Moderate to severe mood swings

[skye]

I have been experiencing moderate to severe mood swings for some time. I will be in a really happy mood with lots of energy and some small little thing will happen and I can become extremely depressed and have a complete lack of energy and suicidal ideations. This can happen as often as every few hours or more to a few days.

I would like to know if this is a normal part of PTSD and if others have experienced this.


-Skye

 

[Tinyflame]

I experienced that more before I recognized "triggers" and what was bringing me down, or more specifically "why". Mindfulness, acknowledging and figuring out the triggers, and trying to acknowledge the feelings and thoughts helped (CBT).

Hope that works to help you a bit, too. I'm "guessing" if it comes on that quick there is possibilty that similarity.

At least you have the happy moments to build on, that's a great start don't forget!

 

[anopeet]

I have the same, but in the morning and afternoon I feel angry and sad, but in night and late night I feel more motivational and happy.

 

[midi]

Please do realize that it is normal. I had such extreme mood swings that my son used to call me psychotic. After meds and a 3 month cognitive therapy course, I can now stop and think before blowing up/crying/withdrawing/ending it thoughts...

Maybe you can look for mental health programs in your area? The one I attended was geared towards your income...

 

[dust]

Mood swings = totally normal. When I was having EMDR one PTSD symptom would last for 3 hours before changing to another PTSD symptom, I think it is called rapid cycling. Now the mood swings can last for hours or days. I can only say that therapy has/is helping me understand them more and that they get less frequent.

dust

 

[skye]

Thank you so much for all of your feedback..... its nice to know its not just me.

 

[cec]

Hi skye


I have them, but more often than not I can't tell what triggers the change. Nightmares are one. I could be doing OK then then next minute feel very depressed.

cec

 

[Noone.]

Hi Skye.

My mood swings are usually triggered by trauma to myself and others.
I cant watch anyone being hurt without feeling something emotionaly inside and I know it starts off as a thought and becomes a feeling.
I try to control what i think and avoid those situations which
isn't easy being a firefighter/medic and all.
Take care.

FIRE.

 

[cragger65]

I definately suffer from this, I can be up and chipper, with almost too much energy one day, and having suicidal ideations the very next. Depends on sleep to some degree, and what I allow myself to get/stay thinking about. I am still working very hard at just not obsessing in the back of my mind about traumatic moments in my life. It does nothing for me, and slowly saps away my small reserves. Today I'm feeling bouyed up, tomorrow...... ???

 

[Deleted member 1860]

I have had extreme mood swings since I was very young. I was molested when I was only 4, and have always been known as "the moody one."

I take a mood stabilizer, Topamax, and it helps out tremendously. I stopped taking it for a while, and I could definitely notice a difference. I've started taking it again because my mood swings have become too much for me to take.

 

[TLight]

As Scared said above......for me too, severe mood swings.

Medication has helped as well as recognizing the triggers and mindfulness. Calling my therapist or a trusted person to just tell them what is happening to me helps too. I can bring myself out of the downs a little better now.

I think all of us sufferers need to recognize how dangerous these swings truly are. The fact is we have a life threatening disorder and we need to do everything we can and use everything in our tool box NOT TO DIE. This is what I try to remind myself of when I hit those chemical lows........I don't want to die.

 

[fin]

Me neither TLight, trying to learn everything I can so I will have the rigth tools to work on this and more.