Manic episodes caused by bipolar disorder can feel unpredictable—and sometimes a little unnerving. Your mood may shift suddenly, leading you to do and say out-of-character things. Mania can also cause big bursts of energy, meaning you could finally feel motivated after weeks or months of depression—but you also have a really hard time controlling your emotions and behavior.
Both of these experiences are common with bipolar I, which can cause you to cycle through (sometimes extreme) high- and low-energy periods. Though mania often comes with those higher-energy periods, you can experience a manic episode during a depressive span, too.
The best way to handle a manic episode is through a customized treatment approach, which is usually a combination of medications, therapies, and lifestyle changes. (A health care provider can help you figure out what this looks like for you.) Because bipolar I is a lifelong condition that can manifest differently over time with cycles that vary in length and intensity, your treatment will likely need continuous tweaking as you go.
While a manic episode might feel like someone else is controlling your brain and body, you’re still in the driver’s seat, Carolyn Rubenstein, PhD, a Florida-based clinical psychologist, tells SELF. She says preparation is the best way to brace for and potentially soften the impact when they do happen. “You’re not helpless. By preparing coping strategies and creating a support plan, you can feel empowered and safe,” she explains.
Here’s how to spot the signs of a manic episode and ways to take care of yourself if you’re actively going through one.
Know the signs of your manic episodes.
If you’ve experienced a manic episode before, you might be able to tell when it’s happening based on what you’ve been through before. Other times, your high-energy periods can include delusions or impulsive thinking that clouds your judgment—and they can make it harder to know if you’re cycling through mania. Whatever your experience is, it’s helpful to closely monitor your sleep when you have bipolar I, Aimee Daramus, PsyD, a Chicago-based clinical psychologist, tells SELF. She notes that people who are in the early stages of a manic episode tend to not sleep as much, but may still feel rested or energized.1
Your manic episodes might also stem from specific triggers. A stressful event2—say, a death in the family or job loss—could contribute to one. If you know you’re going through it at a given point in time, be aware of potential behaviors associated with mania. Alcohol or other substances can also increase the odds of a manic episode.
An episode itself can look different from person to person. You might notice your impulsivity ramp up—maybe you spend more money than usual while shopping online, or lash out at a partner about something trivial. Perhaps you take uncharacteristic risks, jump to conclusions, or are quick to act on serious things. You might just also just move a lot faster through thoughts, ideas, or conversations.
