Do you sometimes feel incredibly energetic, strong, and happy? Do you feel like you can conquer the world, work nonstop, and don't need sleep? It's normal to feel this kind of happiness and excitement. However, if this feeling is so uncontrollable, so different from your usual behavior, and so different to others, we should be a little concerned about it. Because it could be a symptom of a mental state called ' mania '.
Simply put, what is this mania?
Mania is a state in which your mood, energy, and activity levels are unusually high and out of control. It's like your mind's volume control is turned up to maximum. This state can last for more than a day or two, sometimes a week or more.
If you have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder by a doctor, you are probably familiar with this experience of mania. To be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, you must have experienced at least one episode of mania or its milder form, hypomania, at least once in your life.
When you're in a mania state, you may feel like you're in the best of times, feeling incredibly happy and energetic. But it's actually a symptom of a mental illness. That's why it's so important to recognize the early signs of this condition before it gets worse.
What are the causes of mania?
It's hard to say 100% for sure what causes this. However, there are some common causes and risk factors that research has found.
- Family history: If someone in your family has bipolar disorder, you are also at risk of developing manic episodes.
- Chemical imbalances in the brain: Changes in the functioning of neurotransmitters in our brain can affect this.
- Other mental illnesses: Conditions such as Seasonal Affective Disorder and Postpartum Psychosis.
- Other diseases: Brain injuries, brain tumors, stroke, brain infections such as encephalitis, and diseases such as lupus.
- Certain medications: This condition can occur if certain medications, especially antidepressants , are used incorrectly.
- Drug and alcohol use: These can alter brain chemistry and trigger a state of mania.
- Severe stress: Major life changes such as a job change, death of a loved one, or divorce.
- Lack of sleep : Lack of sleep for several days in a row is a major cause of mania.
What are the common symptoms of a mania state?
Just because you feel a little happier and more energetic doesn't always mean you're mania. However, if you have more than one of the symptoms below for a number of days in a row, be concerned. Let's look at these symptoms in a table.
| Symptom | Simply explained |
|---|---|
| Unusual excitement/happiness | A feeling of uncontrollable, overwhelming happiness that feels like the whole world is mine. |
| Sleep deprivation | Not feeling tired even after sleeping for two or three hours at night. Feeling like you don't need sleep. |
| Fast story | Talking much faster than usual, continuously. Not letting someone else speak. |
| Racing Thoughts | Ideas keep flowing through your mind, and before you finish one, another comes to mind. |
| Distraction | Difficulty concentrating on one task. Being distracted by even the smallest things. |
| Indiscreet behavior | Risky behaviors such as reckless spending, dangerous driving, and unsafe sex. |
| High self-confidence | Thinking that they have special abilities and powers. Thinking that they will never make mistakes. |
What happens after a mania episode?
After this period of excitement is over, you may experience a variety of emotions. Some people feel happy about that time. Others feel ashamed and sad about the things they did and said during that time. Also, the body may feel extremely tired and may need to sleep for a long time. Sometimes, this excitement can lead to a severe mental breakdown (depression).
How is mania treated?
The best way to manage a mania episode is to recognize it early and seek medical advice . If you start experiencing these symptoms, see your doctor right away. He or she will prescribe the necessary treatment.
There are several treatment methods:
1. Medications:
- Mood Stabilizers: These are the main treatment. Examples include drugs like Lithium and Valproate.
- Antipsychotics: Drugs such as Risperidone and Olanzapine are given to control severe symptoms such as agitation and hallucinations.
- Most importantly: All of these medications should only be given under the supervision of a doctor. Never use someone else's medication or stop taking it without your doctor's advice.
2. Therapy and Counseling:
- Psychotherapy: You can talk about your feelings, behaviors, and triggers for mania and learn ways to manage them.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This method helps you change your thought patterns and control problematic behaviors.
- Family Therapy: This helps your family understand the condition and how they can support you.
In some severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary. If you are concerned that you or someone else may be harmed, go to a hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately or call an ambulance.
How to live with mania? What can we do?
There are many things you can do to manage this condition. By making these habits a habit, you can prevent a manic episode from occurring or reduce its severity if it does occur.
- Identify your triggers: When do you feel worse? When you're sleep deprived? When you're stressed? When you're drinking alcohol? Identify these and try to avoid them.
- Establish a consistent routine: Go to bed, wake up, and eat at the same time. This will help regulate your body clock.
- Get enough sleep: Get at least 6-8 hours of sleep a day. Sleep is the best medicine for this condition.
- Avoid drugs and alcohol: These can further disrupt your mood and cause adverse reactions with the medications you are taking.
- Find ways to relax: Do something every day that makes you feel relaxed, like listening to music, reading a book, or meditating.
- Postpone big decisions: Don't make big decisions like quitting your job or investing a large sum of money when you're feeling mania. Think about it when you're calmer.
- Tell your trusted people: Tell your family and close friends about this situation. Tell them in advance to let you know if they notice any changes in your behavior.
Take-Home Message
- Mania is not a normal state of happiness, it is a mental state characterized by uncontrollable, abnormally elevated mood and energy.
- Although the main cause of this condition is bipolar disorder, other factors can also play a role.
- Things like lack of sleep, severe stress, and drug use can trigger a mania state.
- It is very important to recognize the symptoms at the earliest and seek treatment from a doctor . Never make decisions alone.
- This condition can be successfully managed through medication, counseling, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
- You are not alone. There are doctors, counselors, and loved ones who can help you through this. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
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