It's just one of your mood swings
Accusing somebody of being manic when they are genuinely excited about something can be quite painful. Accusing somebody of just having a mood swing when they seem down can be even worse if you then find out that something bad actually happened.
Let them know you're worried
If you're worried that your friend or family member is becoming unwell, try to address this with them gently. Don't criticise or accuse, and stay calm and non-confrontational. Explain that you've noticed changes in their behaviour and why it concerns you, and ask if they've noticed it too.
avoid making big purchases – you might want to ask someone you trust to help you manage your finances while you are hypomanic or manic. postpone making major life decisions. avoid situations where you may take part in risky behaviour, such as driving irresponsibly or taking drugs.
People with bipolar disorder do better when they have support from family members and friends. They tend to recover more quickly, experience fewer manic and depressive episodes, and have milder symptoms.
But don't argue or debate with a person during a manic episode. Avoid intense conversation. Don't take comments or behaviour personally. During periods of high energy, a person often says and does things that he or she would not usually say or do.
There isn't any clinical evidence that links bipolar disorder with lying, though some anecdotal accounts suggest there may be a connection. It's thought that some people with bipolar disorder may lie as a result of: racing thoughts and rapid speech.
Research has shown that the most common trigger for episodes of mania is sleep loss. This can be in the form of sleep disturbances, disruption, jet lag, and an inconsistent sleep schedule. Sleep disturbances rarely cause episodes of hypomania, but it does happen—particularly in individuals with bipolar I.
Early signs (called “prodromal symptoms”) that you're getting ready to have a manic episode can last weeks to months. If you're not already receiving treatment, episodes of bipolar-related mania can last between three and six months. With effective treatment, a manic episode usually improves within about three months.
Yes, some people who have bipolar disorders may have hallucinations and see or hear things that are not present. This can occur during an episode of mania or depression.
Mania in particular tends to trigger aggressive emotions and anger. The racing thoughts and high energy levels you experience can leave you feeling angry, irritable, and frustrated. Those angry emotions, in turn, can cause aggressive and inappropriate behaviors.
There are three stages of mania: hypomania, acute mania and delirious mania. Classifications of mania are mixed states, hypomania and associated disorders.
Possible causes of hypomania or mania include: high levels of stress. changes in sleep patterns or lack of sleep. using recreational drugs or alcohol.
Detection of mania, or at least of brief hypomania, is required for diagnosis of bipolar disorder. This diagnosis is often missed or not remembered as an illness. People close to the patient may recall episodes, however, and patients who do not remember episodes of affective disturbance may recall their consequences.
During these episodes, a person with bipolar disorder may act recklessly. Sometimes they go as far as endangering their own life or the lives of people around them. Remember that this person can't fully control their actions during episodes of mania.
Well, researchers believe that depressive and manic episodes are the most common causes of memory loss in patients with bipolar disorder. During manic episodes, the individual may operate at high speeds, making it difficult for them to hard code new information into their memories.
Your loved one may be in a manic episode if they are unusually happy or energetic. They may have an exaggerated sense of confidence and make poor, risky decisions. Signs of mania can also be unusually high levels of talkativeness, a lack of sleep, irritability, and being distracted.
When Is It Time to Walk Away? In some cases, the decision to leave is obvious. If physical abuse is present to any degree, and especially if the individual fears for their own life or well-being or that of their children, it's important to leave as soon as possible. Safety is the number one priority.
Untreated, an episode of mania can last anywhere from a few days to several months. Most commonly, symptoms continue for a few weeks to a few months. Depression may follow shortly after, or not appear for weeks or months. Many people with bipolar I disorder experience long periods without symptoms in between episodes.
Signs of a Manic Episode
Feeling wired, jumpy, or buzzed. Irritability. Not needing sleep, or feeling energetic despite getting little to no sleep for days at a time. Loss of appetite, and having lots of energy despite eating little food.
Mania is an emergency. It can cause long term psychiatric issues as well as a variety of legal, financial and social situations that can be extremely distressing. As such, you should seek to intervene as early as possible to prevent longer episodes.
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)
Bipolar Triggers and Warning Signs
Bipolar disorder features extreme shifts in mood that are unpredictable and often disruptive to daily functioning. Changes in sleep patterns, eating habits, emotions, and behaviors accompany the mood swings.