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Rapid Cycling

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.
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20855832 tn?1542309115
The rapidness of your changing moods and feelings is very familiar to me.  I’ve noticed that I can feel elated for a day or so then very soon after be caught up in a wave of irritibility and even rage.  I am bipolar and they’re trying to help me with Seroquel.  I’m up to 75 mg. and about to start 100 mg.
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20855832 tn?1542309115
If you’re referring to rapid unstoppable thoughts then yes I most certainly have been tortured by this experience - often.  I just never realized it’s a feature of the bipolar condition.
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563659 tn?1310517917
Unfortunately i know all too well what it means to have very rapid mood changes, for me most of the time i am very very depressed however when i do tend to have a major upswing i tend to go in very extremes and very quickly only lasting  a few hours at times. But when they do hit according to my friends at least (which i seem to have fewer of) I will litereally go from being depressed and suicidal (my usual state) to being on top of the world, thinking im gods gift to women, flirty, outgoing and just wildly energetic. The bad side though is when this happens my bank account tends to end up a lot lighter from buying things on impulse to when i do come down i come down very very hard and end up with several cuts on my wrists. I havent as of yet managed to get any help with this but im supposed to be going on the 29th to see a psychologist which im both looking forward to and scared to death of at the same time.

Last time i admitted myself to the ER becuase i was feeling very suicidal they prescribed trazodone which was more like a toothpick holding together a dam, kinda helped me to get a lil sleep for a day or two then very quickly wore off and now im back to less than 3 hours a night on average, feeling tired as **** half the time and feeling even worse now than when i started
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461596 tn?1541008358
UPDATE:
Well, it's been a month since Austin was released from the hospital.   And he is doing great!!!!   He says he still has some depression & bad thoughts, but they arent real bad.  His defiance & yelling is pretty much gone.  It's like having a new kid !!!!   The only thing I dont like  is that his vyvanse is really reducing his appetite.  I have to make him eat lunch (or he'll skip it too).

My 3 yr old has really started acting out more.  I dont know if it's just the age, or if he misses all the yelling in the house.  But he sure is dishing out what Austin use to do.  I just hope with lots of timeouts & spankings, we can get Logan under control soon.  I think he would act better if he was in daycare (with stricter rules & a schedule) .. but we cant afford daycare right now.
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28 Comments
Hello, I have a 14 year old son that has very similar behavior issues.  I've been following your posts and am curious how your son Austin is doing and if the new medication is still working for him. Thank you!  I know how hard this journey is.
Hi there.  I wanted to welcome you----  oh my gosh, I'm a mom of a 14 year old boy with some challenges and it's really hard.  Mom to mom, we all need to support each other but especially when our kids are struggling.  So, your son is seeing a psychiatrist/ behavioral therapist?  How long has he had ben on the new medication?  Tell us more about your situation.  
My posts were from 10 years ago.  I'd forgotten about them.  It was strange reading through them again. Austin is 23 now.  He stopped taking meds & seeking any professional help when he was about 20.  He still has major depression & major anxiety!  Still says he wishes he was dead & he should just kill himself ... when he's really upset.  Which is a lot lately.  (he was dumped recently)
Let me think back.  He did OK through high school.  Still got in trouble a lot, but no more expulsions (just some suspensions).  I think we went through 3 or 4 more psychiatrists over those years.  The meds that worked the best for him were bipolar meds (even though they said he wasnt bipolar).  But he was only on those for 1 year before a new doctor took him off of them.  -  He went to college in Florida for almost 2 years.  The first year, he did good.  He had a girlfriend, but she dumped him a few months after he was gone.  He spiraled out of control & hit rock bottom!  I had people from the college emailing me, and his roommate would email me about his constant crying & screaming fits.  I enrolled him in a 30 day outpatient care facility (he actually went) in 2014.  It didnt help much.  The meds they gave him caused diarrhea and shaking hands ..he stopped taking them immediately.  But refused to go back & try different meds.  (he hasnt taken any since then).  He met another (older) girl in FL, but she broke his heart too.  Austin was the guy on the side, and he wanted her to leave the other guy ... but she dumped him instead.  Another downward spiral, and I made him move back to LA & quit college.  Now he has tons of student loans to pay back.  
Last winter, Austin met a girl who we thought was The One.  He was actually happy.  In May, she moved to TN to be near some family... and Austin was saving up $ to move with her later.  Recently, she decided to dump him.  Not sure if she met someone else or not.  He has had another breakdown and is completely depressed again.  He wont stop talking about her.  He thinks there can still be a future with her... but he has aggravated her so much that she has blocked him on social media & maybe even blocked his number by now.  -  He's staying at my mother's house right now,  because he cannot afford rent on his own. And all his past friends/roommates moved out of state.  
Wow, thanks for that update.  Such a battle he has had/you have had.  Does he work?  Don't you wish you could just tell him to forget the girls and work on the things that help make him productive in life?  Throw himself into that.  If only we could teach our kids resilience.  Now that he is older, if the bipolar meds worked well years back, wondering if it wouldn't help him to begin that kind of treatment again?  But it is probably hard. Does he still allow you to help or make suggestions?  
We've tried to tell him to avoid relationships for awhile.  He was single for about 3.5 years between the one in FL and the most recent girl.  His problem is that every girlfriend he gets is "the one" in his mind.  So the breakup crushes him like a divorce would to someone who thought everything was fine.  
He still refuses counseling & medication.  He claims that doctors & counselors don't help at all.  They just 'get paid for listening to problems, but don't give solutions'.  I think the real issue is they don't give him the answers he wants to hear.  
That has to be so hard as a mom.  Are you still supporting him financially?
He has a job ($14/hr), and he's currently living at my mother's house to save money.  I still pay for his car insurance (for now).  He will have to take that over in about 2 years, because my other son will be driving by then.  We help him with groceries, if he needs help.
He's also still on my medical/dental/vision insurances... so that saves him money also.  
Gotta be hard.  You probably worry about when he is even older.  I know my neighbor is just happy her son is alive and has continued to support him financially into his 30's.  Mental health takes its toll on everyone.  

