Slump after hypomania

[Reallystressedout]

Hi, particularly seeking Bipolar folks input. I have recently had a long hypomanic episode, the peak only a couple of weeks but had elevated energy for over 2 months. I am now definitely having a post-episode "slump", I sleep around 12 hrs a night, on Lamotrigine and was on Quetiapine to control hypomania but reducing that now. I am v sluggish in the daytime, am managing to go for a daily short (approx 1 mile) walk and small amount of housework but finding it a real struggle (especially after being able to do 2 long walks a day and still have energy). Was thinking it was the meds but am wondering if its to be expected after such an energetic phase.

I don't experience this often (last one was approx 20yrs ago and was full blown psychosis, so after effects were expected and I was extremely gentle with myself as I realised I had been seriously ill).

Currently off sick until mood stabilises.

My Q, any ideas how long will this "slump" last, I just want some energy back?
Thanks for any advice

I think being as kind to yourself as you can is the best approach. I think feeling low after an episode of mania or hypomania is common.

I’ve only had one hypomania episode and was sectioned, which forced me to take life easy for a month. When I came out of hospital, I was so worried my life would never be the same again and teeny things exhausted me. But my life is back to 99% what it was before. I rest whenever I want to but I also make sure I move each day.

You have been very ill and your body and mind needs some time now. I hope you start to feel a little better very soon.

Thanks for reply @AthxTraining I think because it wasn't full blown (I didn't need hospital, although was potentially close) I feel I should be ok but you're right, it will take time, I'm just impatient and want to be back to normal asap.

I had a 6month-long hypomanic ep for the first half of this yr. I used to be good at noticing the signs (I have eps every year) but this went under the radar somehow despite all my usual hallmarks plus behaviour which put me at serious risk & has left me traumatised. This then tipped into a month of frantic mixed mania (dysphoric mania) with paranoia / psychosis, and now 4 months of severe depression. I can’t function due to the tiredness, fatigue & brainfog. I see this as being the ‘hangover’ from the mania. I think it’s natural that you’re feeling in a slight slump after a more energised spell. It’s like a wave shape: if it goes up a huge amount, it will come down a huge amount. If it goes up a bit, it will go down a bit.

And the hope is that eventually it’s returned to baseline and stays there for a while. I feel fortunate if I go 9 months without a major major major ep.