Bipolar Disorder Mania- Hypomania

Beware of mania if…

You had a tough winter depression. Things are starting to look good and you think to yourself- “I’m finally feeling better! It’s so great to feel good again!”  A stable mood doesn’t usually talk that way. Your skin looks better- your hair looks better- your eyes are clear and you have a lot more energy. You feel like doing things you did in the past when you were manic- such as getting up at 4AM because you think you’ve had plenty of sleep even though it has only been about five hours. You want to go out more.

I could go on and on here. If you have the Health Cards, now is the time to get out your mania card- and definitely read my mania Health Card as it shows the really subtle signs that mania is starting. People certainly do get manic in the winter- and there are many [ Read More ]





Shh.. it’s a secret I even want to keep from myself!

I’m slightly manic. I’ve always found it very easy to admit to myself and others that I’m depressed. It’s not that way with mania. Mania is so secretive. I get the little voice that says..

- Maybe you’re just happy! – Maybe this is a good day which is why you’re getting a lot done. – Maybe it’s caffeine- considering that I drink mostly decaf, I doubt that.

The truth is that I am manic when I think I’m manic.

I created my Health Cards Treatment System in 1999 and since using it, I’ve done  a lot better mania wise. It still sneaks up on me- that is for sure, but the information  I have on my Health Cards reminds me what my brain says when I’m hypomanic.

- Julie, you’re just creative. – Julie, you just sent in a book proposal- anyone would be happy!

It’s all untrue. I’m slightly manic and I have [ Read More ]





Reader question: Mania and irritation

Hi, I just received this question from Sandra:

Julie, is irritability a sign of hypomania? I’m also going from calm and patient to incredibly angry in minutes (seconds?). Any ideas? I do have an appointment to see my therapist today.

Answer: Oh yes, mania can cause irritation and anger. It’s called dysphoric mania. You can also be scattered, unable to do tasks calmly, snappy and weepy. The main problem is that it affects your sleep. If you have dysphoric mania and depression- it’s a mixed episode. If you go from mania to depression and back, it’s called rapid cycling.

 You will need to check your meds- if you’re on an antidepressant, it’s possible it is causing this- if you’ve recently had a stessful event in life, that can be the problem as well. I’ve found it’s usually medications or a trigger that starts something. Or, it can just be the darn illness. There are many meds [ Read More ]