I received some mail regarding "mood swings."  I am not sure what was meant by the term "mood swings", so I will talk about the two different types that I personally know of and have experienced.  There are the radical shifts in emotional well-being that are the two polar states of mind usually referred to as mania or depression.  Then there are the every day upheavals that I experience during either of the two aforementioned emotional latitudes.  I am going to discuss both definitions of "mood swings" and give some advice on how to manage these emotional whirlpools.

The manic or depressive cycles or episodes are what is always attributed to manic/depression.  They can be severe extremes of the emotional spectrum.  Some people may not experience these highs and lows to the same degree as others, but they are there nonetheless.  It is important to add, they do not necessarily occur one before the other and sometimes the sufferer may have a reprieve from these emotional episodes for an extended period of time.  I sadly, haven't or can't remember when I wasn't manic or depressed in the last five or six years.  I have noticed with my own illness that the severity of these "mood swings" have become more pronounced as I have aged.  Perhaps, it seems this way because I am more aware of them now that I have been through therapy and am able to recognize them.  I am not sure.

A manic episode or mania is a lot like being really revved up; you feel like you are spinning out of control in one of those hamster wheels, around and around.  You are all sped up; everything is done in a flourish of drama.  My thoughts are usually racing around in my head so fast I get emotionally exhausted trying to keep up with them.  I am, however, my most prolific and creative in my writings during this time.  My ingenuity is also amplified in other creative pursuits.  But this isn't necessarily a good thing.  Being manic doesn't mean you are on a high (like with drugs) and are enjoying the ride.  It can be quite frightening and confusing for the sufferer.  You can be driven to do dangerous or harmful things to yourself, hear voices in your head, become paranoid and delusional.  I have really embarrassed myself publicly during these episodes, because I become a loud mouth and socially inept.  I seem to seek out socially awkward situations.  Your decision-making capabilities and sense of reason can be seriously compromised.  I also tend to take on projects far too difficult for me to truthfully manage, and sometimes take on more than one.  When they inevitably come crashing down around me I am absolutely devastated and cannot understand what went wrong.  These episodes can go on for weeks; there is no set time period for it to run itself out.  It can feel like an all out assault on my mind and body.

A depressive episode or cycle is just as crippling as a manic one.  It takes a hold of your mind and seems to sap every ounce of fortitude, not unlike a big leech, from your brain.  You become a shadow of your former self.  It seems I suffer from depression more frequently than from mania.  I don't know why, but I do.  I really don't know what to say about this cycle; the name sort of describes itself.  But I will try.  Depression has become an old friend to me, sometimes I feel at a loss without it.  I have attempted suicide many times during these episodes.  They can cause you to physically and emotionally give up on life.  You can become so ambivalent to life that you lock yourself away from the world around you, your family, your friends, your spouse and your children.  It is a dangerous place to be, especially if you are not medicated.  It can last for weeks, months, or years.

Now I will talk about the lesser form of "mood swings", the ones that can plague you daily but are not considered manic or depressive.  These "mood swings" are fleeting and don't last more than a short period of time; maybe a few moments or a day.  They can be a whole range of emotions, from ambivalence to out right rage in a matter of moments.  They occur during both manic and depressive episodes, but I have noticed my emotional instability more in my depressions.  They mostly flare up during stressful times in the day or if some kind of a trigger sets them off.  A trigger can be anything from a subject of conversation that rubs me the wrong way or a person who antagonizes me appearing at my door.  The stress doesn't have to be bad stress to get me going; it can be good stress too.  My "mood swings" are more dramatic when I am manic, compared to the more brooding version when I am depressed.  I don't know what is worse.  I am however, not always a raging inferno.  The moods can swing to the more benevolent end of the spectrum.

• My husband is a great early detection system for me.  He usually can detect the subtle signs that I am on the verge of a manic episode.  It is a good way for me to prepare myself for the coming onslaught.
• I minimize my social responsibilities.  My husband takes over my social activities; he steers me clear, even if I protest, of anything negative.
• I reduce my social calendar to only very close friends and family. (people who are aware of my illness and understand).
• Stay away from alcohol or any other mood altering substances.
• I try to focus on projects I can do, like my jewelry or writing.
• I take my meds and my husband monitors them to make sure I do take them.  (find someone to monitor your meds and make sure you take them).
• I have found someone to be responsible to; someone who will questions odd behaviour (my husband).  It is a good idea to get someone close to you to act as an advisor and observer for you.  You will find it really helps to have someone looking out for you.  It is effective even if they only come once a day or even once a week; as long as you know they will check up on you.
• I will now seek help if I feel I am spiraling out of control; sometimes I will go to a crisis centre or a hospital.
• I establish safe places; places that I know are emotionally safe for me to be at; like a close friend's house or a member of my family's home.  A place that you can go if you need to get out of the house and go somewhere.
• Try to focus on the here and now not the future; the future will come on its own.
• If you are a creative personality try to pick out one of the myriad of ideas racing around in your head and stick to it.  Hopefully you will be able to appease your mind by doing and finishing at least one project.
• Start an exercise program to alleviate some of your restless spirit, turn youre pent up energy into something positive.  Do aerobics, jogging, exercise bike, etc?
• Make sure to eat even if you are not hungry or in a rush
• If you have children try to allow your spouse or family to help you with their care.  Sometimes we are the best parents when we are willing to admit we need help.  Let them take the kids out or if it really gets difficult allow them to provide for their care.
• Don't hide your illness from your children.  They are a lot more understanding than you think.  I have explained to my son about my illness.  Now, if I am out of control or in the hospital he isn't afraid because he knows what is going on.  He understands and does not hate me for my problems.  He is very compassionate and caring.  And he is only seven.
• Try to get enough sleep.

• I try to focus on the present.  I often think of all my mistakes in the past and obsess on them.
• I force myself to only sleep at night and if necessary, the bedroom is off limits for the day.
• I take lots of showers and baths.
• I make sure I eat/don't binge eat because of depression
• If I am in a very bad depression my husband stays home or my mother will come and stay with me during the day.  It is good to have someone around you so you don't hurt yourself.
• If need be I will go to a hospital or a crisis centre
• My two cats are the most amazing little creatures; they give me so much comfort.
• Don't concentrate on stressful tasks.  Have someone help you with your housework and with the care of your children.
• Take some time off of work if possible.  There are medical leaves for people suffering from depression; ask your doctor about it.
• Take your medications.  If there are any drugs you could possibly overdose on ask someone to monitor them for you.
• Try to force yourself to stay in contact with close friends and family.  It is so easy to drop out of society when you feel this way.  It will force you to concentrate on other things for a while.
• Don't watch talk shows!
• Try to get out of the house, even if it is just for a short walk.  You don't have to go places with lots of people.  Just around the block is often enough.
• Let the sun shine in; don't shut all your blinds and curtains.
• Try to cut back on social (or other) obligations and responsibilities.
• Don't push yourself, be kind to yourself
• Don't beat yourself up
• Distract yourself with easy calming activities such as crafts, reading (if you can concentrate), baking, etc.
• Exercise has been medically proven to help with depression; or so I have been told.
• It is important to be able to talk about your issues with a therapist or even just a good friend.  Find someone you trust and let it all out.  It is probably better to find a therapist or counselor because you will be more likely to share things with them than with a friend.  They cannot break your confidence and have the medical know how to help you deal with your problems.
• Don't go near alcohol or other mood altering substances because they won't help.  I know.