[Cplus]

This started a year and two months ago, it doesn't happen everyday it's really only happened 10-15 times at night since it started. Pretty much what happens is I'll start to feel very anxious, then depressed, then very scared then very happy but not the "I feel terrific" sort of happy more like "something is definitely not right with me right now" happy. Then it gets pretty crazy, everything speeds up like I'm watching life on fast forward, I feel intense emotions that I haven't felt before, my body vibrates, and my thoughts are out of control and I'm imaging a lot of things (not hallucinating, just visualizing) and my brain feels very weird and when I look around my room everything looks kinda alienish.

When these episodes happen I have to constantly sub-vocalize something because I fear if I don't I'll completely lose control of my mind. It's a very terrifying experience when it happens, last night was the worst episode and also the worst night of my life. I felt that I was barely clinging onto my mind and was gonna completely lose it.

The weird thing is when I finally fall asleep, I wake up the next day completely fine, a little shaken up from the night before but with no issues. Then I go a few weeks or a month with nothing then it comes out of nowhere again.

If anyone knows what this might be please let me know!

[Sometimes psychotic]

Have you considered bipolar?

[cogladaid]

From what you described I wouldn’t think schizophrenia. Maybe more along the lines of bipolar.

But we’re not doctors here. It’s best to see a doctor and discuss it with them.

I know it can be hard to open up and admit to someone that you think something is wrong, but it’s worth it. And unless you’re a harm to yourself or others they can’t keep you on a hold if you’re worried about that sort of thing.

Best of luck.

[Cplus]

Thanks for the replies guys! I have an appointment with my doctor on the 23rd. Just finished reading about bipolar but it kind of doesn't sound like what I have unless I'm misunderstanding it. My episodes last 6-8 hours with it not happening again for weeks or over a month. I've also read that people feel more productive and happier and do a lot more things when they're going through a manic phase. That's not the case with me as I actually feel scared when I feel like that and don't feel like I should be doing anything and again only lasts 6-8 hours not days at a time. Maybe people experience it differently?

[Gr3tta_0]

This sounds like anxiety. Definitely doesn't sound like schizophrenia. But only a doctor could dx you, of course.
Panic attacks can cause very intense symptoms, including the things you described. So, i think this is one possibility.
I hope you will feel much better soon.

[cogladaid]

Originally Posted by Cplus

Thanks for the replies guys! I have an appointment with my doctor on the 23rd. Just finished reading about bipolar but it kind of doesn't sound like what I have unless I'm misunderstanding it. My episodes last 6-8 hours with it not happening again for weeks or over a month. I've also read that people feel more productive and happier and do a lot more things when they're going through a manic phase. That's not the case with me as I actually feel scared when I feel like that and don't feel like I should be doing anything and again only lasts 6-8 hours not days at a time. Maybe people experience it differently?

Another possibility could be Borderline Personality Disorder. It’s similar to bipolar in that you have mood shifting but BPD can be a lot quicker. Idk.

[downandlonely]

I haven't heard of symptoms like what you describe. It's good that you're seeing a doctor. Can you possibly get in earlier? Also, I see that you live in Canada, so you probably have to go to family practitioner first. I strongly suggest getting referred to a psychiatrist, so you can get an accurate diagnosis.

Originally Posted by Gr3tta_0

This sounds like anxiety. Definitely doesn't sound like schizophrenia. But only a doctor could dx you, of course.
Panic attacks can cause very intense symptoms, including the things you described. So, i think this is one possibility.
I hope you will feel much better soon.

I agree. I hope that your appt goes well and you get some answers, including how to cope with these episodes, soon

*Willow*

[Cplus]

Thanks guys!

Originally Posted by downandlonely

I haven't heard of symptoms like what you describe. It's good that you're seeing a doctor. Can you possibly get in earlier? Also, I see that you live in Canada, so you probably have to go to family practitioner first. I strongly suggest getting referred to a psychiatrist, so you can get an accurate diagnosis.

I'll call tomorrow and ask if will be able to go in sooner and yes I'll be seeing my family practitioner. I'm not sure how much a psychiatrist costs but I really cannot afford one as I do not work currently due to a neurological problem. So I'm not sure if there's someone else I can see for free? Unless psychiatrists are free then that would be great!

Having a neurological problem could potentially complicate things. Depending on what it is, it could cause mental health symptoms without actually being a separate mental illness. I’m not asking you to share what it is, just suggesting that you make the GP aware of it when you see them to discuss these symptoms as they might feel that a neurologist is a more appropriate referral than a psychiatrist, idk.

All the best

*Willow*