March 29th, 2023
If you or a loved one is experiencing manic symptoms, you may feel intense happiness, excitement, or euphoria when it feels inappropriate to have these feelings. These feelings can be overwhelming for the individuals experiencing them and the ones around them. For some, these feelings may go unnoticed. Others may experience difficulty completing everyday tasks.
We’re here to walk you through everything you need to know about mania and what to do if you or a family member are experiencing manic symptoms.
Mania is when individuals experience an increase in energy or a quick change in mood. Mania affects how an individual behaves, thinks, and reacts to certain situations. The changes can happen throughout their day or last for even months. When left untreated, mania can negatively impact your personal and professional life.
It's connected to bipolar disorder, a mental health condition where individuals experience intense mood swings. Bipolar disorder is much more common than you might think. It’s estimated that 1 in 40 adults suffer from bipolar disorder and over 1% of teenagers in America experience the symptoms.
Hypomania is a common symptom of cyclothymia and bipolar II. It has similar symptoms as mania, but the changes are less severe or intense. The hypomania episodes are easier to control and don't typically result in hospitalization. Since hypomania is not as destructive as mania, it often goes unnoticed by others.
A manic episode is a period when an individual feels intensely excited or happy. Experiencing high levels of energy can be an overwhelming experience and can sometimes lead to scary situations. Some individuals may also experience unusual behavior or harm themselves during their episodes of mania. Manic episodes can last anywhere from seven days to a few months.
If you're experiencing intense manic symptoms, your doctor may prescribe a mood stabilizer or other medication to help combat the drastic change in mood. Several different medications can help manage manic episodes and prevent intrusive thoughts. Since there is no cure for mania, you may need to take medication for an extended period.
You'll want to schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss and find the treatment plans and medication right for you.
The most common sign of a mania episode is a sudden increase in energy and feelings of happiness. However, everyone experiences mania differently.
Here are a few other symptoms to look out for:
Individuals who experience mania get little to no sleep at night. During manic episodes, the need for sleep is reduced. People can often stay up throughout the night and not feel tired in the morning.
People who experience mania may find it hard to focus on one task or listen to others. They often try to multitask and do too many things at once.
During mania episodes, individuals will often be overly talkative. They'll talk quicker than usual and experience rapid speech and racing thoughts. You may notice that they feel like they're full of great ideas and necessary plans.
Manic episodes can lead to hallucinations and illogical thinking, leading to risky behavior like binge drinking, drugs, and substance abuse.
If you or a loved one is experiencing a manic episode, there are a few steps you’ll want to ensure they are comfortable and safe during these troubling situations. Here are a few things you can do to help combat the behavior.
These situations can be scary and can be isolating experiences. If someone is experiencing a manic episode, you’ll want to remind them that they are not alone and that they have someone they can lean on.
Be patient and take your time with them. We know these situations can be trustful, but they need someone they love and trust to be by their side.
Individuals experiencing mania need an outlet for the levels of energy they are experiencing. To help combat the high energy levels, consider going on a walk with your loved one. Whether in the park or around the neighborhood, this will help them shift their energy and give them an outlet.
If someone you know is experiencing a manic episode, always be honest throughout the manic episode. Try your best to avoid fighting, arguing, or heated debates. Intense conversations can lead to uncomfortable reactions. Don’t forget that they may not be thinking clearly.
When left untreated, hypomania and mania can negatively impact your quality of life. It can lead to unwanted behaviors and intrusive thoughts. If your manic behavior is negatively affecting your everyday life, it may be time to seek professional help.
The team at Clarity Clinic is trained to help individuals diagnosed with bipolar and mood disorders. We're here to help you build a treatment plan and find solutions to help you combat manic behavior and improve your everyday life.
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