I once asked a friend of mine what he thought about mania and his friends with bipolar disorder. It’s always interesting to ask the people in your life how they perceive bipolar moodswings. It may be very different than you expect. Here is his answer.
**
I’ve always thought of mania as a “Euphoric” high, the feeling that we
all have at times that is exacerbated with someone with bipolar
disorder. You feel like you can do no wrong, you feel great, you can’t
believe you’ve ever been depressed. You can spend money, make big decisions,
all with this state of mind. I compare it to making decisions with a
depressed mind, you don’t want to do that either. It’s like two ends
of a spectrum. It may feel great to be on a manic high, but it seems
uncontrollable, decisions are made that are easily regrettable in a short
time. Like a control chart people have highs and lows, the best time
to use your mind for rational thought is in the middle, or ‘medium
high’. You are thinking and listening less when both manic or depressed as
well. For some people like my girlfriend who’s a natural speaker, talking
comes so easy that it’s more difficult to recognize when she’s on a manic
high. The best way I could see that she was manic was her inability to
listen.
“Find me some water and I will walk on it” – ancient Chinese proverb.
When I first met my girlfriend, she was manic. I didn’t recognize it
of course but I thought I knew enough about bipolar disorder to where I
thought I could recognize it and deal with it. When in fact I didn’t
even recognize her symptoms until much later. There is no one perfect
way to deal with it, other than to remind yourself and your friends to
make decisions with the right frame of mind, and learn what is that
right frame of mind. Most people with depression and bipolar can’t even
see when they are out of there mental ’sweet spot’. That’s where
friends and family come into play to help those with bipolar disorder
recognize whether they’re in a depressed mind, or a manic mind. Then we can help.
**
Interesting.
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Sounds like he really “gets” it. I wish more people “got it” the way he seems to.
Hi Andrea,
Believe me, it came from many years of experience trying to figure out people with bipolar disorder! He has really tried hard to understand the illness.
Julie
I can believe it! I wish more people would try. Be sure and thank him for me and the rest of us…when he hears other people talking who *don’t* “get it”, he might be able to help correct misconceptions and biases.
His insight has really opened my eyes on how to recognize mania starting on my friend. I thought when he did not listen he was being stubborn but now I know it’s a sign of mania coming on. That’s probably how I can help him see so he can check his medication and his sleep.
Hi Julie,
I just was wondering when you may be in Eugene, OR. I saw you speak and met you afterward a year or so ago. Is there a better way to look you up for your tour spots than this?
Thank you for your sincerity and helping bring some of us with Bipolar together. We can learn so much from one another. Emily
When I read the first paragraph I thought maybe you goofed and got the wrong quote. I reread it and sure enough, this guy seems to get it. That is very encouraging as I have family who really want to help.
Another good one, Julie!!!
Cliff