Cyclothymia?
Just curious what this disorder is? I am not bipolar, but about 10 years ago I was diagnosed w/generalized anxiety disorder. Today, I hear this term, cyclothymia and that it is a form of anxiety crossmembering w/bipolar? I have not been taking any medication for anxiety in the 10 years since I was diagnosed, but as I have gotten older, I am wondering if the anxiety returned as a disorder or I have this .. cyclothymia?
@TransAm85 sorry you are facing challenges. The mayo clinic defines it this way "Cyclothymia (sy-kloe-THIE-me-uh), also called cyclothymic disorder, is a rare mood disorder. Cyclothymia causes emotional ups and downs, but they're not as extreme as those in bipolar I or II disorder.
With cyclothymia, you experience periods when your mood noticeably shifts up and down from your baseline. You may feel on top of the world for a time, followed by a low period when you feel somewhat down. Between these cyclothymic highs and lows, you may feel stable and fine.
Although the highs and lows of cyclothymia are less extreme than those of bipolar disorder, it's critical to seek help managing these symptoms because they can interfere with your ability to function and increase your risk of bipolar I or II disorder.
Treatment options for cyclothymia include talk therapy (psychotherapy), medications and close, ongoing follow-up with your doctor." https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cyclothymia/basics/definition/con-20028763
One thing people ask is how disruptive is the condition to my life now? And how possibly disruptive could it be in the future?
@soulsings Oh no, then that is not something that refers to me. I don't have extreme ups and downs, but I know I have anxiety issues and some days I am grumpy for no real reason and somedays I am ok and some I am happy. It's just generalized anxiety then right? I also have this "comfort zone" issue .. Whenever my husband talks about this summer and traveling, idk how to tell him I can't go. I went to Mexico in December for a month and don't remember half the trip b/c I kept blacking out. I am not good w/leaving my city b/c I've been here my whole life! This is panic anxiety then?
@TransAm85 well you seem to have a feel for what you are suffering from but self diagnosis is very challenging. A psychiatrist can help if you want one.
It sounds like you have some serious problems being away from home. How does your partner support you during these anxious moments?
There are some self help guides if interested https://www.7cups.com/anxiety-help/