Rapid-Cycling: Research is ME-Search

See what you’re up against, Country Girl? You’re chafing at the bit to research the topic, and the research - much less psychiatric horse sense - simply isn’t there.

Common sense suggests you need a mood stabilizer, but which mood stabilizer is a matter of conjecture. The treatment guidelines such as the one put out in 2002 by the American Psychiatric Association are very vague on the topic, but they are uniformly unequivocal in stating that antidepressants should not be used. Antidepressants run a high risk of speeding up cycles. Mood stabilizers, imperfect as they are for the purpose, at least offer the promise of slowing down the cycle.

We also know that rapid-cyclers appear to be extremely sensitive to their environment, and this would include stress. Thus, a key to slowing down your cycle is slowing down your world.

So here’s where you need to apply your research, Country Girl. You need to figure out those areas in your life that represent clear and present dangers to your stability, that may set you off. It may be drinking caffeine or eating high-sugar foods. It may be listening to talk radio. It may be from driving yourself too hard. It may be an unpleasant individual in your life.

Then you need to figure out ways to avoid these situations, or at least cut down on the possibility of them happening. But sh*t happens. So now you have to figure out ways to deal with the bad stuff you can’t avoid.

Obviously, figuring out the riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma that is you is going to be a difficult nut to crack. Introducing the necessary changes into your life won’t be a piece of cake, either. The good news is you will have plenty to research. Research is me-search. You are in for a very rewarding endeavor.

Finally, Country Girl, it’s a pleasure making your acquaintance. Please keep the messages in bottles coming.