And it seems odd to wish someone did not get into a dating relationship but it definitely can be a roller coaster of emotions for the typical person.  Add mental heath challenges, and it is almost dangerous.  I will cross my fingers that he changes his mind on therapy and medical help.  I have a son much younger than yours in his early teens.  I so worry about the future.  He still allows my go guide some but can see where that gets harder with each passing year.  
Weird question---  but does your other son resent him?
My other son will be 14 next month.  I dont think "resent" is the right word.  He has heard so many fights & talk over the years about Austin.  I believe Logan thinks Austin is immature & cries too much over girls. But teenagers think they know it all, right?  LOL   Logan knows we love Austin... but he also knows that Austin's behavior drives us crazy.  I think Logan loves his brother, but they dont have much in common.  Never did, because of the 10 year age gap.  I think it helped that Logan saw Austin's mistakes & the consequences he received over the years.  I think this helped Logan make better decisions.  My boys are opposites in SO many ways (even with what they eat).  
My oldest, Austin, reached out for help on Oct 11th.  He was at a rock-bottom and suicidal.  I talked him into self-admitting himself into an inpatient facility for help.  He stayed there 11 days, and was released on 3 meds:  Zoloft, Depakote, Buspar.  And he finally got the Bipolar diagnosis (which is what I had suspected for about 13 yrs).  He's still not feeling great, but at least he has meds & counseling now.
Oh my gosh!!!  That must be such a relief for you to have an official diagnosis and help on board (the medication and counseling).  Rock bottom is so terrifying but sometimes does the trick to spur action and I'm glad it did in this case.  You are probably relieved but a little sad too. Please keep me updated----  let me know if the medication helps and how he is doing.  Where is he staying now after being released?
He has been living at my mom's house for a few months.  He was saving up money to move, but that fell apart.  
I am relieved because he told the nurse he had plans to kill himself with his grandmothers gun.  Thankfully, my moms guns were at her boyfriends house already.  
I can't imagine the horror a statement of how your child is thinking of killing themselves would bring.  I'm so glad, truly and sincerely, that he got help.  
How has your 14 yr old been recently?  Is he on any meds or in counseling?  I know teen boys can be stubborn!!  My youngest just turned 14 today.  He's not like his older brother though.  
Hi there.  missed this so sorry for the delay.  Thanks for asking about my son.  He's an ongoing situation.  LOL.  I thought I was tired in the toddler years!!  Had no idea the ups and downs of the teen years.  He has days of extreme anxiety. And then others of telling me he is sad and wants to cry.  We have a counselor set up and he will begin very soon.  He's off again on again if he wants to go to one. I try to insist but you know with teens . . . that is hard.  They may go if you insist but get nothing out of it.  Nothing breaks your heart more than your  child in pain, emotionally or otherwise.

