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how does one calm down from a manic/hypomanic episode?

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Posted 12/11/2008 6:10 AM (GMT 0)
I don't know if I phrased my question correctly, but I think you'll be able to get the gist. I just would like to know what everyone does to try to calm themselves down when they are in this state. I'm hypomanic at the moment (heart racing, bursts of energy, no need for sleep) and I've been manic all day so for the future and for right now I could use some calming down. It's weird because in my past I've had similar feelings but they were due to anxiety/panic attacks; I kind of feel like I have an excess amount of good anxiety...which is great and all but not at 1 AM/2 AM/3 AM in the morning.
Posted 12/11/2008 3:47 PM (GMT 0)
Hi sher211,

Well, when you're going into the prodromal stage of mania, it's really important that you get in touch with your doctor so you can head true mania off at the pass, so to speak. It's only going to get worse, and you don't want that, so call your doc.

Some important things to remember about managing mood episodes are that you follow regular sleep routines -- I know this is virtually impossible if you can't sleep, but have you got any medication to put you to sleep? If not, again, call the doc. Also, you must avoid stressful situations -- again, I know this is impossible, but you have to cut out as much stress from your daily life as you possibly can. Any extra is just adding to your illness. Finally, let your family know what's going on and ask them to help you out. Tell them to let you know if you start acting irrationally, to take your credit cards or car keys if necessary.

I know it's a bummer because mania is such a mixed bag. It feels good in some respects and REALLY not good in other ways. I hope you're doing okay. Let us know how you're doing.

serafena
Posted 12/11/2008 8:11 PM (GMT 0)

Hypomania for me was a way of life.  It was not until I started having full blown mania and then rapid cycling that things really got out of control.  For me, I have to make myself do nothing overstimulating, it helps to take a long long hot bath or meditate.  If you practice meditation routinely you will get to a point where you can close your eyes and focus on something that helps calm your mind down.  That "something" is different for everyone, you have to figure out what your calming "trigger" is.  It does not seem to help me much when I am depressed, which I have recently started expierencing but I have gotten very good at it for the hyperness. You have to be serious about it and work at it.  When I am manic, I do not watch TV, cannot stand to be around anything going on around me that is too intense.  i am fortunate enough to live on 8 acres with a pond and a lot of wildlife, so making myself sit outside and watching the birds, deer, foxes or playing  with my best friend(my dog) helps me greatly.  On the meditation aspect, if you go the the Edgar Cayce website, they have a section on the sidebar that actually teaches you how to meditate properly to get the most out of it.  I love reading info. on that website, he was an amazing person who helped lots of people with his "gift."

Good luck, everyday is a lesson learned with this dis-ease.

BP Gemini

Posted 12/11/2008 8:27 PM (GMT 0)
thanks for the replies!
Here are just a couple of things that I think that I should note:

1- I'm a college student and next week is finals week...loads of stress there, and I'm a very competative person, so I'm putting an even extra amount of stress on myself
2. The only support that I have here at college is from my roomate; I was home for the last two days and had some help from my family (who doesn't really know how to deal me when I'm depressed, let alone manic) so I was somewhat contained, but, now that I'm back on campus I'm nervous that I might try something, either during the weekend or even during finals.
3. I'm not seing a therapist on a regular basis...don't ask. Part of the reason why I went home for a couple of days was to see my psychologist who I'm forced to see in order to continue recieving psychiatric care, and of course my loving therapist.
4-Since I've never really felt manic in my life I don't know how to react--last night I panicked and thought I was going off the deep end.

Unfortunately, now I know what you mean when you say that mania is a mixed bag. I think that I've felt all aspects of it within the last week and a half. I've spent most of my life living with severe depression, all of the sudden during my first year of college I become hypersexual, impulsive, and manic. I feel like I can't handle these drastic changes in my personality. My psychiatrist lowered my lamictal from 200 to 100. I have yet to see her till next wednesday...I hope that I can hang in there till then. I also hope that I won't become dependent on seroquel as a sleep aid.

Again, thanks Serafena and gemini.

-Sher
Posted 12/11/2008 8:46 PM (GMT 0)

 sher211, I find it ironic what you said in #1.  My husband has always told me that I am my own worst enemy.  It is not until you calm down and level out a bit that you can see the truth in that statement.  I have always been harder on myself than anyone else.  My daughter always says "don't think about things that bother you so much."  Easier said than done, but good advice.  she is starting college in January, majoring in Psychiatry, more irony!

Have a good rest of the day and be good to yourself!

BP Gemini

Posted 12/11/2008 8:54 PM (GMT 0)
Well, I am a music major with a concentration in music therapy. I would like to work with adolescents with various mental illnesses, even more irony there!

Thanks for the regards,
Sher
Posted 12/11/2008 9:26 PM (GMT 0)

Sher,

Bravo!  Use your gifts and talents to help others.  I really feel that God put us all here to help each other.  I think sometimes we help other people and do not even know it.  It can be a kind word or a simple gesture, something we do not even give a second thought too, but is perceived by someone that is hurting inside or confused as a blessing.  Nothing worth having is ever easy and I think BP people are different and very special because of the unique insights that we have.

