Being Bipolar: Managing Mania

Extreme hypomania hit hard last night and I wasn’t able to get sleep despite the prescribed meds my psych gave me.

Actually, I took it later than I should because I wanted to try so hard not to be dependent on meds. Alas, it was 3am in the morning and my mind was wild af.

Closed my eyes and disconnected from all devices but it was like my brain took 1000mg of caffeine (even if I didn’t drink a single ounce of coffee that day) Also not to excuse myself from sending random messages (that I painfully regret) to friends and acquaintances that I can’t sleep

Took Serotia by 3am and still, my mind was racing. Closed my eyes until 8am and not sure if I fell asleep or not Im grateful to have a supportive family, friends and even boss, to understand the pains of having a mental health disorder. (see screenshots) Geof and my aunt let me “sleep” and rest. While my boss gave me time off from work.

So I google-ed a few tips to manage mania. Sharing them with you below (and for my personal use lol)

Recognize your early warning signs and use them to your advantage. Identifying early indicators of a manic episode and seeking treatment is one of the most effective methods to avoid a manic episode.

Common early warning signs of a manic episode include:

• Sleeping less
• Increase in physical activity.
• Feeling unusually joyful, angry, or active.
• Making unrealistic intentions or focusing intensively on a goal.
• Being easily distracted and having rushing thoughts
• Having exaggerated feelings of self-importance.
• Becoming more chatty.

Preventing manic episodes is the best strategy to manage bipolar disorder. Even if this isn’t always possible, you can identify and try to avoid the triggers that can cause mood swings. Maintaining a schedule, particularly a consistent sleep pattern, is one of the most critical components of treating your condition.

Managing a manic episode

• Maintain a stable sleep pattern. Go to bed at the same time every night and get up at the same time every morning. Too much or too little sleep and disruptions in your typical sleep habits can cause chemical changes in your body. And this can cause mood swings or worsen your symptoms.
• Stay on a daily routine. Plan your day around a schedule that is relatively predictable. Regularly eat meals and include exercise or other physical activities in your daily routine.
• Set realistic goals. Unrealistic goals can lead to disappointment and frustration, leading to a manic episode. Do your best to manage your condition. However, expect and be prepared for setbacks from time to time.
• Do not use alcohol or illegal drugs. It may be tempting to take medications or alcohol to help you get through a manic episode. However, this can aggravate symptoms. Even one drink can disrupt sleep, mood, or medications to treat bipolar disorder.
• Get help from family and friends. During a manic episode, you may require the assistance of family or friends, especially if you have difficulty distinguishing between what is real and what is not real (psychosis). Having a strategy in place before any mood shifts occur will assist your support network in assisting you in making sound judgments.
• Reduce stress at home and work. At work or school, try to keep regular hours. It’s important to do a good job, but it’s even more important to avoid a depressive or manic episode. If you are experiencing stress at work, school, or at home, counselling may help you improve your situation and reduce your stress.
• Keep track of your mood every day. After knowing your early warning signs, check your mood daily to see whether you may be heading for a mood swing. Write down your symptoms in a journal. Or record them on a chart or a calendar. When you see a pattern or warning signs of a mood swing, seek treatment.
• Continue treatment. It can be tempting to stop treatment during a manic episode because the symptoms feel good. But it is important to continue treatment as prescribed to avoid taking risks or having unpleasant consequences from a manic episode. If you have concerns about treatment or the side effects of medicines, talk with your doctor. Do not adjust the medicines on your own.

Still manic. Hopefully tonight would be better. Thanks for listening to my TEDtalk #mentalhealthph#mentalhealthmatters#mentalhealthsupport