How are things going with your son?
Maybe try the approach, telling him that he can complain about whatever to the counselor without getting into trouble (like he might with you or with teachers).  Sometimes if they know they can say whatever without consequences, that makes them more likely to open up.  Of course, some counselors wont tolerate cursing, but some will allow some words.  I'm sure my son let words fly to his counselors!  

Austin seems to be doing better on his meds.  I just hope he continues the meds & counseling.  He had to reschedule the first session because he came down with a stomach bug.  
Sorry about his stomach bug.  You are probably like me, fearful of any type of set back and worry that anything can be a sign of decline in how things are going!  So, may he recover from the bug and make his next scheduled session. Glad the meds are working and he's TRYING.  That's the key, he is in it to be better.

That's a great idea for my son. We're having things now where he feels like he isn't supposed to tell me things. He says it's private.  He'll even tell me something and then get mad at himself because he told me. Then he's mad at me for even asking in the first place.  It's a confusing time!  I'm deer in headlights all the time not knowing which direction a conversation will turn.  He seems to like reassurance from me that things will be okay via text during his school day but conversations at home that I say the same things, he doesn't want to hear.  Sigh.  So, knowing he could talk to a counselor never worrying about ME and all the hang ups of what he is and isn't suppose to share with his mom would be good.  AND, I can get worked up!  He scares me and I react.  He tells me something bad and I react.  A counselor wouldn't have that emotional response that I do.  Freedom to let it all out may be very enticing.  I do know, he is most interested in a counselor when he feels sad. That's very uncomfortable for him.  And unfortunately, it's happening more frequently now.

Did I mention I also have a 13 year old too? lol He's even steven in terms of emotional health.  No issues I can tell but moody at times as he is getting more 'teen like'.  So, some things are normal but I do really worry about my son (his brother).  There has been a rash of suicides amongst boys in our area which is heartbreaking and terrifying!
There has been more suicides in teens these days.  Or maybe it just seems that way because we have teens.  
Seems like you son is dealing with frequent depression.  Does he have outbursts of anger too?  Austin had Intermittent Explosive Disorder when he was younger.  And Conduct Disorder.  Among several other labels.... he had doctors baffled usually with his mood swings & manipulation.
Are you of Facebook?  If so, you can look me up... Marsha Wall Smith.
Hi there.  Well, as to angry outbursts, he's up and down.  He was well known for tantrums as a little guy.  But we chalked that up to his sensory integration disorder and not being regulated.  He literally HAS to exercise or he has trouble even thinking straight. And he can flip out.  He is spending a lot longer locked in his bedroom (literally).  I'm trying to respect his changing age and privacy but it really worries me.  I've not heard of intermittent explosive disorder but have heard of conduct disorder.  I'll look up intermittent explosive disorder to see if it rings any bells.  It's like putting pieces of the puzzle together at times, isn't it?  I just want a happy kid.  Sigh.

Did you find other moms kind of judging of your son or you?  
I think other moms/teachers judge others (silently or not) with behavioral problems.  I even had a jerk psychiatrist tell me one time (when I was single) that my son wouldn't act that way if I was married.  (whatever!!)  He still acted out after I remarried.  

Even I judge sometimes when I see a kid throwing a tantrum in a store and the mom isn't doing anything.  I have to remind myself of when that was me & Austin.  That mom is probably at the end of her rope, & might've already tried to calm him multiple times before I saw them.  When Austin was little, there was a time that I wouldn't even take him to a restaurant/fast food place to eat out (because he would always cause a scene).  We even avoided going to church for a few years for the same reason.  
There are a lot of parents out there dealing with the same (or similar) struggles that we have.  We just don't know them or see them.  They might be avoiding the public like I did.  We are not alone!  