Later

BP Gemini

Posted 12/11/2008 10:57 PM (GMT 0)
Aw, what you said really touches me!
Posted 12/13/2008 3:34 AM (GMT 0)
I hate to use it as a crutch, but when I feel mania starting to set in, I take a Xanax, sometimes two, and about 20 minutes later I am feeling just fine. Usually I get just a little sleepy. But that is a better alternative, because when I am manic I can get very nasty without much prompting.

Posted 12/13/2008 6:44 PM (GMT 0)
sher211,

When I feel I am getting manic I usually try to get to the pdoc right away. That was not always the case in the past and my episodes would last months at a time. It is better to catch the symptoms as early as possible so that one can recover sooner.

Stress is a big trigger for me as well, and lack of sleep can make the symptoms worse. Please let us know how you are hanging in there.

Olivia
Posted 12/13/2008 6:57 PM (GMT 0)
See, I would call my pdoc (psychiatrist?), but she hasn't been helpful in the past in handling my episodes. Last time I felt suicidal and called her to bring up the possibility that perhaps it was the introduction of a new med, she simply replied "I haven't heard of any of those symptoms occuring with that medication"-- this really isn't something that a person with suicidal thoughts wants to here lol. Another reason why I am resistant to call her is that even though she might tell me that she wants me to come in as soon as possible, it's not exactly doable. My College is about an hour and a half away from her.

So...untill I move unto another outpatient facility, I guess that I'm kind of stuck.
Posted 12/14/2008 2:29 AM (GMT 0)
Is there anyone on your campus you could see in the meantime?
Posted 12/16/2008 8:58 PM (GMT 0)

sher211

It is BP Gemini....How are you this fine rainy day?  well, it is raining here in good ole' North Carolina!  Hope you are well, I enjoyed chatting with you last week.

I started new med last week, Risperdal, and I feel like my old self again!  i just hope this one works this time.  I enjoy being me for more than 4 days in a row, ha ha

Take Care

Posted 12/31/2008 4:47 AM (GMT 0)
I am new to this. Not to the Bipolar but to this forum. How does one know if they are on the right meds? My doctor tells me Lexapro and Lamictal are the best meds to be on. But, I have had two BAD situations (one Jan-Feb. and Nov.-Dec.) that nearly caused us to divorce. I have alot of highs and lows. Of course I would like to be normal but like the highs more than the lows, except when I go out of control. I am trying to have my friends for support but don't want to over burden them. My husband is doing a great deal of research and is seeing my theropist with me. If anyone could give me some advice, I will welcome it.
Thank you
pandalover
Posted 12/31/2008 5:50 AM (GMT 0)
Hi pandalover,

Hello and welcome to HealingWell.

Well, I'd say you know your meds are working if you're relatively stable. If you're still experiencing strong mood swings or erratic behavior even though you're medicated, your medications probably aren't doing their job. If your doc refuses to consider adjustments or other medications, you need to see another doc. Are you seeing a psychiatrist or a gp? This makes a HUGE difference sometimes.

serafena
Posted 12/31/2008 1:22 PM (GMT 0)

Welcome PandaLover,

This is a great forum and I hope you can gain some insight here from the experiences of others.  I certainly have.  I think the med thing, finding the right combination is the most frustrating part of this dis-ease.  I have been on everything it feels like and still am not as stable as I would like to be.  But you keep trying and work on finding what helps when you start having cycling issues.  I would call my PDoc and tell them what is going on, sometimes a change of meds is all that is needed.  Well, good luck and try to find some balance in your life to help with the bumps in the road.

Happy New Year turn

BP Gemini

Posted 3/3/2018 6:53 PM (GMT 0)
i am new to all this. and i feel so bad for everyone who has this problem i am hoping by us exchanging information we can help each other. i don't have this bipolar. but i just found out my daughter does she goes to her room starts to break everything yelling screaming out of control. i feel helpless i don't know what to say or how to help,honest this is making me ill . she was put on med called lithium she would not take. is it ok if i tell her she has bipolar and she needs to get help. and do i tell her that when she is ok or when she having a manic. she is 27 years old she lives with me . any kind info at this point would be helpful and a presheted so much
Posted 3/5/2018 12:36 PM (GMT 0)
Hi just caring,

Welcome to the forum!

I am sorry for your daughter's dx. We are here for you.
Is she attending therapy for using meds for her Bipolar?

We ask that new members please take the time to introduce yourself in a new thread before you begin responding to the topics already in progress. This is easily done. Simply click on the "New Topic" button and the program will open a box for you to post your intro. This will help members see your first post and extend a welcome to you.

Locking this thread as it is an old thread you posted on. Hope you will start a new one and I hope to learn more about you.

UA
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