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As someone else already posted, this is called a "mixed-mood state," though sometimes it's hard to distinguish from ultra-rapid cycling. The distinction--for me, at least--is that with mixed mood I feel acutely uncomfortable. I am also more at risk for a suicide attempt during a mixed-mood state. The low of the depression can bring on suicidal ideation and the energy and impulsivity of the mania make follow-through on the ideation more likely than it would be during a "pure" depression, when I don't have the energy to get out of bed, much less make and execute a plan. Knowing the dangers of mixed mood (my last hospitalization was the result of a mixed mood) has helped me a lot. Now when my negative thoughts begin to race, I force myself out of bed and put that manic energy to some other use. It may not necessarily be anything productive, but it will usually stop the racing thoughts from continuing to spiral downward.