Hypomania and Depression: The Go & Stop of Bipolar Disorder

Today I have been thinking about the lack of moderation in the (my) bipolar experience. "Slow & steady wins the race," although a good policy for getting things done over time, is not something that comes easy to me.

Charlie Sheen (not confirmed to have bipolar, but certainly acting maniacal in recent stint of crazy-ass interviews), he may have, "One speed. One gear. Go.", but bipolar has "Two speeds. Two gears. Go & Stop."

Most of the time, I am either hypomanic and racing through life (ideas coming faster than I can act on them) or severely depressed and not able to function (depression feels like moving through an atmosphere of molasses...everything is slow and exhausting).

Thankfully right now I have some of the hypomania going and am accomplishing a lot every day, with accompanying feelings of anxiety and pressure, because I can't keep up with my mind. Hypomania is kind of like a bubble of frenzied activity that eventually pops.

How do you experience bipolar disorder? Leave a comment!

Today's Bipolar Stats:

• Level of Mania (on scale of 1 - 10, with 1=none, 10=practically levitating): 3
  
• Level of Depression (on a scale of 1 - 10, with 1=none, 10=can't get out of bed): 0
• Medication Compliance (0 = not taking, 5=taking some, 10=taking all): 10
  

I am recording my mania and depression bipolar data separately because I often have mixed episodes where manic and depressive symptoms occur at the same time.

This blog is for informational purposes only, it is not intended to be used for the treatment of mental illness. If you are having emotional troubles, please see a mental health professional, not a computer. 

My Current Bipolar Disorder Medications

I have been slacking on my daytime meds this week, and am having more problems with depression. I even have a little pill holder for my purse, so that if I leave the house, I have my meds, but it is not in my purse right now. *sigh*. I know better than this! Tonight I will make sure that the pill case goes with me wherever I go. Also started coming down with a cold yesterday. Seem like I always become more depressed when coming down with an illness.

Current Bipolar Medications I Am On: 

• a.m.: Wellbutrin ER 300 mg (have Prozac as backup, but have not been taking lately, and typically don't in summer, because risk of hypomania).

• p.m.: Seroquel 200 mg. Also sometimes take Ibuprofen pm at night 200mg.

Today's Bipolar Stats:

• Level of Mania (on scale of 1 - 10, with 1=none, 10=practically levitating): 4
• Level of Depression (on a scale of 1 - 10, with 1=none, 10=can't get out of bed): 5
• Medication Compliance (0 = not taking, 5=taking some, 10=taking all): 5
  

I am recording my mania and depression bipolar data separately because I often have mixed episodes where manic and depressive symptoms occur at the same time.

This blog is for informational purposes only, it is not intended to be used for the treatment of mental illness. If you are having emotional troubles, please see a mental health professional, not a computer.