Chemical imbalance perhaps?

[Lovely2024]

Hi guys! I’ve been experiencing some depression, which is not surprising, but what is kind of weird is that I go from depression to happiness (or viceversa) in an instant. I can be very happy and in a matter of seconds something triggers a tsunami of unhappiness and anxiety, sometimes ending in a panic attack. I’m not taking any anti depressants by the way). I’m just doing therapy and I am supposedly getting better. But these sudden changes worry me. I feel like it is not normal.. I talked to my sister in law about it yesterday. She’s been talking care of elderly people for about 30 years and she told me she has seen something similar happening to old people if they have chemical imbalances, like lack of potassium in their blood, etc. I’m almost 60 but it’s a bit concerning to have similar mental/emotional problems to people 15 or 20 years older than me! Has anyone experienced something like this due to chemical imbalances? I’d love to hear your thoughts about it. Thanks

[LunarEcho24]

Unless you get some specific lab tests from medical professionals, it's hard to tell what is a chemical imbalance, a nutritional deficiency, or even a hormonal imbalance.

It could be you have a combination of these things, along with some psychological issues that trigger you.

If you haven't already, it would be good to get a panel of blood tests done where they check for Thyroid function, nutritional deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, along with usual stuff they check (cholesterol, liver function, blood sugar, etc...). Maybe there is something they can identify that is off balance.

Please take care, and I hope you're able to find balance and wellness.

[Lovely2024 in reply to LunarEcho24]

Thanks for your input , I’ll ask my doctor to order some test for me. Best wishes for you too!

[lovemydoggy]

You are only the second person I’ve ever heard have the same experience as me. I suppose it can come from other reasons, but my reason was bipolar disorder. They call it ultra rapid cycling I think. Do you have bipolar?

[Lovely2024 in reply to lovemydoggy]

No, I don’t have bipolar disorder, at least I haven’t being diagnosed. I have depression and anxiety disorder but suddenly I’m having this crazy changes in my mood and I’m a little worried. I think bipolar would be if I had a stronger reaction both ways, super happy almost euphoric and supper depressed, am I correct?

[lovemydoggy in reply to Lovely2024]

Actually mania has many forms. Then there are 2 types of bipolar. Cleverly named BP1 and BP2. Then there’s milder cyclothymia. That said anxiety could be a culprit. Just a guess, but my biggest beast has always been anxiety and I’ve found that as a psychiatrist once told me anxiety and depression are two sides of the same coin. I didn’t believe that at the time but I do now. Could it be the happiness is feeling the lack of anxiety/depression?

[Lovely2024 in reply to lovemydoggy]

I didn’t know there are other variations of bipolar disorder. Thanks for the clarification. By the way, I struggle with anxiety the most too! Depression I can manage most of the time, but anxiety sometimes feels almost impossible to overcome. As for your question. I was trying to remember the last couple episodes of my sudden mood swings and you might be right. It is probably not that I was super happy, but that I was at peace, content. I was experiencing, as you mention “a lack of anxiety or depression” which certainly feels like happiness, I suppose, followed by depression and anxiety. Your description of how it happens is perfect! Is this the way you experience it or is different?

[lovemydoggy in reply to Lovely2024]

I have experienced it that way. Anxiety is a unique beast for sure. When it suddenly goes I do feel happy and soooo grateful. I remember going through weeks of almost constant anxiety where I couldn’t eat. I was finally able to eat and I remember saying out loud-to myself-I can eat! when I ate a sandwich for the first time and didn’t have to force it. I had those intense anxiety episodes long before bipolar reared its ugly head.

[Lovely2024 in reply to lovemydoggy]

Goodness, that’s tough! …not being able to eat! I’m glad you’re doing better now. You’re right, anxiety is really hard to control for me too. It is such a blessing when we feel free of it if for brief moments. Oddly enough, I traveled to another city and stayed there for 3 months and miraculously my anxiety went away completely. I’ve never been more at peace , more happy, relaxed and care free than during those 3 months. I wish I could live in that state forever. But I had to come back to the area where I live and as soon as I did it the anxiety, depression, and ruminating thoughts returned! Go figure!

[Lovely2024]

Oh my… that’such a good question! Let me think about and get back to you

[Joseph46]

I am experiencing those frequent mood fluctuations throughout my day and it worries me too. I have a few things working against me though: quitting SSRIs 9 months ago. Quitting alcohol 6 months ago. And now trying to taper off clonazepam.

Do you have any substance use related factors contributing to your mood changes?

[Lovely2024 in reply to Joseph46]

Hi Joseph, I’m sorry you are having to deal with this now that you decided to quit alcohol. Wise decision, by the way. No, I’ve never used any substance, alcohol or otherwise. And I stopped using medication for depression probably more than a year ago. I have no idea what’s going on. But it’s worrying that it could develop into something worse. I hope it doesn’t happens. Hope you find a solution for your mood swings as well