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 places that are sunny year round- but for places that have four seasons- this is mania season and all of us have to be careful.
Julie
Always remember… depression has a large treatment window- Mania has a very small treatment window– it strikes quickly. I just went through a hypomanic episode and I was able to keep it in check. I’m thankful.
Here is more helpful information on bipolar mania.
actually, I am depressed for 2 years no, without relief. we have tried all the antidepressants plus mood stabilizers but am still depressed. I am almost ready to give up. The last time I was manic was 2 years ago. I am changing doctors for a 2nd opinion. I am working but don’t look forward to it. i’m also very unhappy.I am hoping to get in touvh with julie. thanks!
hey jules-thank u. yes, here comes tweaky manic weather warnning like AHHHHHHHHH watch out! here come the biplor freaks bursting out of their dancing heads like daffodils pushing through the new spring aoil . . .we are one ornery bunch. march always brings me back to 2002, my first psych hospitalization breakdown-horror. and i relive it a little just in those first few weeks. thank GOD it passed-for now. thought i was hospital bound-nonono. MADE IT. works been wacky, tough, hurtful, painful, stress. arguments in my head . . . yet there is such growth and hope-i feel and i know. we are all so strong together. lets keep fighting the good-mood fight-my
great bipolar brigade!
p.s.) would love another entry on insane fighting in relationships-it just tore me apart (and this was between two bipoolars-not pretty)
nichol
Hi, Julie,
Could you elaborate a bit on your statement, “Mania has a small treatment window?” Hypomania sneaks up on me, too, and I don’t know what to do when it hits.
Sandra
Hi Sandra,
I will write more about this in another blog. Thanks for the question- it does need to be clarified! Julie
Hi Julie,
I just had a “major” (for me) manic episode that I rode out for 5 days before I saw my Psychiatrist. It kicked me into action to get a mania plan together. Now, my husband knows to call my PD and therapist immediately when it happens. This way all vital parties are notified immediately and appropriate action can be taken as soon as possible.
By the way, I follow your work, implement your strategies and even pass along your advice!!