The hidden flip side of bipolar is Mania
In my case I feel the old term for Bi-Polar = Manic-Depressive really applies.
When I go to the psychiatric
Doctor, on her form she asks me to rate my depression from 1-10 and to
rate my anxiety from 1-10. But the forms never ask me to rate my Mania from
1-10, but I make a point of telling her at every session.
Mania and hypomania are the hidden flip side (kids ask your parents)
of bipolar.
Depression and it's effects are easy to recognize.
When I am
manic I have tons of energy, drive, humor, ideas and it feels good. So what's not to like?
I don't like not being fully in control of my actions. It's hard and confusing to be vigilantly 2nd guessing "Am I in an Abnormally good mood? Or this is a "normal" level of appropriate happiness for the situation? "
"Manic me writes checks that depressed me has to cover."
I am not talking about money, although it applies in cases of manic
behavior, I am talking about when I am manic, I make promises and
commitments that I don't feel like doing when my bipolar becomes
depression. I bite off more than I can chew. I jump in over my head
without looking. I have no filter. I think it: I do it - then immediately regret it. I make friends with not trustworthy people before they
earn my trust.
I have been rather manic lately and yesterday I was bouncing off the walls. I got so much done! I cleaned, exercised, fixed my radio controlled car, listened to music, bought concert tickets, watched a movie. I had a great day!
But I knew I was a bit Hyperactive. I also knew I had to take my medications daily. I don't mind my meds but they make me a sleepy zombie. If I forget... some times I get wired.
Then I need to pump the brakes, before I crash, and just try to just enjoy a manic day but keep things under control.
I am disabled with bipolar, depression, hypomania, borderline personality disorder and anxiety.
I am abled with a 'Fall down 7 times, Stand up 8' attitude.
This is exactly perfect post!♥️🥰🎶
Hi there,
You are absolutely correct when you say that the doctors should be eating mania on a scale of 1-10. I hear that you feel like your not fully in control of your actions.
Here are some techniques that might help you recognize mania symptoms:
1. Identify your triggers. This means to write things that happen in your life that might cause a manic episode. Refer back to this when you feel concerned and check off what is applicable.
2. Identify your warning signs. This means to write things that you feel, things that are symptoms of mania. Refer back to this when you feel concerned and check off what is applicable.
3. If you check off more than 3 triggers/warning signs, talk to your support systems (family and friends that you can trust and health care team)
I hope this helps. My private messages are always open ❤️
Best wishes,
Sel
I agree with mania/hypomania being the “flip slide” of bipolar disorder. Whenever I’m apathetic or low energy others always ask me if I’m okay and are aware that something is off. But when it comes to when I’m manic, most think that it’s just my personality (it’s a blur sometimes). I am forgiven for my apathy and am left to shoulder all the responsibility of my mania. I totally get this~
