I am BP 1 severe rapid cycler...and yes, sometimes the poles do overlap. Better known as "mixed state". Is very treacherous territory and if u feel like u should be inpatient, then is probably a good idea to go. I am actually in right now... U may find it helpful to read my journals. They show complete range of emotions within a matter of days. Is EXACTLY what got me here. Best of Luck -- xx

I'm in the same boat one second i want to down all my pills and the next im in a rage and the next i'll be fine.

I am also a Mixer. Lately it's been like WHEEEE for two days and then SLAM! for one... freaking merry go round from HELL. But it's my fault, lol, I cut my meds cause I was feeling really good.

Inpatient is really never a mistake, if you can tolerate it. I'm a frequent flyer. I believe they save Room 19 for me starting Jan. of every winter, thru March. (It's the single room, because roommates keep me up allllll night and the night staff hates that.)

I've read that as we get older,our cycles can escallate in to rapid episodes.Our brain shrinks faster than normies do.

I am bipolar 2, rapid cycler and sometimes mixed. I agree with Alicia, very dangerous territory. If you are swinging low and find you have a difficult time climbing out, inpatient is best. Call your doc and talk to him if you arent sure but dont wait till you cant reason with yourself. I hadnt rapid cycled before a few years ago so I think it must change with age.

Another rapid cycler here. The mixed state/dysphoric mania or whatever you want to call it is a familiar place & it's downright miserable too! How do I deal with it? Sometimes I don't even know how to, I have to cancel everything, have my mom take care of my child, can't work, can't do anything except pace endlessly around my house...take meds & hope they work, go to the hospital if nothing else can stop the mental turbulence. I hope you find some peace soon.

Thanks guys

Good to know others are in the same situation off to see my psychiatrist tomorrow and may have to take some time off work can't seem to cope at the mo anyway thanks again and take good care of yourselves.

i was only diagnosed a year ago btu quickly learned that i was rapid as well. still trying to find the right combination of meds for me, they seem to change quickly for me. since my inpatient ive been doing well with my current meds, 6 months.

Tonight we are going to discuss rapid cycling on the show. I hope you guys will be there to put in your two or more cents.

What show?

I host a show about BP on blogtalkradio.com/bpradio M-F 9pm CST (US)

Tried to catch you the other night, but was sound asleep by 10 EST. Will try taking St. Seroquel a bit later :-)

I am rapid cycler. I sometimes live one minute to the next. I say I can live through this minute and then do it again, etc. It is so awful. Don't know when either will hit.

Thanks mrtim, I'll try to catch it tonight.

I am having the same feelings right now. I'm getting scared real scared!!