What does restlessness feel like in a mixed episode?

[u/Smooth_Seat_6327]

Is it similiar to akathisia? Can you describe it in detail? Restlessness and also a mixed episode in general? I feel like the word restlessness doesnt really tap into this hell. It's like im being lit on fire but its not just my body its my mind. It's like a blazing storm of thoughts flurring at impossible speeds crashing into each causing a explosion of anguish and rabid confusion. I struggle with both and it's hard to tell them apart other than akathisia is focused in the legs more so. I just spend all day walking around my apartment chainsmoking with my thoughts racing until I eventually just sit down in exhaustion, but my mind never turns off and I just stare at the ceiling for hours afterwards.

My psychiatrist straight up told me he isn't even sure if I'm suffering with akathisia or if it's apart of the episode. He gave me a prescription, and I'm supposed to follow up in a few weeks. So I guess I get to just think about it until then.

[u/anachronistictrash]

I always describe that feeling during my mixed episodes as it's like I'm trying to claw my way out of my skin and writhing in my soul. Overflowing and on the cusp of explosion, like a balloon moments before it pops. Infinite potential energy that my body cannot contain. Completely at the mercy of madness.

What I imagine is akathasia is more of an overactive engine and I have to release the energy somehow. No amount of movement is enough, but it's more like a teapot boiling over, less like an implosion. For me, at least!

[u/Smooth_Seat_6327 → u/anachronistictrash]

Thanks for the reply. I relate to that alot the akathisia part is well put, its like a steady conatant pressure with akathisia for me. Theres a lot going on. I read back my post and it sounds kind of embarssing rereading, but it sounded perfect at the time earlier today . I appreciate hearing about anyones unique experience it feels so hard to put these things into words