Do the high schools in your area have a track team or wrestling team?  My friend has a son with Aspergers, and he thrived on a wrestling team.  We don't have anything like that here.  Austin was just into art/drawing.  He was in the talented art class from 6th-12th grades.  Reading, drawing, & video games.  That's his life.  
Yes, I knew you'd know what I mean by judging.  I find it hard to take at times. When little, I had man instances of frankly feeling very isolated.  We live in a world where everyone wants to emphasize how perfect, talented, uniquely special their child is.  lol  And hey, they all are . . . but was mine.  In his own way.  But the cookie cutter mentality of perfection . . . sigh.  I had one stranger stop me as my son was having a meltdown and we were headed to the car to tell me that she'd never have a kid like that because she'd give him a good smacking.  I mean, really.  

And teachers are tricky.  Some get it and I'm so appreciative of those 'cheerleaders' for my son.  But others are clueless.  And heartless.  I had a good friend who's son was recently diagnosed with ADD along with three learning disorders through testing tell me when she simply was going for accommodations for her child that included few things but had additional time allotment for tests on it. The Vice Principal in charge stated "well, ALL kids want more time, don't you think?" This is the woman in charge of student services.  "ALL" kids don't have a neurological disorder and learning disabilities.  yeesh.  We've encountered the teachers who want to shame my son for not being really fast on his tests and school work. He does get additional time on tests and he has a teacher this year that brings a timer just for him and sets it in front of everyone telling my son exactly how many additional minutes he has.  So much for keeping it on the downlow or respecting his privacy.  

Whew this is a vent now.  LOL  

Being artistic is a wonderful thing.  I'd love to see him do something like graphic design.  Would Austin be interested in that?

And that's outrageous a psychologist told you that being single contributed.  Seriously?  Then the next guy tells you that your relationship is the problem. How about we don't blame people and realize a kid has a lot going on within themselves.  How about that?

My son doesn't like contact. We've tried it.  Which is a bummer.  He does, however, love to run.  He does cross country and is going to do track. They start winter training next week and it will involve going to the weight room which he has never done.  I'm hoping for positive things for this but he is extremely hard on himself.  He can implode when it doesn't go his way.  Sigh. And there are a lot of uncontrollable when you do a sport.  We shall see how it goes.
Austin wanted to create characters for video games.  He only wanted to go to Full Sail University in FL, and refused anything else.  I decided to let him go, because I didnt want to hear that it was my fault that he never got to pursue his dream.  After 2 years, and about 60,000 in student loans, I had to make him drop out & move back because he'd had a mental breakdown there.  He's been back here for a few years, working around town.  He hates having all that debt to pay back, and wishes he had waited.  -  He has since though about Graphic Design.  He's currently working at a T-shirt making place .... screen printing.


I'm glad he's thought of graphic design.  I'm sorry his passion didn't work out. My son also loves characters.  He is a fanatic for comic books.  What about an online job with one of the gaming job. They have forums and things?
I'm glad he's thought of graphic design.  I'm sorry his passion didn't work out. My son also loves characters.  He is a fanatic for comic books.  What about an online job with one of the gaming companies. They have forums and things?
I'm glad he's thought of graphic design.  I'm sorry his passion didn't work out. My son also loves characters.  He is a fanatic for comic books.  What about an online job with one of the gaming companies. They have forums and things?
Hi.  I am wondering if there is another section to this forum as this one seems to be about someone’s teenage child.  I do not have children and need very much to share with other bipolar people about their illness and experiences.  It’s possible I just dont know how to navigate here.
Avatar universal
I'm sorry you have to go through this too.  And dealing with it at such a young age has to be even worse.   It always amazes me that other people, such as yourself, can deal with this illness.  If you have done it all these years, maybe I can too.  There is nothing wrong with you!  Actualy, I admire you.  You have to be a very strong person to deal with being bipolar.  I still am having the rapid cycling, now even more often but less severe.  It is hard to wake up one day feeling completely different than the day before.  But I think I'm starting to get used to it and I know what to expect.  Thanks for the support!
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538803 tn?1213745676
Hey I forgot, I have experiences with Rapid Cycling also. I can stay up for 36 hours straight and still not be tired but my parents have to force me to go to sleep. I can be really happy one day and depressed and wishing i wasn't alive anymore the next. I can be really ornery, and really happy. I always think that there is something wrong with me because I have severe mood swings.
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538803 tn?1213745676
Hey, I'm only 13 (almost 14) and I am taking Lamictal, Seroquel, and Strattera.  It took me a while to get used to all of the medications (Lamictal in particular!) and I have been taking them for about 5 years now. I still hate taking them and I still think that something is wrong with me, but I take them anyway. Good luck! (and I know what you are going through!)
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461596 tn?1541008358
Well ... I guess I was wrong about Austin being Bipolar.  But I'm not a doctor either.  

