[30M] Experiencing severe mood swings and sensory-related symptoms

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, here are some possible conditions that could explain your symptoms:

• Bipolar Disorder: This is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These mood swings can last for weeks at a time, as you've described.

  • Treatment typically involves a combination of medication and psychotherapy.

• Anxiety Disorders: This group of mental health disorders is characterized by significant feelings of anxiety and fear. Panic disorder, a type of anxiety disorder, involves recurrent panic attacks.

  • Treatment often involves a combination of psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, and medication.

• Sensory Processing Disorder: This condition affects how the brain processes sensory information. It can cause a person to have inappropriate responses to sensory information, such as noise, leading to sensory overload.

  • Treatment typically involves occupational therapy.

• Sleep Apnea: This is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. It can cause sleep disturbances and daytime fatigue.

  • Treatment can involve lifestyle changes, use of a breathing assistance device at night, or sometimes surgery.

Please note that these are potential explanations for your symptoms, but only a healthcare professional can provide a definitive diagnosis.

What you can do

1. Seek immediate help if you're feeling suicidal. Reach out to a trusted friend or family member, or contact a suicide hotline. In the U.S., call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or use the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.

2. Schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider as soon as possible to discuss your symptoms. They can provide a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

3. Try to maintain a regular sleep schedule and practice good sleep hygiene.

4. Consider seeking support from mental health professionals, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. They can provide therapies that may help manage your symptoms.

What you should look out for

• Any increase in the severity or frequency of your symptoms.
• Any new symptoms.
• Any thoughts of harming yourself or others. If you have these thoughts, seek help immediately.

Remember, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider for a definitive diagnosis and treatment.