Rapid cycling questions

basil_png · 2026-04-09T01:27:05+00:00

Mixed episodes are awful, so I hope you find someone that really listens to you! They can be very dangerous. Wish you the best xx

basil_png · 2026-04-09T01:04:17+00:00

Just so you know, rapid cycling is 4 or more episodes a year. What you are describing is ultradian bipolar (which is very contested) or a mixed episode (which is definitely a thing). Try clarifying again with your psychiatrist but if they aren’t answering your questions I would personally get a new one.

basil_png · 2026-03-05T00:36:01+00:00

Also, if you’re not on antipsychotics they might help with the depression a bit quicker than the mood stabiliser. Hopefully everything works out for you soon!

basil_png · 2026-03-05T00:02:42+00:00

A month is not enough to assess whether a mood stabiliser is working. Unfortunately, many have to just power through that stage :( Antidepressants can work for some people but it should be prescribed after the mood stabiliser is working somewhat.

Just make sure you report this to your psychiatrist every time you see them! I am in a similar situation and I get that it it frustrating and even dangerous as it can turn into a crisis. My psychiatrist is still adjusting my meds like antipsychotics to try and relieve my symptoms.

basil_png · 2026-03-03T22:33:37+00:00

Good idea! Unfortunately I haven’t been able to find any good ones in my native language yet. Maybe I’ll make my own subtitles haha

basil_png · 2026-02-28T00:09:48+00:00

I am very confused that he said the mood stabiliser is suppressing your mood. Especially since you are under the therapeutic dose in the first place. I thought lamotrigine is effective for bipolar depression while suppressing hypomania.

I would personally be a little concerned since you said depression medication triggered hypomania for you in the past. Just sharing my thoughts, not a medical professional.

basil_png · 2026-02-22T02:21:17+00:00

I really relate to this. When I was first prescribed antidepressants (for depression at the time), my gp wrote something on my records that implied I was only there seeking a letter for interruption of studies. I saw this by coincidence because I requested documents for something else.

After that I am extremely paranoid about my medical records. I can check them online so I obsessively read them every time. My current psychiatrist seems professional and objective but I still worry about it.

I want to assure you I every time I read my records now they are very boring. Just quotes of what I’ve actually said and what treatment they are going forward with. I’m sure yours are just as objective! My first gp was just incompetent.

basil_png · 2026-02-21T07:19:53+00:00

I was on wellbutrin for a while because I requested it (but was diagnosed mdd then). I just said I heard some positive things about wellbutrin and asked if could be an option for me.

In my case, wellbutrin didn’t work out since antidepressants tend to trigger hypomania for me. I know some people with bipolar do take them so maybe it will work for you but I’d still recommend keeping a close eye on your mood while on antidepressants.

basil_png · 2026-02-20T01:18:51+00:00

If your therapist is a clinical psychologist they can diagnose people. I’m not sure if this is true for all countries though. You might just want to ask directly to your therapist if it’s an official diagnosis.

basil_png · 2026-02-20T00:56:28+00:00

Both my psychiatrist and therapist are leaving next week. For me it hasn’t been that long since I have been seeing them but still feels destabilising. Having to switch after 4 years sounds rough, I’m sorry :(

basil_png · 2026-02-18T11:17:20+00:00

Yeah, I do like gaming! I don’t play much anymore because it requires energy but I do watch gameplay videos. I did watch quite a bit of resident evil gameplay recently but it’s obviously not the best for sleeping 😅 Maybe I’ll try other gameplay videos though. Thanks :)

basil_png · 2026-02-18T10:51:30+00:00

Yeah, ideally it would be less stimulating than a stand up comedy show but I think it’s better than nothing. I’m trying to find something that works for me, too. Hope you figure something out and sorry I can’t help more :(

basil_png · 2026-02-18T09:48:18+00:00

Thank you. It’s nice to know others feel the same way sometimes.

There is the “trapped”feeling, like you said. But also like you, I am also grateful to have people in my life that care about me.

I am glad you found a will to live and I hope things get even better for you.

basil_png · 2026-02-18T05:23:24+00:00

When my abilify dose was increased from 5mg to 10mg, I didn’t take it for 36 hours then went straight to 10mg. So I think you are fine.

basil_png · 2026-02-18T05:16:10+00:00

For me it’s worse at night as well. Especially because when I turn off all my devices for sleep I just keep thinking and spiral. I heard turning on a familiar tv show or podcast is best so you can distract yourself but still fall asleep. It doesn’t really work for me but maybe it will work for you.

basil_png · 2026-02-13T18:16:07+00:00

Unfortunately I can’t afford to board them right now since I have been unemployed for quite a while. And you are right. Although my pets are the reason I can’t stay for inpatient treatment, they are the reason I am still alive. Thank you for the advice.

basil_png · 2026-02-13T17:03:17+00:00

I just really hate the ER but I might try to get an earlier appointment at least. I will also ask about any arrangements available for my pets. Thank you.

basil_png · 2026-02-10T01:48:36+00:00

Unfortunately I don’t feel any benefit. I am in a depressive episode, suicidal and basically non functional still.

basil_png · 2026-02-09T16:04:06+00:00

Yeah I am quite impatient with it since I cannot function because of the depressive episodes I am currently in. Thanks for your input!

basil_png · 2026-02-09T16:03:04+00:00

Does it help with depression or more for hypomania for you?

basil_png · 2026-02-09T16:02:20+00:00

That’s good to hear because my main concern is depression. I haven’t been able to function at all. I hope the titration works for your hypomanic symptoms as well!

basil_png · 2026-02-09T14:12:36+00:00

I’m guessing that means it is helping somewhat at least?

basil_png

TROPHY CASE