Some background: I had a diagnosis of bipolar disorder 12 years ago (had a diagnosis of depression before that for 4/5 years, since a teenager). I took antidepressants and mood stabilisers for a year or so until I became pregnant with my first, when I was advised to stop both immediately.
In the years that followed, I didn’t experience any bad symptoms ie I didn’t get depressed or high, and was glad to find that I experienced “normal” highs and lows like everyone else! Once or twice I felt quite down for several days but recovered and didn’t need medication.
Recently though (about 3 weeks) I have been feeling a bit manic and some of my old symptoms have been reappearing. My sex drive is unusually high and I’m having trouble sleeping. I’m sleep walking and talking nightly. My best friend today said she was having trouble keeping up with the conversation as I was talking very fast. I’ve been getting lots of praise at work for ideas and for working hard/doing extra but it’s because I’m a bit manic.
Sorry this is so long but now I come to my problem...
It’s been so long that I haven’t needed help I’m not sure where to turn. In a way I’m fine because it’s all good but I’m worried this is just the start of a chaotic time...and will there be a comedown? I used to behave recklessly when I was manic so I’m a bit worried about that and find I’m checking myself all the time. I need to check in with someone just to monitor/record what’s going on.