I'm on a manic swing from hell

As far as I can remember, I haven't slept since Thursday. I've been a tornado of activity around the house (see several lounge threads) with plenty more planned for today (Sunday).

Should I be worried?

But mania can make some people feel good as long as you don't slide into delusional behavior. The thing that you have to worry about as long as you are not psychotic is the inevitable turn to depression. And in my experience the higher you fly the harder the fall. If you are not currently taking a mood stabilizer I would say that it is something that you should definitely look into. I know that there are some people that like to try to control their symptoms through other means, but that just doesn't work for some people. I take lithium for my mood swings and I haven't experienced mania or severe depression since I started using the drug and so far I haven't experienced any side affects. It's been almost two years since I started taking it. Yes, you should be worried.

and have had good luck so far with leveling out my highs and lows. Good luck with finding the right solution for you.

but 2 days without sleep seems worrisome to me. I think you should contact your doctor.

Lack of sleep alone is a real problem. Your meds might need some adjustments....

I have a girlfriend who has learned to manage her bipolar swings without medication, but I must admit that when she was a tornado of energy and activity (without going over the edge into mania) I did have some twinges of jealousy - for the ENERGY and all of the stuff that she accomplished! :-)
Of course the depression following was nothing to envy....:-(

She is pretty stabilized now after about 6 years of psychotherapy and dealing with her problems, and still much more active than I am.

I am not depressed anymore, but my energy levels are not high, and must be carefully monitored to do the things that I want and need to do each day.

:hug:

DemEx

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=276x1649

there was a bipolar patient at my doctor's office when I went in for a free trail of this technology, and he felt "nearly cured" by it-said that his insomnia had not returned (mine hasn't either-no more sleeping pills). I'm off Wellbutrin and feeling GREAT! If you want to do a Google search, try searching under "cranial electrotherapy" and not the brand name. There are about seven brands out there to choose from, and most have FDA approval. Your doctor isn't telling you about this because if you use it, you may no longer need him/her.

I was gonna...

• paint the porch
  
• fix the back steps
  
• bring down a 40 foot tree with a handsaw
  
• finish drywalling the basement
  
• clean up my wife's kitchen (long story)
  
• shop for this weekend's scout camp
  

...and this afternoon I was gonna...

Yeah, it's high time again. Started yesterday - probably gone tomorrow.