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In Dire Need of Rapid Cycling Friends

© Amy Hillgren Peterson

In bipolar disorder, rapid cycling can leave friends in its path. Rapid cycling is defined as moods swinging from manic to depressed within a short, usually less than a week, time period.

For friends and family who need predictability, rapid cycling is frightening. For friends and family who believe that bipolar disorder is an emotional instability over which you have control, rapid cycling can be taken as a personal affront.

Jules knows this all to well and turned to the Internet to find friends for support.

"Hi. I'm new to discussing my illness online, but I am in a major mania and I need some friends to talk and chat with. I'm isolating at home and I'm in a frenzy. It's difficult to go outside. I work from home. I'm an artist so I'm nere all the time and generally alone. I want to give support as well as receive it. Please drop by to say hi. Peace to those who race. Jules."

Bunny replies, "Jules, I am having rapid cycling also. My doc said I am having mixed states but I am mostly depressed. Tuesday I went on lithium for the first time. It is making me very sick physically but I am willing to do anything to get better. I work outside the home (ironically with mentally ill adults) but I am pretty isolated at times also. Being at home make me feel caged yet going out always get myself in trouble if I am manic. Bipolar sux. What meds are you being treated with?"

How many of us are caught in the Catch-22 that we are isolating to the point it is harmful, but we fear going out because of the uninhibiting effects of mania?

"Hey, Jules!" Sheila writes. "Know what you're going through. I was just there. I'm afraid my highs are going to go away with this new med (Depakote) but if it makes living with me (and myself) bearable, I'm all for it!"

The plea Jules makes for friendship among rapid cyclers is common on the mental health boards. Rapid cycling bipolar disorder is a roller coaster for friends and loved ones, as well as the person with bipolar disorder. It takes someone very understanding to cope with the mercurial nature, especially of a rapid cycling Bipolar I disorder.

The copyright of the article In Dire Need of Rapid Cycling Friends in Mental Illness is owned by Amy Hillgren Peterson. Permission to republish In Dire Need of Rapid Cycling Friends in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.