Recognizing Mania: Symptoms and Support for Bipolar Disorder

Understanding Mania: Recognizing Symptoms and Seeking Support

Manic episodes are typically associated with bipolar disorder. If you’ve recently experienced periods of overwhelming emotions that seem to come out of nowhere, you might wonder if you’re experiencing symptoms of mania. Signs of mania commonly include changes in thought patterns and speech, engagement in risky behaviors, disrupted sleep, and unusually high energy levels. Beyond bipolar disorder, mania can also be associated with other conditions such as postpartum psychosis, seasonal affective disorder, cyclothymic disorder, and schizoaffective disorder. If you believe you may be experiencing mania, reaching out for professional help through ReachLink’s telehealth therapy services can provide the support you need.

Understanding Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by alternating periods of manic or hypomanic episodes and depressive episodes. Manic episodes are periods of extremely heightened emotions. While mania tends to be more severe than hypomania, both typically share similar symptoms and can involve significant mood swings.

The term “bipolar disorder” replaced the older term “manic depression” in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) in 1980, as medical professionals determined that “bipolar” more accurately reflects the experience of swinging between emotional extremes. The manic and depressive symptoms of bipolar disorder can significantly impact an individual’s career, relationships, and emotional well-being. Beyond mental health challenges, bipolar disorder can also contribute to physical health problems, including heart disease and diabetes.

While the exact cause of bipolar disorder remains unknown, genetic factors and abnormalities in brain structure and function are believed to play significant roles. Risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing bipolar disorder include recreational drug use and the presence of comorbid mental health or medical conditions, such as anxiety disorders.

Bipolar disorder is currently classified into two main subtypes: bipolar I disorder and bipolar II disorder. One key difference between these subtypes is the severity of manic episodes.

Bipolar I Disorder

To receive a diagnosis of bipolar I disorder, an individual must have experienced at least one manic episode, which is characterized by an elevated mood and heightened energy that persists for at least one week. They may or may not have also experienced major depressive episodes.

Bipolar II Disorder

A diagnosis of bipolar II disorder requires that an individual has experienced both hypomanic episodes and major depressive episodes. Hypomanic symptoms are typically less severe and persistent than manic symptoms. People with bipolar II disorder generally experience more major depressive episodes than hypomanic episodes.

Major depressive episodes usually include several of the following symptoms to a degree that interferes with daily functioning:

• Persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
• Sleep disturbances (too much or too little)
• Fatigue or energy loss
• Difficulty concentrating
• Changes in appetite
• Weight fluctuations
• Thoughts of death or suicide

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, help is available. You can reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (formerly the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) by dialing 988 via phone or text or by using the chat function on www.988lifeline.org.

Bipolar disorder can escalate quickly. Episodes of mania, hypomania, or depression might be triggered by significant life events, such as job loss or bereavement. However, these episodes can also occur without any apparent cause.

Common Symptoms of Manic Episodes

Symptoms of bipolar disorder vary from person to person, but certain signs are commonly experienced during manic episodes. The following list describes typical manic symptoms but is not intended as a diagnostic tool. If you identify with one or more of these symptoms, consider discussing them with a licensed therapist through ReachLink’s secure telehealth platform.

Racing Thoughts and Changes in Speech Patterns

During manic episodes, people often experience abnormalities in speech or thought patterns. You might feel unable to stop talking, sometimes to the point where others become uncomfortable. You may also notice yourself speaking louder and faster than usual. Disorganized thought is a common psychotic symptom that can emerge during severe manic episodes, often concerning family members enough to seek emergency assistance.

This symptom doesn’t refer to individuals who naturally speak quickly or loudly but rather to speech that deviates from your typical patterns. For example, if you usually speak slowly and deliberately but suddenly find yourself speaking rapidly and loudly without the ability to control it, you might be experiencing what’s known as pressured speech.

The same applies to thought patterns. During manic episodes, many people report experiencing racing thoughts that are uncharacteristic of their normal thinking. Others notice a disconnect between ideas that becomes difficult or impossible to follow. You might jump between unrelated topics without realizing it, experience repetitive thoughts that won’t stop, or find your thinking becoming increasingly non-linear.

Heightened Energy and Multitasking

Unusually high energy levels and excessive multitasking can be symptoms of a manic episode. These symptoms may drive you to engage in multiple activities simultaneously, often including tasks that don’t necessarily need to be done, such as cleaning your entire house daily. During mania, you might feel so energized that you don’t recognize how much you’re taking on.

Sleep Disturbances

During manic episodes, you might require less sleep than usual without feeling tired, or you may have difficulty falling or staying asleep. Mania can cause insomnia, leading you to go to bed later and wake up earlier than normal while still feeling energetic. This symptom frequently accompanies the elevated energy levels mentioned above.

Most adults need seven to nine hours of sleep nightly to function optimally. For people with bipolar disorder or other mood disorders, sleep disruptions—particularly sleep deprivation—can potentially trigger manic episodes, while manic episodes themselves can cause sleep loss. This creates a challenging feedback loop that often requires professional treatment to break.

Risky Behavior

During manic episodes, individuals may experience heightened sexual desire, sometimes called “hypersexuality.” This is a common symptom of both mania and hypomania. In some cases, this may lead to engagement in risky or even illegal activities to satisfy these urges.

Even without hypersexuality, manic episodes can increase the likelihood of participating in hazardous activities. Other risky behaviors might include gambling, excessive spending, and reckless driving. For example, you might make an impulsive business investment without proper research because you feel unusually confident in its success, or you might go on an extravagant shopping spree despite knowing it will leave you unable to pay essential bills.

Additional Symptoms of Mania

Beyond the symptoms described above, mania may also manifest through:

• Extreme happiness, excitement, or euphoria
• Increased self-esteem or grandiosity
• Distractibility or inability to focus
• Poor judgment or impulsivity
• Agitation or irritability

Recognizing the symptoms of mania is crucial for early intervention and effective management of bipolar disorder and related conditions. If you or a loved one notices these signs, seeking professional support can make a significant difference. Mental health professionals can provide accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment plans, and coping strategies to navigate these challenging episodes.

ReachLink offers accessible telehealth therapy services that connect individuals to licensed therapists from the comfort of their own homes. Whether you’re seeking help for manic symptoms or exploring treatment options for bipolar disorder, taking that first step toward professional care is an empowering choice.

Remember, mania is a treatable condition. With proper support and intervention, individuals can regain stability and improve their quality of life. If you suspect mania or bipolar disorder, don’t hesitate to reach out—the road to wellness begins with a single conversation.