Schizoaffective Bipolar I Mixed Type Rapid Cycling

[JewelsAngel77]

Anyone else carry this diagnosis who would be willing to share some of your thoughts and experiences?

I find it to be overwhelming most of the time, even though my Nursing background allows me to understand the terms themselves.
How can I be Depressed and Manic at the very same time?? I deal rather well as long as I don't get too off schedule-especially with meds, and sleep. Yet, while I know this Disease cannot be cured, only treated, how does one go about even treating such a "mess"??

I am new to this Community, but not to Forums and definitely not to my Bipolar Disease. No "Syndrome" here! It's genetic and of causal origins. Where did they get Syndrome in the first place?? (Rhetorical question.)

Thank you in advance

[JewelsAngel77]

I had posted a long and very detailed response but I didn't realize I hadn't signed in. How obtuse.
Suffice to say that I am not at my best but have no time to be Jewels, Interrupted.
My beloved and totally trusted p-doc moved away and I do not like my current one.
So I am mad as a Hatter right now-mostly Manic but I'm taking my meds and working thru it...along with my boyfriend.
Thanks to you both for responding.

[ILADVOCATE]

   I have the same concern and my psychiatrist has told me its called dysphoria. It is something to keep track of because in some people it can lead to suicidal ideations. Any sudden shifts in mood, especially accompanied by a change in thought patterns can be of concern. These are always worth bringing up to a psychiatrist right away. For any mood concerns identifying specific causes of stress and coping solutions can be helpful.

[CRSeaside]

In my BP support group it's called Black Mania. I get it and it's usually necessary to get to hospital. Sometimes we catch it sooner. A change of location helps. My sleep & eating are also interrupted. It's all bad. I just had an extremely bad 2014. Starting in May - August. Pamela

[ILADVOCATE]

   For me as I have schizoaffective disorder it is a matter of managing both psychosis and mood swings and both concerns can overlap. Mixed states where both aspects of mania and depression can occur are not uncommon.
Sleep disruption can occur during mania and/or depression and can worsen any condition. Setting up a sleep schedule can be of great help.  For myself and many people with schizoaffective disorder both a mood stabilizer and antipsychotic are needed. However a psychiatrist makes specific clinical decisions about treatment plans.
  Support groups can be helpful for anyone.Working not to self isolate and maintain social relations is also important and something I am myself working on. They are working to understand what schizoaffective actually is. Right now its classified as a subtype of schizophrenia. Many standard recovery tips that apply to all psychiatric disabilities can be helpful for managing symptoms.