoms must be present.

[*Beth*]

"I get irritable spells when I feel under so much pressure I could scream, and did a few times. That's what decided the doctor to give the diagnosis.

I also just suddenly get this really warm, happy feeling for no reason at all..."

Yes, I strongly relate to this. And not only happy, but ecstatic over things such as colors. It's the stressed-out anger/rage that sends me into a bad spin, though.

[Crazy Hitch]

At the moment I’ve got restless hypomania. It’s a feeling of not getting inner peace. Wound up. In a knot but in my chest. Racing thoughts and waking up every hour at night.

[xRavenx]

I will experience racing thoughts, more impulsive than usual, decreased need for sleep (if it wasn't for Seroquel, I'd be up all hours). It isn't uncommon for me to experience agitation, restlessness, pacing, sometimes on-the-edge-of my seat type of anxiety. There are times where I feel elated, but that's usually short-lived. Mine takes on a form where I get more of the mixed features along with it. Sometimes I am more social, feel the need to talk more than usual (although I don't always get that constant pressured speech the way some people do) and feel the need to make lots of plans. If things fall through or people can't keep up with me, I am quick to anger or get especially emotional.... although sometimes I can't keep up with my own plans and get very distracted. I used to drink a lot during these times before medication... probably to try to take the edge off.