What is Cyclothymia? My Experience of Cyclothymia

I was recently diagnosed with Cyclothymia. After my mood severely dropped during the lockdown, and I started getting uncontrollable suicidal thoughts, I ended up having to pay a visit to the NHS crisis team. This, after years of mental health issues, led to some assessments finally being made.

But, what is Cyclothymia? Where does it sit on the mood disorder spectrum?

Here’s my experience of Cyclothymic disorder.

A History of Mood Swings

I’ve long realised that I have severe differences in my moods. Back in 2012, I was put forward for an assessment of bipolar. However; without ever meeting me, it was decided that I didn’t have it. I was then removed from the list.

Back when the suggestion of a mood disorder was first raised, the doctor prescribed me antidepressants. Once on them, my moods became even more erratic. Up/down/left/right. I could feel both elated and depressed at the same time. My life got very messy.

I came off the antidepressants eventually. Life settled. But in the last couple of years, my depression has been lingering in the background. Along with my depression, I had more irritable moods.

Now, anyone who has met me will know that I can be a very outgoing person. I am “The Entertainer” on the Meyers-Briggs test. If I’m around other people, I’m extremely sociable. The combination of my chattiness along with my depressive spells made diagnosing the condition difficult. After all, I have only ever sought professional help when the depression hits. And, when prescribed antidepressants I enter a strange and uncomfortable frenzy.

So it turns out antidepressants alone are not always the best treatment for Cyclothymia.

What is Cyclothymia?

Cyclothymia is a mood disorder that is similar in some respects to bipolar I and bipolar II. It is less extreme in terms of the depths of the lows, and the extremes of the highs. Sometimes referred to as bipolar III, the milder cyclothymic disorder may still seriously impact your general well-being.

While I have done some off-character things in my hypo-manic phases, they do not last long enough to warrant medical intervention.

Another difference between bipolar and Cyclothymia is the length of the moods. In Cyclothymia, moods may change quickly. Often, I can move between mood states within a single day. It makes me unpredictable, and not an easy person to be around.

Cyclothymia has several disorders that connect to it. In addition to the different mood states found in Cyclothymia, issues such as OCD, self-harm, eating disorders, binge eating, gambling, and sex addiction are common.

Cyclothymia is a rare condition. It affects between 0.4% and 1% of the population.

Cyclothymia Symptoms

Type 3 bipolar disorder symptoms can be divided by the two polar states of the condition. If you have cyclothymic disorder, you can expect to have hypomanic moods, depression, and baseline moods.

Less severe than full mania, hypomania feelings of excitement, and euphoric moods. On the flip side, depression causes low moods and affects your motivation, making you likely to withdraw socially.

Low mood symptoms include:

• Isolation
• Low self-worth
• Feelings of guilt and shame
• Insomnia
• Poor concentration
• Fatigue
• Thoughts of self-harm and suicide

High mood symptoms include:

• Exaggerated self-worth
• Being very talkative
• Increased focus
• Racing thoughts
• Easily distracted
• Increased agitation
• Feeling rested after very little sleep
• Partaking in risky behaviours such as casual sex or spending sprees
• Making unwise life choices

How Does Cylcothymia Affect a Person’s Life?

Around half of those with cyclothymia, will develop bipolar disorder. For most, it is a chronic condition that will affect them throughout their life. The condition can be detrimental to social, family, work, and romantic relationships.

Untreated or unmanaged cyclothymia can develop into bipolar 1 or bipolar 2.

Personally, it has made me make some erratic life decisions in the past. It has probably contributed to the fact that I have lived in 6 towns and cities, 12 houses, had countless different jobs, and had several long-term relationships.

How Is Cyclothymia Treated?

Medication is often the first option offered for treatment for cyclothymia. On their own, antidepressants that lift your mood could cause hypomania. Often, psychiatrists and doctors will prescribe mood stabilisers or antipsychotics to help create a reliable and constant baseline mood.

Talking therapy can often be beneficial when treating any medical health condition. By analysing your stressors, it’s possible to create coping strategies to help regulate emotions.

Additionally, taking regular exercise, eating healthily, and ensuring you maintain good sleep patterns will help you manage your moods. Mindfulness, grounding techniques, and breathing exercises are also helpful for managing cyclothymia.

What’s Your Experience?

If you’ve got cyclothymia, or you know someone that has it, what is your experience of it? What tips do you have for managing the condition? Let me know your cyclothymia stories in the comments.