The manic phase of bipolar disorder may include: feeling very happy, elated or overjoyed. talking very quickly. feeling full of energy.
Symptoms of a manic episode
Having inflated self-esteem, thinking you're invincible. Being more talkative than usual. Talking so much and so fast that others can't interrupt. Having racing thoughts — having lots of thoughts on lots of topics at the same time (called a “flight of ideas”).
Both a manic and a hypomanic episode include three or more of these symptoms: Abnormally upbeat, jumpy or wired. Increased activity, energy or agitation. Exaggerated sense of well-being and self-confidence (euphoria)
Hypomania and mania are periods of over-active and high energy behaviour that can have a significant impact on your day-to-day life. Hypomania is a milder version of mania that typically lasts for a shorter period. This is usually a few days, although the length of time can vary. Mania is a more severe form.
During a euphoric manic episode, eyes may appear bright and open, whereas dysphoric mania narrows them. According to research, dysphoric mania makes people more mean and suspicious, making them narrow/squint their eyes.
There are different types of mania, including euphoric mania and dysphoric mania. Euphoric mania or a euphoric manic episode involves individuals feeling like they are in an energized good mood, they eyes may widen and they may appear to have sparkling eyes.
These are some possible causes of hypomania or mania: High levels of stress. Changes in sleep patterns or lack of sleep. Using recreational drugs or alcohol.
Cyclothymia (sy-kloe-THIE-me-uh), also called cyclothymic disorder, is a rare mood disorder. Cyclothymia causes emotional ups and downs, but they're not as extreme as those in bipolar I or II disorder. With cyclothymia, you experience periods when your mood noticeably shifts up and down from your baseline.
In the manic phase of bipolar disorder, it's common to experience feelings of heightened energy, creativity, and euphoria. If you're experiencing a manic episode, you may talk a mile a minute, sleep very little, and be hyperactive. You may also feel like you're all-powerful, invincible, or destined for greatness.
It is not uncommon for someone with mania to stay awake for more than 24 hours or only sleep 3 hours a night, yet report feeling as though they have slept well. Mania may lead a person to behave impulsively and take part in dangerous or risky activities.
The transition into mania can be gradual and slow, and you may not even realize when the changes start to take place. If you are aware of the possible symptoms, it's easier to prevent mania from taking over and get the help you need to return to your baseline.
Don't take comments or behavior personally. During periods of high energy, a person often says and does things that he or she would not usually say or do. This can include focusing on negative aspects of others. If needed, stay away from the person and avoid arguments.
Thus, when the term “manic episode” is used it may refer to any one of the three stages of mania: hypomania, acute mania, or delirious mania. Manic episodes are often preceded by a prodrome, lasting from a few days to a few months, of mild and often transitory and indistinct manic symptoms.
A manic episode can last for weeks or even months, depending on whether you are in a manic phase of a mental illness like bipolar I disorder or you are experiencing mania induced by a drug such as meth or cocaine.
For example, excessive involvement in pleasurable activities that have a high potential for painful consequences. This could include spending more money than usual, gambling, binge drinking, or taking drugs. Grandiosity – during a manic episode, some people may experience unrealistic feelings of grandiosity.
A “bipolar meltdown” is, much like “bipolar anger,” a very stigmatizing phrase, and not something that really exists. The phrase “bipolar meltdown” could refer to a bipolar person having a manic episode or being in a depressed state.
With bipolar rage there does not necessarily need to be a trigger, it can show up without warning and is always absent of reason. It chooses chaos, it's not the individual choosing to lose control. If anything, control is something we're desperate to have and that desperation only makes our anger more chaotic.
Individuals with bipolar disorder may have a heightened sense of self-confidence and a reduced filter in their speech during manic episodes. This can cause them to speak harshly and say things they may not mean or fully consider the implications of.
It can be easy to spot a person's manic episode way before other symptoms become more pronounced, simply by observing the eyes. Dysphoric mania can make the eyes black due to the pupil taking over the eye. The eyes often widen as if surprised with euphoric mania and often appear mean and narrow with dysphoric mania.
Using a screening tool such as the Mood Disorder Questionnaire is an efficient way to probe for bipolar symptoms. This self-administered questionnaire involves 13 items about manic and hypomanic symptoms. Answering “yes” to at least seven questions constitutes a positive screen.
There's little or no self-awareness during mania, so you may not realize the consequences of your actions or how you have affected others until you come out of the episode. When you start to notice these symptoms, seek professional help before you slide fully into a manic episode.