Manic Episode
Back in the bad old days when "Manic Depression" was my primary psych dx, no one would have questioned that I am in the midst of a "Manic Episode." My entire therapy support network would have been on alert for the creative manifestations which characterize a manic episode. Fast forward a few decades and I no longer qualify for "Bi-Polar Support Groups." The groups which donae test for med compliance are meticulous in their up-to-date verbage. Some are eager for me to download the apps to keep me up-to-date on that precision verbage, but my dumb phone doesn't handle "The Cloud" well. It's limited memory doesn't give a hacker room to manuever, much less keep up with the latest greatest social media.
I am still using the mania therapy tools I learned from my decades of Manic Depression/BiPolar therapy, but feeling increasing guilty doing so. My official primary dx changed to cPTSD around the turn of the millenium, but the change in therapy/support was far more gradual. On the paperwork for the current CPS dramas, I am still listed as "Bipolar." It has yet to be decided if those database fields are worth updating. I'll do my best to salute whatever flag runs up the flag pole. One name and/or theory set for ^it^ is as good as another in my own mind. I works with what Life sends me.
On the whole, I feel like I am holding a steady course through the fissures. Stepping small, praying big and holding the love sacred.
Hubs doesn't seem to think I am getting too manicky with my splurge on 12 young heans and 20 heritage turkey poults. May the birds and the bees never be separated. My 65th birthday is coming up. Is the manic episode out of hand that I am wishing for a pony for my birthday? My geezer bones feel like they need a lift through those pastures. Kinda wishing for a burrow to pack my daily herbs, too. Plying therapy tools. Them critters don't shit so much in a manic fantasy.
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Interesting Arfie, given my own dx which is bipolar 1, in 1984 when my sister died I was 'psychotic' after not sleeping for several days, which created a play ground for psychosis. After ten years, I stopped, using only antidepressants and some times not using them.
Since then yes I've got a bit hypo, but never reached the stage of psychotic which now leads toward bipolar 2, which my current therapist agrees with. I rarely Go Up, Always go Down, with a few energy spurs during seasonal changes, and times change or if under stress. Then after the spurs of energy, I go straight down into my hole once again and there I stay until I come out.
Personal belief, lamictal saved my life of ups and downs, taking that when in hospital in 2010...first time since 1984, it was for severe depression. The lamictal, for me anyway, has no side effects, helps to stabilize my depressions, meaning I don't go down 'as far'. The term 'rapid cycle' also has been used in my dance with mental illness, those are the seasonal ups...and yes :) some times the full moon gets me too!
My last 'manic purchase' came in 2012, after my cancer surgery...it was Bad, nearly 11,000 dollars, which I'm still paying off, now down to 4,900. I thought "I had to have a hybrid car", new sewing machine, stand mixer, and food processor. Cash and charge cards can be Very Dangerous! Farms Have animals is all I got to say about manic fantasy... knowing fantasy are not real. Dreams are possibilities, if worked towards and not just wishes?
As for the 'cloud and verbiage' well, for me, myself and I, yes I have many sides, these days I just say crap on the dx, and look for relief. from symptoms.
How similar your diagnoses and the course of changes are to mine, Arfie.
I for years had my manic depression and then various versions of bipolar before they rediscovered my ADHD inattentive type, although my PTSD was never disputed. They do finally refer to my PTSD as cPTSD but as complex is still not formally recognized in the DSM-V, they just have listed Chronic and Prolonged PTSD.
Therapy I’m learning is adaptable to any diagnosis as I’ve gone through the DBT program even though I don’t have Borderline. As you one wisely told me, we use what we can and discard what we can’t (roughly the gist of it).
Even now that my ADHD is stable again, there have been times when my PTSD has derailed the effectiveness of my medication and all the symptoms of what was previously diagnosed as Bipolar come rushing back. Personally, I agree with my newest psychiatrist that I’ve seen for the last year. If you have any history of trauma and/or PTSD, it is normal to have symptoms and aspects of other disorders with out actually having those disorders. I really like this psychiatrist, by the way.
Hugs & love my friend.
Arfie, we have grown super sized toolboxes. We reach for which seem best at the time, and can return for more as needed. Rarely does cPTSD travel alone, and is usually preceded by Dx's of various sorts. At least that has been my observation. Just ply those tools and you'll succeed. Maybe hubby can hold on to those credit cards until this passes. Just a thought. Hugs.
Dang glitch...***** after 10 years I stopped using lithium....using only antidepressants and sometimes not using them.