Joy or mania?

[[Ho...]]

In the last month, there have been times when most my symptoms have subsided and I'm overcome with intense enthusiasm and excitement about my life. For the most part, I feel great about this, but the paranoid side of me starts wondering if I'm not experiencing joy,but in fact a manic episode. I'm not sure if this is something I should be concerned about it if I'm thinking too much. I do not have any history of manic or depressed episodes, but I still remain skeptical. I do feel a bit hyper and over throttled  when I get into this state, but at the same time, it could be an authentic feeling of joy that comes with clarity after years of abuse. The Cog fog is at work as I write this, so I apologize if the cohesion and coherence is not there.

[[...]]

I have had the episodes of joy and on and off during my taper as well. I too wondered if I was manic. I chose to enjoy them instead. I also journal every day and I'm able to go back and relive those joyful/manic days! I could use one these days. I haven't had one in a while! I say just know that all of your days will be joyful when this is all behind you! Sending love and support!❤️

[[Do...]]

You were on benzos for years.  Remember that benzos blunt ALL emotions, including the good ones.  Therefore, in the same way anxiety feels "extreme" right now, the goods also feel REALLY good.  This is very common in benzo withdrawal.  The two most common misdiagnosis for benzo withdrawal in regards to mental symptoms are bipolar and schizophrenia.  The first couple months when I was tapering, if I was in a decent mood, all someone had to do was turn on a goofy comedy with a corny joke on it, and I laughed like a hyena!  Someone looking at me would have thought i was completely manic.  Over time, I did learn to reel this in a bit, so I am not so over the top.  The only things i tend to over emote now are things that are gross, things that are scary, and things that are sappy.  (I can't watch scary movies anymore - I get too frightened, and if I see someone on TV doing something gross or vomiting, I start to get a bit nauseated.

I will shed "happy" tears when watching a sentimental kleenex commercial or something).  Other than this, most of my emotions are back withing "normal" range (whatever the hell NORMAL means, anyway!)

[[me...]]

Hi,  if you have no history of mania I wouldn't be concerned.  The extreme ups and downs of withdrawal are indeed temporary, like a seesaw, and things will settle down and return to a normal range as you heal.

 

[[He...]]

I relate with you.

 

But I never had mania

 

I think is joy. Because after one year, my vision, my feelings, my sleep, everything is better. I start enjoying life with a different intensity.

 

Im trying to change my thoughts to live happy.

[[Ma...]]

I have every anxiety disorder listed, plus panic attacks and major depression. I have 0 history of mania to but have also experienced this during my taper, but even more so now that im 5+ months off. I kinda like it lol