Do you sometimes feel incredibly happy and excited? Do you feel like you can work for hours without getting tired, and your ideas seem to be flowing freely? Your friends and family members may have noticed this change. They may have even said, "You are so excited today." Today we are going to talk about a topic that many people are not aware of, but it is very important. That is the conditions called `Hypomania` and `Mania`, which can be associated with `bipolar disorder` .
Let's understand clearly, what are Hypomania and Mania?
Simply put, `Bipolar Disorder` is a condition in which a person's mood changes dramatically. It's like riding a roller coaster. Sometimes you feel extremely sad and depressed. Other times you feel incredibly happy, excited, and full of energy. Those moments of extreme happiness and energy are what we call `Mania` or `Hypomania`.
Hypomania is a less severe and more manageable episode than mania. You may feel great during this time because you are happy and have more energy. But it does not go out of control.
`Mania` is a more severe, uncontrollable, and severe state. It can have a major impact on your daily activities , work, and relationships.
Now let's see what the main differences are between the two.
| Characteristic | Hypomania (low mood) | Mania (high chance of being angry) |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | It lasts at least 4 days in a row. | It lasts at least a week (7 days) in a row. |
| Severity and impact | The difference is noticeable to others, but it doesn't have a major impact on work, schoolwork, or relationships. | It severely affects work, schoolwork, and social relationships. It is difficult to control. |
| Hospitalization | Usually, hospitalization is not required. | If the condition is severe and there is a risk of harm to yourself or others, you may need to be hospitalized . |
The important thing is that a state of `Hypomania` can sometimes turn into a severe state of `Mania`. Or you can suddenly fall into a severe depression. It is impossible to predict the pattern in which this will happen.
What are the causes of these situations?
It's hard to say what exactly causes hypomania . It can vary from person to person. Experts believe that a combination of factors may play a role.
- Family history: The risk is higher if someone in the family has bipolar disorder.
- Brain chemical changes: Imbalances in the brain's neurotransmitters.
- Certain medications: Especially certain antidepressants .
- Drug and alcohol use.
- Big life changes: things like changing jobs, getting divorced, moving house.
- Traumatic events or abuse in the past .
- Severe stress : Things like money problems, relationship problems.
- Sleep problems: such as insomnia or changes in sleep patterns.
- Diseases of the nervous system: Conditions such as brain injuries, stroke, and dementia.
- Hormonal changes after childbirth .
What are the symptoms of hypomania?
If you have a state of `Hypomania`, the way you feel or behave may look like this.
- Feeling unusually active and energetic: An inability to stay in one place, a feeling of always having to do something.
- Feeling of extreme happiness or excitement: Feeling very happy for no reason.
- Feeling tired even after a short sleep: Even after a few hours of sleep, you still feel refreshed.
- Overconfidence: Feeling like "I can do anything."
- Talking very fast and non-stop: Talking continuously without letting others speak a word.
- Rapid flow of thoughts: The mind is filled with thoughts about different topics at the same time. This is also called `racing thoughts`.
- Easily distracted: Even the smallest thing can cause distraction.
- Engaging in the same task for hours: Once you start doing something, you do it for hours without eating or drinking.
- Reckless behavior: Things like spending a lot of money on impulse purchases, engaging in risky sexual behavior, and making foolish business decisions.
This condition is medically called `Hypomania` if it lasts for at least 4 days. However, sometimes it can last for several months.
Are there any treatments?
Yes, absolutely. This is a manageable condition. Your doctor will choose the treatment that is best for you.
Psychotherapy
Talking to a mental health professional can help you identify triggers and manage your symptoms.
Medications
If your hypomania is not severe, you may not need medication. However, if necessary, your doctor may prescribe medications such as:
- Antipsychotic medications: Examples include medications like `Aripiprazole (Abilify)`, `Olanzapine (Zyprexa)`, `Quetiapine (Seroquel)`, `Risperidone (Risperdal)`.
- Mood Stabilizers: If hypomania is caused by bipolar disorder, your doctor may prescribe these types of medications. Examples: Lithium, Valproate (Depakote).
Very important: Only the doctor who examines you will decide on the types of medications and their dosages. Never start, stop, or change the dosage of a medication based on your own feelings, what a friend said, or what you saw on the Internet. The potential harm from doing so is very high.
How to live successfully with Hypomania?
In addition to treatment, there are many things you can do yourself.
- Get a good night's sleep: Get into the habit of going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. You need between 6-9 hours of good sleep a day.
- Healthy diet: Eat a nutritious, balanced diet.
- Exercise: Do at least 30 minutes of sweat-inducing exercise a day.
- Practice calming techniques: You can calm your mind through things like yoga or meditation.
- Avoid stimulants: Stay away from things like coffee and energy drinks. Avoid alcohol and drug use completely.
- Keep a journal of your moods: Keep a journal of your daily feelings. This will help you identify your mood patterns and triggers.
- Make a plan: When you are feeling better, talk to a trusted person (family member, friend) and make a plan for what to do if you experience a ``hypomania`` episode. For example, you can ask that person to let you know if they notice any changes in your behavior.
How do you help someone with hypomania?
If someone close to you has this condition, there are many ways you can help them.
- Speak openly and kindly: Don't criticize him, but ask him how he feels. Building trust is the most important thing.
- Ask how you can help: Maybe he knows how he needs help.
- Accept their feelings: Even if what they're feeling during a hypomania episode doesn't seem real to you, don't argue with them, saying, "You're not like that." Instead, respect their feelings by saying, "I understand that you feel that way."
- Take care of yourself: When helping someone, think about your own mental health. Set boundaries for yourself too. If their behavior is rude, you have the right to walk away from the conversation at that time.
- Support after the episode: When the hypomania episode is over, the person may feel ashamed or sad about their behavior. At that time, support them by saying, "It's not your fault, it's because of the illness."
Take-Home Message
- `Hypomania` and `Mania` are not personality weaknesses, but rather treatable medical conditions.
- If you or someone you know has these symptoms, see a qualified doctor immediately. Avoid self-diagnosis and self-treatment.
- This condition can be managed very successfully with a combination of counseling, medication, and lifestyle changes.
- You are not alone. There are doctors, counselors, and people who love you who can help you. Don't be afraid to reach out to them for support.
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