Lived Experience Forum

[oceanic]

i've been having crazy mood swings, i can be content one minute and then feel like crying the next. i can't really pinpoint a time when it started (definitely way before the pandemic though), i've tried to speak about this to a psychologist recently but was only able to have one session with her before quarantining.

her appointments were only available once a month in the first place. she offered skype calls but i feel sort of uneasy about doing that when there's so many people in the house that can hear what i'm saying so i turned her down.

i have a history with depression, i take anti depressants but i don't think i actually ever had depression and this was something that the doctor decided on a whim. when i was not on the pills i was happy and just a bit anxious about vomitting (emetophobia). the anxiety was the reason for the pills but they kept being referred to as anti-depressants so it's just a label that has stuck. am i in denial? idk it just seems like such a horrible issue that i don't think i have. 

being in isolation is definitely ramping up my mood swings, not being able to go for a walk in the park or something is a real struggle, i love being outside so much. but i just have to keep reminding myself that staying home is saving people's lives. 

i just wish the mood swings would stop. they're driving me crazy and i feel like i'm not treating my partner with the respect he deserves. i feel awful and like a cold human being.

[Former-Member]

Hi @oceanic ,  I just wanted to say hello and welcome. 

Unfortunately I don't have any words of wisdom or helpful advice expect to be gentle with yourself and talk to your partner if you can about what is happening for you right now. 

Hooe you can have a peaceful night

[CheerBear]

HI @oceanic and welcome to the forum.

Isolation/social distancing is really hard for many of us in many different ways. Not being able to do the things that would usually help can have a serious impact on managing mood and mental health.

My understanding is that we are still able to exercise so walking should be OK in many situations (it might be a different situation for you though, I'm not sure). Do you have an outdoor space at home to try and get a little time outside? It sounds like something that really helps you.

It's also really difficult to have sessions with support people if you don't have privacy in your house. I have a very small house with my kids and a sibling in it and I ask them to put a movie or some music on then I sit as far away from them all as possible, but I still have it in the back of my mind and it makes it harder to open up.

Are you able to talk with your partner about how you're feeling and the mood swings you're experiencing?

It's great that you have reached out here. It's such a tough time for many and I hope you find it helpful to be here.

[Fred3]

Hi,
The mood swings sound like bipolar disorder. There are drugs to treat that. I'm on medication myself.

[nashy]

Hey there @Fred3 thanks heaps for helping our new member You are a very kind person to reach out with ideas like this. Just jumping in to be mindful of the professional advice guideline, you can read over here - the thread is fine for now but just in case it veers off track, it's an easy guideline to miss! Thanks heaps.  @oceanic I would recommend speaking to a GP, Psychologist or Psychiatrist for formal diagnosis Keep us updated if you do reach out to them about these symptoms, we're here to listen.