Rapid Cycling

[Nikki2226]

Has anyone had experiences with rapid cycling, with cycles that last hours or days?  I was extremely hyper and had racing thoughts and was elated the other day, then I felt ok but lazy for a few days, then depressed for a couple of days and super tired, and now I am extremely irritable and I keep getting mad and yelling at people and just about everything.  Yesterday I started digging my nails into my skin without even realizing it because I was so upset that  my husband invited a co worker to lunch with us and I didn't want to deal with people at the moment.  I went and drove out to a roadside park after lunch and just sat there because I was too upset and scared to go back to work.  I feel like I am losing my mind.  Every day is completely different.  My psychologist said he is still trying to sort out whether I am just extremely sensitive or if I have ultra rapid cycling.  I thougt he may have misdiagnosed me as bi polar after I first saw him a month ago but now I am pretty sure there is something wrong with me.  How long will it be before the lamictal I am taking starts taking effect?  I am still working up to a theraputic dose.  I am at 50mg now.  I am worried about my job because I deal with customers all day and I keep being sporatic and rude to people and it is not fair to them or to my boss.  I get really upset when there is too much to do or too many people around and feel overwhelmed and start getting nervous and jittery.  I'm thinking about quiting but I need the money and I don't know what else to do that doesn't involve people.  My job is not that hard.  In fact it is the easiest and most pleasant job I have ever had but over the last few months I just can't handle it.  I can't handle anything anymore! Not my marriage, my job, my house, my friendships, nothing.  I just want to stay in bed because I'm scared to see what the day might be like.

[marsha_ann]

Austin's probation officer came by yesterday after he got home from school.  He was rude to her, but didnt yell like he does with me.  Of course, she's use to those behaviors ...so it just goes over her head.  But she saw some of what I deal with everyday.  Luckily, he didnt act up after she left.  It was a pretty peaceful evening.

He still claims that his med isnt working.  He always says that though.  He still says that he cries for no reason ... and feels depressed.  But I never see the crying or the depression... so I dont know for sure.  

Since he's been off the zoloft, and on the Trileptal ... his grades have come up.  So, thats good !!!  He says he wants to make AB honor roll this time.  There's about 4 more weeks of school, so I guess that's about 3 or 3.5 more weeks of grades that count.  Right now he has 2 Cs, 1 B, 4 As.  If he keeps this up ... it'll be the best report card this school year.  I really do hope he can keep these grades up ... or bring them up even higher !!!  

[kris123]

i do this daily - i can't stand it it drives me crazy

[Nikki2226]

I feel so very relieved to be reading all of these replies.  I am not alone!  Not that I would wish these feelings on anyone else, but it is so great to know that what I am experiencing is not so out of the ordinary.  I  need to have my husband read this to help him realize exactly how this illness can effect people.  He seems to be coming around, but he still blames the medication for my actions instead of the illness.  This is all so scary.  And I am so afraid of hurting everyone around me.  I feel like I'm spinning out of control sometimes.  But every time I come seeking help here I recieve it and it makes me feel so much better.  Thank you all so much.

[DLA]

I understand how Austin feels.  I've always been this way.  Not every day is that way, but some days I flip so many times I scare myself.  I'm scared for anyone to try and talk to me, I don't know how I'll react.  And even if it starts out good, it can end very badly.

I'm really talkative, but there are days I just don't want to have to deal with anyone at all.  Not even my precious little boy.  Just don't have it in me.

Yes, I'm going to a psychiatrist on the 8th.  I'm really almost excited about going.  My moods have been hay wire since I started the new thyroid med and I want back off this roller coaster ride.  Didn't like it before and I still don't.

[marsha_ann]

My son, Austin, is like that.  I think his mood can change anywhere from 5 - 10 times a day.  I never know how he's going to act when he comes in the room.  It drives me crazy ... I'm sure he goes nutts too.  Plus he's going through puberty ontop of all of these disorders.  But he just doesnt want to get help.  One day he cries ... wanting to know what's wrong with him.  Then another day he'll say nothing is wrong, and to leave him alone (stop seeing doctors) ... and he says that I'm the one that needs to be on meds.   I told him that I wouldnt mind taking a 'chill pill', but I cant afford them.  LOL !!!!

[Crystlas]

Yuck,  20 times a day?  I would go seriously insane!  I would switch every few days or sometimes be depressed in the morning and manic at night, but not that severe as you.  I would be bald from ripping my hair out.  Throw in that flavor of mixed state and I would seriously want to end it all.  It is bad enough with where I am at right now being BP!