Signs And Symptoms Of Manic Behavior Or Manic Episode In A Loved One
Living with a loved one who experiences manic episodes can be challenging and overwhelming. However, managing the situation with care and understanding can be possible. Mania typically involves an elevated mood, rapid speech, impulsivity, poor judgment, irritability, and a decreased need for sleep. To support a loved one who is going through a manic episode, it can be helpful to assist with their daily tasks and routines, provide a safe and calming environment, manage your own well-being, and encourage professional help and treatment. One way to get professional support, both for your loved one and yourself, may be to work with a licensed therapist through an online therapy platform.
Understanding manic behavior
Has your loved one ever exhibited behavior related to intense happiness, impulsivity, and poor judgment that seem to come out of nowhere? If so, they may have experienced a manic episode.
The National Library of Medicine generally defines mania as a state of elevated mood and energy levels that can significantly impact daily life and relationships.
Mania as a symptom of bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and MDD
Causes of manic behavior
Manic behavior can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic and environmental factors, brain chemistry and structure, and stress or life events.
Manic behavior due to bipolar disorder can be linked to genetic variations passed down through families. In addition, changes in brain chemistry and structure, such as an imbalance of serotonin and dopamine neurotransmitters, may also contribute to manic episodes.
Stressful life events can also be a trigger for manic behavior. For example, the death of a loved one, job loss, divorce, or other major life changes can increase the risk of manic episodes. In addition, substance misuse and certain medications may contribute to manic behavior as well.
If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.
Signs and symptoms of mania
Not everyone may experience manic behavior in the same way. However, it can be important to know the potential signs and symptoms of mania to help you recognize when your loved one may be experiencing a manic episode.
- Elevated mood and energy levels: During a manic episode, an individual may have an intense feeling of euphoria, elation, or grandiosity that lasts for several days or weeks. They may feel “on top of the world,” more productive, and more confident than usual.
- Rapid speech and racing thoughts: Manic individuals often have racing thoughts, which can make it difficult to concentrate on one thing for long periods of time. They may speak quickly, jump from one idea to another, and have difficulty staying on topic.
- Impulsivity and poor judgment: Manic individuals may engage in risky or impulsive behaviors, such as overspending, gambling, or becoming sexually promiscuous. They may also make decisions that are not in their best interests or have negative consequences.
- Irritability and aggression: Mania can also manifest in irritability, anger, and aggression. Individuals may become agitated or easily frustrated and have a low tolerance for frustration.
- Decreased need for sleep: During a manic episode, individuals may not feel the need for sleep and may be able to function on very little rest.
Effects of manic behavior
The impact of manic behavior on daily life can be significant. Individuals may experience difficulty maintaining relationships, work, and other activities. These behaviors can lead to financial problems, legal problems, and other negative consequences that can have long-term effects on an individual's life.
Manic behavior can also have a significant impact on family and friends. Relationships may struggle due to impulsive behavior, reckless spending, or other risky behaviors. Friends and family members may have trouble understanding why their loved one behaves in such a way and may feel frustrated or angry.
Importance of understanding signs and symptoms of manic behavior
While manic behavior can be a life-changing experience, it can be important to remember that it is usually a symptom of an underlying mental health condition that can be managed. By understanding the signs and symptoms, recognizing when someone may be having a manic episode, and knowing how to respond appropriately, you can help your loved one get the support they deserve and improve their quality of life.
Supporting your loved one during a manic episode
Your support can make a big difference in helping your loved one manage manic behavior. Here are some tips for supporting someone through a manic episode:
Recognize early signs and symptoms of manic behavior
If you know the signs and symptoms of mania, it can help you recognize when your loved one may be having an episode. Becoming familiar with their usual patterns of behavior can also alert you to potential changes in mood or behavior that require attention.
Help with daily tasks and routines
Assisting with regular tasks and providing structure can be helpful in managing manic behavior. Keeping a daily routine and providing a comfortable environment may also help your loved one feel more grounded, which can be calming.
Provide a safe and calming environment
An environment that is calm, safe, and free of distractions can help your loved one stay focused on the present moment. Watching movies or listening to music together can also be a good way to relax and reduce stress.
Encourage professional help and treatment for managing a manic episode
Professional treatment is often necessary in order to effectively manage a manic episode. Encouraging your loved one to seek help and providing them with resources can be the first step in helping them get the support they need.
Manage your own mental health and well-being
Supporting a loved one through a manic episode can be emotionally and physically draining. When you take time for yourself to recharge and practice self-care for your mental health, it can help you stay balanced and better equipped to support your loved one.
What to do during a manic episode?
During a manic episode, communication may become more challenging as individuals may have difficulty focusing or staying on topic. Try to remember to use effective communication strategies to help your loved one during a manic episode.
Validate and understand their mood swings and racing thoughts
Active listening generally involves empathizing with the individual by understanding their feelings and experiences. Do your best to avoid confrontation, criticism, or trying to reason with them, and instead focus on listening without judgment and offering support. Be aware that individuals with manic behavior can have symptoms such as mood swings, racing thoughts, and elevated mood. You can use statements like, "I understand," "That sounds difficult," or "It must be hard for you," to show your support.
