This blog is presented by Yamid Montalvo, LPC. For more information, please visit Martin Counseling.
Spotting the beginning of mania or hypomania can be tricky because they make you feel really good, and it's tempting to ignore them. But it's crucial to get help early before things go wrong. If these episodes aren't addressed, they often lead to a sudden drop into serious depression and increase the risk of relapse. This guide helps you recognize warning signs so you can seek help before things get worse. Everyone's experience is different, so you might not have all the signs listed. If you notice more than one in a day, reach out to your therapist or doctor. Encourage your family or housemates to do the same. (Jongsma, 2014, p.50).
1.Watch out for changes in your thoughts and feelings as signs of mania or hypomania. Check if you notice these shifts in your thinking. You might see them yourself, or someone close to you might point them out. Use this as a checklist (Jongsma, 2014, p.50).
Suddenly improved mood when nothing in your life is significantly better
Suddenly feeling more irritable and impatient than usual
A sudden burst of creative thinking, with lots of new ideas
Feeling more restless than usual
Your mind jumping from one subject to another more than usual
Becoming more easily distracted by things going on around you
Suddenly feeling more impulses to do things that feel good (using alcohol/
other drugs, sex, spending, traveling, etc.)
A sudden and significant increase in self-confidence and self-esteem
2. Look out for changes in how you act; people around you may notice and mention them (Jongsma, 2014, p.50-51):
Suddenly feeling more energetic and needing less sleep than usual
Increased sex drive and sexual activity
Talking more/faster, interrupting more, having a harder time than usual
being quiet
Snapping at people or blurting out things you wouldn’t usually say
Unusual bursts of physical activity, such as walking, pacing, exercise,
fidgeting
Decreased appetite and eating less
Increased impulsive behavior in areas like spending money
Suddenly working
References
Jongsma, A. E. (2014). Addiction treatment homework planner (5th Ed.). John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
