Hey all.
I have had BP traits confirmed by a psychiatrist over 12 months ago, but in the last few weeks my moods have been all over the place, from bouncing of the ceiling hyperactive and productive to so low that I don't want to do anything except watch a dvd or sit on the internet.
Most times, having my Guinea Pigs help me with the lows, they give me something to focus on and somepeople who NEED me and that can help. But the mood swings are starting to annoy me so much. they are occuring 2 or 3 times a day.

At the moment I am barely remembering to drink, can't see the point in taking my meds - coz I still end up in a depressed haze, although I am taking them. I see my GP on Wednesday so hopefully will get a referral back to the psychiatrist... Off to watch a DVD me thinks while I try and get motivated to clean my piggies out...

Hi Helen

I like your guinea pigs, they are cute!
I really hope that your gp gives you a referral, as it sounds like you really are battling at the moment and you might need a change in your meds, which could make the world of difference.
In the meantime, you are doing well to try and keep focused on something.
Please let us know how it goes on Wednesday.

Trace

GP thinks the hyper periods are caused by diet as in too much junk or sugar.

me is not sure. coz sunday was the worst and i really didn't have much sugar then.

Diet as a cause for mania? Never heard that one before. I mean, diet can be a factor in the occurrence of episodes, but I've never heard it explained as the sole reason. Did you ask your doctor why they thought this?

Cheers

My father has diabetes and is not supposed to have sugar, when he does have sugar, he goes completely over the top. He gets hyped up and loses his temper viciously, sugar can do strange things to bodies and minds.

Trace

That would be true. But the worst mood swings were on saturday and sunday... and especially on Sunday I had sort of eaten properly.
I didn't have anything very sugary...

The doctor probably believes that it's not a serious case. (Hence "bipolar traits") The doctor probably figures it's sub-threshold and cited diet problems merely to provide a placebo effect as well as closure. Doctors do that...

BP is linked to food somewhat.
- Carbohydrate cravings are very common in bipolars.

- A lack of carbohydrates causes mood swings in normal people. (There's a lot of research on this. The subject became popular are the Atkins diet came out. People on the diet are well known to become irritable)

- There is a body of research linking BP to sodium intake. Some suggest that bipolars typically consume more salt on average than the general population. I'm not sure how credible this research is though. It's interesting to note that many mood stabilizers operate on Na+ channels, so sodium concentration could potentially play a role.

Again, this just implies that there are a few links. I'm not suggestion that diet in any way causes bipolar disorder though.

stilltrying to eat properly and not getting the same level of hyperness BUT still having a nasty crash after reaching a feel good level.

Reborn
* carb cravings happen
* If i have carbs it is usually the complex kind (porridge/museli for breakfast bread at lunchtime, pasta/noodles/rice/potatoes for dinners.

Anyway yes might have worked for a while, but why then am I still crashing badly in the evening... EVERY night
It is still annoying me.... and I have had enough.

When I was told I had traits they said it was anxiety causing it but that is well and truely under control now because I have left these situations that are causing the worst anxiety behind.

Helen

I do know from my Dad, that Carb cravings are linked to diabetes. Also certain foods like certain carbs and especially bread, turn into pure sugar in your body. Have you thought of seeing a dietician?

Trace