He had a 9 day, 8 night hospital stay, and he finally got released today.  He was discharged with these diagnoses... Conduct Disorder, ADHD, major depression, Psychosis.  He's on Prozac 20mg & Vyvanse 50mg.   He seems to be feeling much better, and was eager to get home & play with his cousin next door.  He told me on the phone that things were going to be different & better now.  And that he understood now why we sent him to stay at the hospital, and he's not mad at us about it.  I'm SO glad he is feeling better inside !!!  I just hope we can keep the defiance down to almost nothing from now on.  
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Avatar universal
I hope the hospital stay will help your son out a lot.  I'm sure it will.  Having people to focus on simply helping him get better is the best thing you could do for him.  Prayers and good wishes are being sent your way!  Oh, and stay warm! I know I hate the cold.
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461596 tn?1541008358
I took Austin to Brentwood (hospital) Monday morning.  He threw his rage tantrum Sunday night ... so I guess he got it out of his system.  He was quiet on the way there (playing his gameboy).  But after about 30 minutes of being there, he started acting silly.  I guess he was having a manic mood swing.  After he ate some lunch there, he started being really silly !!!  Laughing at everything.  Laughing so hard he couldn't hardly breathe.  Of course, I laughed some at him too.  It was really strange... but I'd rather hear him laughing than yelling at me !!!!  He got a little moody/crabby about 30 minutes before I left, but he never threw a fit.  

I was there from 10am to 2:15pm.  That's how long it took to do the assessment & check him in.  It was insane !!!  It was freezing cold in there.  Even the workers had on long sleeves or jackets.  Austin's croc shoe strap broke Sunday, so I went to Kmart after I left Brentwood to buy him some new croc-like shoes.... and I bought a lightweight jacket.  I took those back, then headed home around 3:45pm.  I didnt get home until almost 5pm.  It was a LONG day !!!!  I was so ready to get to sleep last night.
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Avatar universal
I know exactly what you're going through!! I too rapid cycle many times a day and it's unnerving! All i can say is first be good to yourself. If you see a situation that will really upset you then try to avoid it. Like the lunch incident.You couldn't avoid it but I've got to the point where if I get that upset,I just make an excuse to leave and not put myself through it... if possible. if you don't feel well then try to give yourself space to handle how you're feeling.I also would avoid things like caffeine,that will aggravate your moods ect. When you feel this way EVERYTHING"S a problem, so try to not let things upset you knowing that if you felt better you might see it differently. Again, I have walked away or cancelled something or just didn't join a group ect. when I was feeling that way because I knew no matter what something would set me off and really you don't deserve to have to sit there digging your fingernails into your arm. Been there and wanted to jump out of my skin or rip something apart I was so irritated. So don't put yourself into these situations ,if possible,... until you feel better! You almost have to think ahead and be good to yourself! No one else is going through what you are and they have no idea. It's good your family is learning how things are. It takes time for people to have a true understanding. God, it takes us time to figure it all out!! Don't be so hard on yourself,it's not easy! Good Luck! The meds will help once you find a good mix!
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461596 tn?1541008358
Thanks for praying for us !!!!  Austin is on probation (has about 10 mths left), and has weekly court ordered Anger Management counseling (but its not helping).  He sees another counselor too (through his pdocs office)... about once a week.  She's starting a group therapy this coming Tuesday.  Maybe he'll be able to listen to other kids his age that might be going through similar things.  

Besides all that, there's no other counseling.  I probably need to find some sort of support group for me to attend.  But I dont know if I have time.  Maybe this summer I can go to some meetings, while my mother-in-law babysits (she just retired).   I'd love to try some sort of "chill pill" ... but we cant afford any meds for me.  Austin has Medicaid ... so we dont have to pay for his meds.  

