An Inside Look At Rapid Cycling Bipolar and Its Hidden Effects

Technically, rapid cycling bipolar disorder is defined as experiencing a depressive episode, followed by a manic or hypo-manic one, with little or no break in between. That description however, is cold, clinical and impersonal and doesn’t begin to describe what it feels like to experience a rapid cycling episode.

For me, rapid-cycling was like a two-headed monster with enough power to reduce a human being to the level of a babbling idiot, or like a demon that demands absolute submission to it’s will. One minute I felt like I was being thrown into a dark dungeon, tormented by an onslaught of excessive pessimistic thoughts until all hope was lost.

Then, without warning, the “chains” fell off and I was catapulted into a hypo-manic state where I was subjected to its most lethal weapon, deception, which enticed me into believing everything was great. Boundless energy seemed to flow through me and at times I felt indestructible. Creativity, high productivity and a drive to succeed, convinced me that I could take on numerous projects all at the same time and make wise decisions about all of them. My mind seemed to be operating in “overdrive”. Thoughts raced through my mind like misguided missiles, some failing to hit their targets while other thoughts appeared perceptive and at times ingenious.

Unfortunately, this made communicating with others difficult because I was unable to speak fast enough to express my thoughts. As a result, I often became agitated and impatient with anyone who could not keep up with me. In short, hypo-mania for me was a journey into grandiosity. It created in me an inflated idea of self importance that often led to ill conceived business ventures, unwise decisions, financial irresponsibility and a complete disregard of risks and dangers.

How Rapid-Cycling Impacts Daily Relationships

My experiences with rapid-cycling often led to misunderstandings, and at times fits of explosive anger which put a tremendous strain on my relationships with others. For example: During the years I spent in show business, (before I was diagnosed), the cast members and associates I worked with were often perplexed by how quickly my moods and behavior fluctuated. When my enthusiasm was high, I was friendly, quick witted, adventurous and fun to be around. Then for no apparent reason, when I wasn’t rehearsing or performing I would isolate myself, or hide from life in the unconscious state of sleep. As a result, many of my colleagues labeled me as “moody” at best, or they thought of me as an aloof snob.

Later in my life, (again before I was correctly diagnosed) when my mood swings rapidly transitioned from depression to a hypo-manic state, my wife initially made sincere attempts at compassion and forbearance. However, seeing that I was physically able to function, but appearing unwilling to do so, accusations and arguments occurred leading to a complete breakdown in communication.

Friends of mine, who also witnessed my rapid mood swings were quick to show genuine concern and offer what they considered “helpful” suggestions. But, when they thought their words were having little effect or gong unheeded, they began labeling me as irresponsible and unwilling to help myself. Some, in fact, sought to saddle me with guilt as a way to change my behavior. All this left me feeling isolated.

There seemed to be no one who could truly understand the signs and recognize what I was going through. And that frustrated me. I needed something else to begin my self care.

Steps I Took to Manage My Rapid-Cycling Episodes

1) Find a Specialist

First and foremost was finding a doctor who specialized in treating people with types of bipolar disorder.

2) Make a Commitment

Next and equally as important was making a commitment, that (no matter what) I would adhere to the treatment plan my doctor outlined and take the medications he prescribed.

With time, this began to stabilize the bio-chemistry in my brain which allowed me to function in a calmer, rational and emotionally controlled manner.

3) Develop Coping Skills

The third step was to develop effectual coping skills;

• Finding a cognitive therapist who had successfully treated people with bipolar disorder helped me develop those skills. (NAMI, DBSA, and similar organizations are good resources for obtaining referrals)
• Joining a reputable support group helped me learn successful coping skills from those who had first hand experience.
• Shifting my attention away from bipolar disorder by employing my talents and abilities, (which, by the way, we all have) to benefit others also proved to be an effectual and personally rewarding endeavor.
• Simple environmental and lifestyle changes had a positive effect on me as well.
• Sincerely asking forgiveness from those I had offended or hurt was not only a good coping strategy but if also liberated my conscience from guilt.
• Finally, adding prayer and meditation to my daily schedule proved to be a practical means of reducing anxiety as stated in Philippians 4:6,7. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything through prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, make your requests known unto God. And the peace of God that surpasses comprehension, will guard your heart and mind…”

How Others Can Support Someone in a Rapid-Cycling State

Spouses, family member, and friends who seek to support someone who is experiencing a rapid cycling bipolar episode usually have little, if any, knowledge of bipolar disorder and even less about rapid cycling. Therefore, in addition to conferring with the doctor who is treating the person you are seeking to support, here are some practical things you can do.

• Realize that the person you are seeking to support has the same physical, emotional and psychological needs as you have.
• Acquire as much information about bipolar disorder rapid-cycling as you can. A good place to start is by contacting the organizations I mentioned earlier.
• If the person you are seeking to help is not psychotic or suicidal, it behooves you to ask what kind of help he or she is looking for. Doing that will accomplish two things. First, it will make it clear if you are capable and willing to provide the support you are being asked to give. Secondly, it will put you both on the same page, thus avoiding misunderstanding and useless arguments. By establishing these boundaries each of you will know what to expect from one another.
• Learn the difference between “supporting” and “enabling”. A supportive person, assists, aids and helps an individual to achieve their goal. An enabler decides what a person needs and seeks to control every aspect of that persons life, which inadvertently retards a persons recovery. Enablers also seek to “rescue” those they are supporting from suffering the consequences for their irresponsible and foolish behavior. People learn and grow by making mistakes or from unsuccessful attempts at achieving a goal.
• Seek to remain objective. Learn to recognize words, attitudes and behavior that are symptomatic of rapid-cycling and do not take them personally.

The things I’ve outlined are not easy. In fact, they are contrary to our basic emotional instincts and insight. But with time, patience and perseverance they will mature you as a person and provide the support someone needs to recover from this condition.

I never wanted sympathy, pity or advice during my episodes, but I greatly appreciated those who could empathize with what I was feeling. It meant so much to me to hear someone say, “yes, I understand – that’s the way I would feel in your situation.”

I look forward to your comments. If this has helped you, please share it with others. Or you have further questions, contact me.