Falling after hypomania

[TheGhostOfBarryFairbrother]

Hello

I have schizo-affective disorder. I used to have rapid cycling but since being on lithium I have been much more stable.

Before Christmas I had a classic hypomanic episode - singing, dancing, no sleep, spent too much money etc. It was lovely...

Then yesterday I crashed. Tearful, sleepy, no energy, hopeless. I normally go to a day hospital twice a week but because of holidays I haven't been for ten days (they saw me hypomanic) and am not going back until Thursday.

I'm terrified of ending up in hospital. Any tips or ideas on getting through the rebound?

Anyone?

I think you’ve got the first bit, which is acknowledging that you’ve crashed. I have rapid cycling bipolar and it’s an absolute pita.

Ok, stuff I do. Mood track. Sounds Corny, but ticking those little boxes on a graph keep me on track of how good/bad things are. Attack all the senses for bringing your mood up.
Listen to upbeat music. Wear things that are soft and nice. Put presume you like on. Stand outside and breath in cold air.

Doesn’t always work, but I’ll chat to you bout it. I’m a bit flakey though 😁

Thank you.

Yesterday I went for a long walk with my mum and it did me good.

NYE is always hard so going to treat myself well...

What do you use to mood track?

Are you still taking medication?

Yes. Lithium (mood stabilizer), clozapine (antipsychotic), mirtazapine (antidepressant), oxazepam (anti anxiety).

Go with it, look after yourself, sleep and rest, try and eat well. It will pass.

I use a graph that I got from a Mood on Track course I did. Best course I’ve done for managing my ups and downs. I’ll dig it out and do some screen shots for you.

Thank you so much.

Last night was horrible. Lots of self harm urges. But I made it through without breaking.

Day hospital today. Had a good chat with my CPN. She's going to give the doctor a heads up .