How to Recognize Bipolar Mania Symptoms

Bipolar mania is the term used for the upswing in emotions associated with bipolar disorder. Often referred to as hypomania, understanding the symptoms can be the first line of defense and the first step toward treatment of the symptoms before the bipolar mania becomes overwhelming.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Journal
• Emergency Phone Number for Physician

1. Keep track of your thoughts. As is the case with many bipolar symptoms, bipolar mania often triggers a change in emotional and mental mood. Keeping a journal of daily thoughts, no matter how irrelevant they may seem at the time, could provide a guide to the onset of a manic episode.The most common mental changes associated with mania include a boost in self esteem and irritability.

2. Note any physical changes. There are also physical changes associated with bipolar mania. These physical symptoms may feel good at first, but left unchecked could soon become emotionally taxing. Common physical changes that occur at the beginning of a manic swing include talking faster, racing thoughts, insomnia and impulsive behavior.

3. Contact your physician immediately. Many bipolars enjoy the feeling of mania in the beginning so they do not talk with their attending physician about the changes in thoughts and activities. Once the mania is in full swing, the irritability and need to act with impulsion can create a feeling of disregard making a doctors care seem unneeded. The sooner the changes toward bipolar mania are noted, the more apt the patient will be to seek medical attention

Tips & Warnings

• Bipolar is not always a mental condition.
• There are physical changes that happen before a bipolar mania mood swing.
• Always seek medical attention if you feel a bipolar mania episode is beginning.

[newmom09]

on 8/10/2009 Great article! I work in behavioral health and awareness is very important!

[annvans]

on 8/8/2009 Thanks for this info! Great article too!