Sudden feelings of happiness and high energy... Is this hypomania or mania?

Has someone very close to you, perhaps even yourself, suddenly started working with incredible energy? Do you sleep for only a few hours at night, but are very energetic during the day? Do you talk so much that you can't stop talking? If you or someone close to you is experiencing this kind of change, it is very important to be aware of this mental condition that we are talking about today.

What are Hypomania and Mania?

Simply put, these are two abnormal mood swings. Both of these conditions can be associated with bipolar disorder . A person with bipolar disorder can experience extreme mood swings from depression to euphoria and euphoria.

This period of extreme happiness and energy is what we call mania or hypomania .

• Hypomania: This is a slightly less severe episode than mania. During this time, you may feel happier and more energetic than usual. This change may be noticeable to those around you. But it is not severe enough to completely disrupt your daily activities, work, or relationships. Sometimes this can even feel like a good feeling, because your mood is elevated and your energy levels are high.

• Mania: This is the most severe stage. At this stage, mood and energy levels become uncontrollable. You may make rash decisions , think you can do anything, and have thoughts that are a little out of touch with reality. If this stage is severe, you may even need to be hospitalized for treatment.

This is how doctors distinguish between these two cases.

Why does this situation occur?

It's hard to pinpoint a single reason for this. Most of the time, it's a combination of several factors .

• Family history: If someone in your family has bipolar disorder, you may be at risk of developing the condition too.
• Brain chemical changes: Imbalances in the neurotransmitters in our brain can affect.
• Certain medications: Certain medications, especially antidepressants , can cause this condition in some people.
• Drug and alcohol use: The use of these is also a major cause.
• Big changes in life: things like marriage, divorce, changing jobs, moving house.
• Stress : Excessive pressure caused by things like money problems, relationship problems, etc.
• Sleep problems: such as insomnia or changes in sleep patterns.
• Other medical conditions: Neurological diseases such as brain injuries, stroke, and dementia.
• Childbirth : Some women may develop this condition after giving birth.

Do you also have these symptoms?

During a hypomanic episode, you may feel or behave like this:

• Feeling unusually energetic and active .
• Feeling of great joy or excitement.
• Even though I slept for a few hours at night, I felt well-rested without any fatigue .
• Feeling like you can do anything, like you are a great person (inflated self-esteem).
• Talking very quickly and non-stop, not allowing others to speak a word.
• Having thoughts about many topics running through your mind at the same time. This is also called "Racing thoughts."
• Being easily distracted by even the smallest of things.
• To be completely absorbed in something, doing the same thing for hours on end.
• Unable to stay in one place, walking around or being restless.
• Behaving recklessly. For example, spending money without control, engaging in risky sexual behavior, or making foolish business decisions.

What are the treatments?

If you have these symptoms, the best thing to do is to see a qualified doctor immediately. This is a medical condition that is out of your control and needs to be treated, not your fault. The doctor will examine your condition and prescribe the most appropriate treatment.

There are several treatment methods:

1. Psychotherapy: Talking to a mental health professional can help you understand your condition, manage your symptoms, and identify triggers that may be contributing to your condition.

2. Medications:

• If your hypomania is not severe, you may not need medication.
• Or the doctor may prescribe antipsychotic medications.
• Sometimes medications called mood stabilizers are also given.
• Antidepressants can sometimes worsen this condition, so your doctor may stop or change the dosage of one if you are already taking one.

How to live with this situation?

In addition to receiving treatment, there are several things you can do to help manage this condition.

• Get a good night's sleep: Make it a habit to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. You need between 6-9 hours of good sleep a day.
• Healthy diet: Eat a balanced diet.
• Exercise: Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day.
• Keep a journal of your mood: Keep a journal of how you feel throughout the day. This will help you identify your mood swings and what triggers them.
• Avoid stimulants: Stay away from things like coffee, loud noises, bright lights, and crowded places.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs completely.
• Make a plan: When you are feeling better, make a plan for what to do if this happens. Talk to someone you trust (family member, friend) about this and how they can help you in such a situation.

How do you help someone like this?

If someone close to you is suffering from this condition, you can be a great comfort to them.

• Talk openly: Talk about it without being angry, understanding, and building trust.
• Ask how you can help: Ask him what he should do and what he shouldn't do at a time like this.
• Respect their feelings: Even if what they're feeling doesn't seem real to you at the time, say, "I understand how you feel." Don't criticize them.
• Express your concern: Ask gently, "I'm noticing this change in your behavior. Do you feel the same way?"
• Take care of yourself: Helping someone like this can be emotionally draining. Set your boundaries. Seek the help of a mental health professional if necessary.
• Support her after the situation has resolved: She may feel ashamed and sad after a situation like this. Help her understand that it's not her fault, it's a result of her illness.

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