Bipolar Disorder Mania Check In

It’s hard to write about mania considering that I have been in a downswing for a week, but it’s a topic I have to continually address- I hear stories all summer about people who go off their meds because they feel so GREAT and then the disasters that follow. It’s easy to think – the sun is just so WONDERUFL!!!!!! when the weather gets nice, you’re off school, you have a vacation, the kids are home, etc. 

There is no doubt that summer is wonderful if you were depressed in the winter- but this is just a friendly reminder that when things get WONDERFUL!!!!!, it’s time to check for mania. Here are some questions to ask yourself – or ask the person you care about.

1. Are you sleeping a lot less than what is considered the norm- but are still filled with energy the next day? The norm is six to eight hours- mania sleep would be less than five hours for example- or sometimes not even sleeping at all.

2. Did what seemed truly hopeless suddenly become full of possibility and beauty?

3. Are the people in your life commenting on your energy level and that you need to cool it?

4. Are you more creative, but less functional?  

5. Do you have the thought that you don’t need your medications as you feel JUST FINE!

6. Are you acting ( or even thinking ) compulsively regarding spending, sexuality, travel, etc?

7. Are you filled with nervous and uncomfortable energy?  Is this energy painful and worrisome- but you can’t seem to calm down?

8. Is your mind racing, are you starting to see things and hear things, do you feel paranoid or agitated?

There are two levels of mania- hypomania (bipolar II) and full blown mania (bipolar I). Mania can start slowly and stay at a low level. This is called hypomania.

Mania can also start really quickly and spin out of control and often into psychosis really quickly. This is called full blown mania.

Within the levels of mania- there is

Euphoric (happy! grandiose!)

Mania and dysphoric/mixed mania (agitation, racing thoughts, irritation, anger, feeling uncomfortable.)

I created the Health Cards Treatment System to help my depression- but they have helped the most in terms of mania. It’s hard to catch lightening in a bottle- and mania is like lightening. The treatment window is SO short.

Please make sure you are ready for the absolutely first signs that it’s starting. Fill out or look at your mania Health Card. 

I want us all to have a wonderful summer- not a WONDERFUL!!!!! summer.

Julie

My book Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder has more information about mania symptoms.

Related posts:   Bipolar Mania posts |  Bipolar Disorder Mania and Grandiose Thoughts |  Newsletter: Mania, hypomania, euphoric mania, dysphoric mania- my plea to you! |