The hidden flip side of bipolar is Mania
Admin: Rather than necro a 2 year old topic I am starting it over.
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. She never asks 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. I have a saying:
"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 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, cooked, vacuumed, painted my car, fixed my radio controleled car, then I filmed and edited a YouTube video of my R/C car. I had a great day! Until I realized that I could not control my mouse. My hand was shaking and my fingers were clicking uncontrollably. I knew I had a problem and reached out for help.
I skyped a friend who congratulated me for recognizing the crisis and seeking her help. She said that she saw these symptoms building lately, but did not know what to do. I asked her to "Just be honest with me, don't be afraid to hurt my feelings if I am acting hyper. I need a reality check every now and then. Please let me know if I seem manic."
"So I can pump the brakes, before I crash."
I am disabled with bipolar, depression, hypomania, borderline personality disorder and anxiety.
I am abled with a 'never stay down for long, after a knockout punch' attitude.
What should this thread become for us?
Sharing our stories?
Teaching coping techniques?
How to overcome misconceptions about mania in public and at home.
To tell each other how to find resources about dealing with manic symptoms?
Let's work this issue together.