Hypomania or just happy?

[Moomoomonkey]

I was diagnosed with Bipolar 2 almost 2 years ago and the psychiatrist felt I was hypomanic at the time of diagnosis. I don’t know how I tell? I live alone so that makes it difficult.

I’m currently feeling really really happy for no particular reason. I’m motivated. Was up at 6 cleaning the house (and it’s a proper, thorough clean). I’m finding it hard to sit and relax. But I don’t know if this is just how normal people are. I’ve been down and depressed for so long and now I’m just worried that I’m not ‘normal’ happy.

I know it sounds odd but I don’t feel I can make a GP appointment to discuss because I feel good.

I am also having some difficulties distinguishing reality from dreams. I’m having really vivid dreams which are feeling completely real and like actual memories. I am then getting myself worked up and agitated as I’m sure these things have actually happened.

Sorry for the ramble…

There are others who will probably be able to give better advice perhaps from their own experience but I think the GP would be happy to see you to talk things through and it may give you some peace of mind.

Difficulty with distinguishing dreams from reality is probably something they would be keen to know about and be able to support with.

Yeah that sound like hypomania. It varies in everyone, My DH has bipolar 2 but his hypomania manifests mostly as irritability, rather than 6am cleaning (unfortunately!).

Are you on any mood stabilisers? GP may not have a good understanding of bipolar 2 (many don't) but your psychiatrist should recognise the signs and adjust your medications. Though it is tempting to embrace the hypomania as it is so much nicer than depression, it does have its downsides (like the disconnect from reality!).

Thank you.

I have an appointment with my psychologist at the mental health trust tomorrow afternoon so will mention it all to her. I’m on mood stabilisers and continue to take them tho the temptation is there to stop as I’m feeling so good. I do also get irritable and easily stressed.

I have complex trauma OP and started having these super happy episodes when I started taking escitalopram. Could be meds.

I’ve been on my meds for almost 2 years