Setting boundaries and expectations can also be helpful in managing manic behavior. Although we cannot control others, we can set limits to defend ourselves and our relationships. When we explain these boundaries and expectations, it can be vital to use a calm tone of voice.
An open dialogue may be encouraged to create a safe space for individuals to talk about their feelings and experiences. You can foster this dialogue by asking questions like, "How are you feeling?", "What can I do to help you?", or "What do you need right now?" When your loved one can communicate their feelings and experiences, it can help them feel listened to and understood. It can also give you a better understanding of their condition, which can lead to more effective management and support.
Benefits of online therapy for mental health conditions
Online therapy can be a great resource for individuals living with a variety of mental health conditions, including those that can lead to manic behavior. With the help of a licensed mental health professional, individuals can work through their symptoms and develop effective coping strategies from the convenience of their homes. This type of professional support can also be helpful to those who care for individuals exhibiting manic behavior.
Effectiveness of online therapy for manic behavior due to bipolar disorder
Recent research indicates that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be an effective form of treatment for people experiencing manic behavior due to bipolar disorder.
A growing number of studies suggest that online cognitive behavioral therapy can be effective in treating a range of mental health disorders, frequently offering both short-term and long-term results.
Takeaway
Can you be manic without being bipolar?
Mania is perhaps best known for being a symptom of bipolar I disorder (as opposed to hypomania, a less severe form of mania that can be a symptom of bipolar II disorder). However, manic and hypomanic episodes can also be symptoms of other mental illnesses. For example, hypomania can be a symptom of cyclothymic disorder, a form of bipolar disorder with less extreme mood swings.
Beyond bipolar and related disorders, mania symptoms may also be due to:
- Another mood disorder, like major depressive disorder
- Schizoaffective disorder
- Postpartum psychosis
- Extreme stress
- Recreational drugs
- Certain medications
These are all examples of factors that can lead to mania. If you think you might be experiencing manic or psychotic symptoms, it may be important to talk to a mental health specialist.
What is the trigger of mania?
In people with bipolar disorder, acute mania can have a variety of possible triggers. Examples of these include:
- Stress
- Lack of sleep
- Seasonal changes
- Drugs and alcohol
- Giving birth
- Some medications
Factors like these can be triggers for both manic and major depressive episodes in people with bipolar disorder.
What can be mistaken for mania?
Sometimes, a person may experience symptoms similar to mania without actually being manic. Impulsivity, irritability, racing thoughts, and elevated energy levels can sometimes be due to another mental illness, like borderline personality disorder or ADHD. Brain injuries, lack of sleep, and hyperthyroidism can also sometimes cause symptoms similar to mania.
What is a manic episode like?
Mania can be one of the more intense bipolar symptoms. During a manic phase, a person may seem more important, confident, or outgoing than usual. They may believe they are immune to negative consequences or sense that they have limitless energy. During a manic episode, a person may also experience racing thoughts, as well as ideas and impulses that they might not have when they aren’t manic. They may get easily frustrated or irritated. After the episode, they may experience a depressed mood or feelings of intense regret.
Is mania a mental breakdown?
The term “mental breakdown” is sometimes used in place of “nervous breakdown” to describe a period of extreme mental and emotional distress. However, the American Psychiatric Association does not include this diagnosis in the DSM-5, and both of these terms are now considered outdated. Although a manic episode can be distressing, the symptoms are not always the same as the symptoms typically associated with these terms.
Can you tell if someone is having a manic episode?
Sometimes, though not always, mania can be noticeable to others. Signs that someone might be having a manic episode may include:
- Sleeping very little or not sleeping at all
- Taking risks, like driving recklessly, having unsafe sex, or using drugs
- Engaging in impulsive behaviors, like shopping sprees
- Talking faster than usual
- Doing things they wouldn’t normally do
- Being easily distracted, irritable, or on edge
- Acting fidgety or restless
It may be worth remembering that mania can look different depending on the person. It may not always be obvious if someone is having a manic episode.
How does a bipolar person act when angry?
In addition to depressive symptoms and manic symptoms, people with bipolar disorder may also experience anger as a symptom. During manic episodes, they may feel agitated or get easily frustrated. They may lash out when interrupted or when they believe someone else is interfering with their plans. These angry reactions are often out of proportion to the trigger. For example, someone might scream at their roommate for forgetting to shut the door behind them.
Anger in bipolar disorder is often associated with manic episodes. That said, it can also happen during depressive or “mixed” episodes.
What are manic mood swings?
Mood swings can be a normal occurrence for most people, but it’s not the case when it comes to mood swings caused by mental health conditions. Manic mood swings are characterized by moods ranging from extremely high, elevated mood (which also includes irritability and energized behavior) and extremely down mood, with sad, hopeless, and depressed periods.
Does mania cause racing thoughts?
Yes. Racing thoughts can be one of the signs a person is experiencing mania along with increased talkativeness, distractibility, rapid speech, and psychomotor agitation. Racing thoughts are demonstrated when a patient shifts from one word/sentence to another quickly or when they have thoughts they can’t “shut off” easily due to an abnormal increase in energy levels.
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