We're constantly getting onto our 3 yr old for copying Austin's behaviors.  He yells at us, talks back, and stomps around when he doesnt get his way.  It's exhausting dealing with both of them !!!!!


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Avatar universal

Marsha_ann, I have you and Austin in my prayers.  I can't imagine going through he is at such a young age.  Are you getting help also or talking to a counselor?  I'm sure this is putting a huge strain on you as well.  I hope you are able to find the right kind of treatment to get his life back on track.  He is lucky to have your shoulder to cry on.  One thing that kind of freaked me out in your post was the description of what he saw in the mirror.  I don't actually see things,  but I have visions that suddenly enter my mind that I can't get out.  One I have had lately is of an old lady with gray skin staring at me with a big golden yellow eye.  No wings or clouds or horns though.

Meldawn 143, I'm glad you found something that is working for you.  I hope it helps me too, but at this point it doesn't look likely.  There is bound to be something out there that helps, though.  

Karli79, I'm glad you found this forum.  I hope it gives you as much support as it has given me lately.  This medicine roller coaster is rough!  My husband says doctors are like those mechanics who just change out parts until something works.  They just change out medicines until we get lucky.  I hope that happens soon.  

I don't know if the lamictal is going to work, and it might even be making things worse.  I went to the doc a couple of days ago and he started me on abilify in addition to the lamictal.  He says the illness seems to be progressing.  I have been having scary thoughts that seem to be forced into my mind lately, and the doc said they are kind of borderline psychotic.  He hopes the abilify will help help my moods and keep me from having true psychosis.  I have had a rough couple of weeks.  I was doing fine for a few days and then went on a fast downward spiral.  I wanted to jump out of my skin and just stop feeling.  I felt so overwhelmed that I destroyed about $6000 worth of equiptment I bought to use to start my own business.   I am still paying on that stuff.  Worst of all I kept having really awful thoughts I couldn't get out of my head.  Everything I saw looked gruesome in my mind, which is wierd because I can't even watch a scary movie and now there was one running through my mind constantly.  That is what sucks about the mixed state episodes,  I am depressed and therefore have bad racing thoughts instead of productive ones.  My family wanted to take me to a hospital, and the doc said if I get any worse he thought it would be necessary.  But, I am starting to feel a little better.  I still don't want to leave my house, but the disturbing thoughts have mostly stopped.   This is all very difficult for me to accept.  As much as it breaks my heart to know that others are suffering like me, it also helps to know that other people understand what this is like.  
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Avatar universal
I know just how you feel, and I feel my therapist and psychiatrist are just there to get paid. But I will tell you that Im on lamictal and it has helped me tremendaously. Im on 200 mg. now. It does take a little while, but for the first time I could actually sort out my thoughts more, think clearler, and feel less of bouncing back and forth with my crazy moods. I hope you do well.I would love to hear how you do with the lamictal.
Melanie
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Avatar universal
I'm totally new 2 the cocept of "forums" & support 4 being bipolar. I'm so glad 2 read about other people goin' through the same thing as me.I was semi-diagnosed manic depressine 10 yrs. ago (I'm 38) now that I'm educating myself on this illness...I no that Ive always been bipolar.I was super sensetive, moody, passionate, aggressive & hypersexual, even as a small child.I definatly have rapid cycling & mixed episodes.After being on Abilify & triliptal 4 like 6 months, I took myself off my meds. I felt totally flat & lifeless on meds. (overmedicated...I dont no) That was a huge mistake! I've never been as manic, impulsive, & aggressive as I have since I've been off my meds. Im back on meds. the same mg. as I took be4, but it doesn't seem 2 be nearly as effective as it was be4. Even though I was flat be4 on meds.... I definatley was not having mania & was way more in control of myself. Not sure what's gonna happen from here. Got an app. with my doc. soon. I feel like my meds. should be upped. I'll just have 2 wait & c.-Karli
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461596 tn?1541008358
Austin had a huge fit after getting in trouble yesterday afternoon.  I could hear him yelling & throwing a tantrum in his room.  I took Logan outside so he wouldnt have to listen to it.  

Later, Austin came outside crying & cried on my shoulder.    A little while later, he told me that he saw something in the mirror while he was yelling & upset.  He said it was him, but it wasnt him.  He was pretty freaked out.

