As you may know, I’m a bipolar coach and I specialize in working with parents and partners who have a loved one with bipolar disorder. One of the most common questions I receive is from parents and partners about how they can better recognize mania. Here are some tips on how to recognize euphoric mania. (I will do a post on how to recognize dysphoric mania in the next few days.) If you’re not sure of the difference between the two, please use the search button to the right of the page and either type in euphoric or dysphoric to read more about the two types of mania.
Mania is a “Euphoric” high. You feel like you can do no wrong, you feel great, you’re invincible, you can’t believe you’ve ever been depressed. You are sure you will never be depressed again! Life is good!
You think: This is the best drug in the world and it’s free!
This leads you to spend money recklessly, make big decisions at the spur of the moment and always feel that things will somehow work out. In fact, if you’re really manic, you’re not thinking realistically at all. It’s just pure physical sensation. I say it’s like you’ve been coated in joy juice.
Euphoric mania is awesome at the beginning- when it’s in the hypomanic phase.
For those who are naturally outgoing and good speakers, the early signs of euphoric mania are usually missed. But when you know what to look for, you can see the mania signs in yourself or your loved one. If someone is usually more reserved, you will really notice when the mania starts!
Here are three way to recognize euphoric mania:
1. Look for pressured speech: Most people in a bipolar euphoric manic episode won’t let you talk. They only want to talk about themselves and their ideas. You are just a listening vehicle. When I get manic, it feels like my ideas and words are pressing on the back of my teeth and I just HAVE TO GET THEM OUT! It feels so good!
2. Sleep changes: All people who are experiencing mania will need less sleep. When I’m manic, I have thoughts such as Sleep is such a waste of time! It’s 3 AM and I’m still awake, I don’t think I even need to sleep tonight! or It’s so great to finally get things done- this is the real me! People who are manic do not have insomnia. It’s truly a situation where the person doesn’t need the sleep and can get by on 4-6 hours a night. When mania goes full blown, some people go for weeks without sleeping. I always know I’m manic if I feel the desire to go out and party even though it’s time for bed.
3. People who are in a euphoric mania mood swing are very goal driven. Projects that may have been dormant for years get done in a few hours- it’s easy to clean the house, pay the bills, do your taxes, make jewelry, complete to do lists and so much more! When I’m manic like this, I become very crafty and start so many projects there is no way they will get finished- unless I stay manic for a long time.
If you care about someone with bipolar disorder and are not quite sure when they are starting to get euphoric mania, observe how much they are talking about themselves and their dreams and projects. And definitely check out their rate of speech. That will give you a clue and you can go from there.
Julie
PS. I’m up to date with my waiting list and have a few openings come up in my coaching practice. If you are a parent or a partner of someone with bipolar disorder and you are in crisis, need help and information regarding your relationship, this coaching is for you. To begin the process, please check out my coaching page and fill out an intake. I will reply with information on how to set up an intake call. During the call, I will hear more of your story, explain my rates and offer ideas on how we can best work together. The call is 30 minutes and at no charge. Knowing how to handle a situation can change your life. Please note my coaching is only for parents and partners. Thank you!
So happy for you! You go girl!!!