Julie,

Another idea for you to look into. Cycling and raging hormones can contribute to cyclothymia as can blood sugar irregularities. I sometimes manifest reactive hypoglycemia. My blood sugar will roller coaster causing a roller coaster of my mood. I deal with it by avoiding sugar spikes and by eating smaller meals more often. There are other techniques for dealing with this too. I just don't remember what they are.

Regarding your children. You will be surprised how they can respond to 'Mommy needs your help." The simple concept of one person speaking at a time will be a big help. Reducing background noise, TV, radio, stereo, etc can make a difference.

I encourage you to read the Vitamins sticky at http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread181974-11.html
With good brain nutrition, you may be able to reduce your psych meds. I am completely off meds after 14 years of paroxetine (an SSRI) and have replaced them with L-Tryptophan, 5-HTP and L-Theanine. No SSRI side effects anymore.

My best to you.