I really dont know if he saw it or not.  He might've just wanted attention.  I told him to draw it & write a description (so I could show dr's).  Here's what he wrote:

'gray skin, hair was neater, no blimishes, and horns;  A dark ominous cloud with twinkling lights floating around it;  Solid black wings, and gold/yellow cat eyes'

He wanted his mirror removed from his room, but he uses it to put in his contacts.  I told him just to turn it around until he needs to use it.  
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461596 tn?1541008358
Things arent getting better.  He had a major explosion with my husband last night.  They yelled & screamed at each other for over an hour.  Austin refuses to follow our house rules.  My husband was ready to call the Sheriff's office !!!  Austin's on probation ... so if he gets much worse, he will have to get sent away for 18mths.  I dont really want that, but we cant live in this chaos much longer.  I want him to finish school, and then I'm taking him to stay a week or two at a hospital (so they can observe him 24/7).  I'm hoping to get him on the right meds soon, so next school year will be better.  
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Avatar universal
Great news! I am glad they gave your son a chance.  I hope things keep getting better for your family.  I know you have been through so much lately.  Hang in there.
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461596 tn?1541008358
Well, all the meetings are over for now.  Austin was given permission to finish out the school year at the alternative school.  So if he keeps up with his work & doesnt get in trouble there, he will pass.  His grades arent very good right now since he had 7 days of zeros, but I think he can pull them up some in the next 2 weeks.  
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461596 tn?1541008358
Well, today is the day for the IEP meeting.  I'm nervous, but glad that it's finally here.  My mother, and a lawyer lady, are coming with me.  My mom said she's coming to keep me calm.  LOL !!!  I can get pretty fired up when I'm mad.  But I'm going to try to keep my cool, so I dont make Austin's situation any worse.

The Expulsion Hearing is Monday.  I'll really be nervous for that one !!!  The lawyer cannot come with me that day (she had something else planned already).  But my mother is going with me.  Austin has to be there ... so we've got to try & keep his mouth shut during the hearing.  I wonder if they would allow duct tape on his mouth?   LOL !!!

Pray pray pray for us over the next 4 days !!!!!!!!!!!!
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461596 tn?1541008358
Found out that the Expulsion Hearing is next Monday.  They are making us wait a whole week.  I'm not happy !!!!   The principal told me to make Austin do all his homework this week, and he would gather up all the classwork for us.  They better give him credit for all this work too !!!  I dont want him to fail the 7th grade because the school board wouldnt hurry up.  

I've had Austin doing some yard work Friday, Monday, & today.  And it will continue all week long.  He has been talking back constantly, yelling, and being very defiant !!!!  And my 3 yr old is copying these behaviors.   I'm ready to scream !!!!!!!!!  
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461596 tn?1541008358
Well, I guess I spoke too soon.  I got a call from the school today, and Austin is being expelled.  I have to wait to hear from the school board next week about an expulsion hearing.  Hopefully they will chose to send him to the alternative school for the rest of the month, so he can keep up with school work (so he wont fail & have to repeat the 7th grade).  

Now I have to deal with him at home for a few days (instead of him being in school).  I told him that he gets to rake leaves tomorrow... but he's refusing.  I guess we'll have another fight tomorrow about all that.  

And to top it off ... every time Austin acts up (& disrespectful & yells),  Logan copies the behaviors.  So, my 3 yr old will be a holy terror the next few days too.  

I feel like pulling my hair out !!!!!!!!  
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447130 tn?1225470866
I had a friend who was rapid cycling and man is that tough. He was on Lithium and that really helped but he failed to take his other meds and ended up drinking away his cycles. Definately not smart!
Have you thought about a second opinion? Rapid cycling has very specific symptoms and it really needs to be controlled. I wish you the best. The support is here for you.
Erin
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Avatar universal
It is great that your son has a mom like you who understands him and helps him with his illness.  I hope things continue to go uphill for him.  It is so cool that you can see the medication working positively in his grades!  Maybe he is feeling better but still not quite "normal."  That is how I am feeling right now.  I have not had any major mood swings in 3 days, (yeah!)  but I still don't feel like I used to before all of this began.  I am not the same happy person I was a year ago.  Good luck!
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