Mania: Excessive happiness? Or a serious mental condition? Let's find out for sure

Have you ever noticed that a friend, family member, or acquaintance suddenly changed? Maybe they talk more than usual, work all night, or make grandiose claims that they can conquer the world. Or maybe they get very angry over small things. At times like these, we think, "Maybe they're just stressed." But sometimes, this can be the beginning of a deeper story. That's what mania is.

Simply put, what is this mania?

Think of it this way: Mania is a period of abnormally high, uncontrolled levels of your mood, emotions, and energy. It's not just a feeling of being happy or a little active. It's a big change that's completely out of your normal behavior and is clearly visible to others.

Let's understand what this "abnormal" behavior looks like with an example. Imagine that you suddenly have the idea to start a business that is famous in Sri Lanka by making a new type of food. You think that with this idea you can become a millionaire overnight. But in reality, you have never set foot in the kitchen and cooked a proper meal, you know nothing about business, and you don't have the money to do it. But you get so excited about this idea that you spend sleepless nights planning it, reading about it to everyone, and you firmly believe that this can really be done.

For example, you disagree with something someone said on social media. Instead of just commenting on it, you write a thousand-word article, search for every website related to that person, and post it on every single one. While these things may seem like something a normal person would do, a person with mania spends an inordinate amount of time and energy on these things. Their entire life revolves around that one thing at that moment.

Does mania occur as part of another mental illness?

Yes, most of the time. When someone has a manic episode, it is usually a symptom of another mental illness. This is most commonly seen with bipolar I disorder . However, mania can also occur in several other conditions.

• Bipolar I disorder: This is the main and most common condition where mania is seen.
• Seasonal affective disorder: A mental condition that occurs with weather changes.
• Postpartum psychosis: A severe mental condition that can occur in mothers after giving birth.
• Schizoaffective disorder: A condition that exhibits features of both schizophrenia and a mood disorder.
• Cyclothymia: A milder, less severe form of bipolar disorder.

So what is bipolar I disorder?

Simply put, bipolar is a condition where a person's mood, energy level, activity, and ability to think clearly fluctuates between two extremes. It's like riding a roller coaster. On one side is a period of mania, when you're extremely happy, energetic, and active. On the other side is a period of depression, when you're extremely sad, depressed, and have no interest in anything.

To be diagnosed with bipolar I disorder, a person must have had at least one manic episode. The episode must last at least 7 days or be severe enough to require hospitalization. Most people alternate between mania and depression. However, some people may have only mania episodes.

Are there any specific triggers for mania?

Yes, there are. But the reasons vary from person to person. If you have this condition, you need to be your own detective and keep track of your feelings. If possible, keep a "mood diary." Write down how you felt before the manic episode and what was going on around you at the time. Also, ask for help from family members and close friends you trust. Sometimes changes that you don't notice are obvious to outside observers.

By identifying these triggers, you can prevent a manic episode from occurring or reduce its impact.

What are the symptoms of mania?

A variety of symptoms can be seen during a manic state. These can be divided into two main categories.

How long does a mania phase last?

Before a manic episode begins, prodromal symptoms can last from weeks to months. Without treatment, a manic episode can last between 3 and 6 months. However, with proper treatment, the condition can usually be controlled within 3 months.

How is mania treated?

Mania is a condition that can be successfully managed with treatment. There are several main treatments for it. Remember, these treatments are determined by your doctor based on your condition.

1. Medications

Various medications are used to control mania.

• Mood stabilizers: These are the most commonly used medications for bipolar disorder. Examples include lithium, valproate, and carbamazepine.
• Antipsychotics: These help control the severe symptoms of mania, especially delusions and hallucinations. Examples: Olanzapine, Risperidone.
• Sometimes antidepressants are also used, but this should be done very carefully, because sometimes they can cause a state of mania.

2. Psychotherapy

Like medication, psychological counseling is also very important on this journey.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This therapy helps you identify your negative thought patterns and behaviors and change them.
• Family therapy: This is very important. It helps your family understand the condition and learn how to help you.
• Support groups: Talking to people who have similar experiences to yours and sharing ideas will be a great source of strength for you.

3. Other treatments

In very severe cases that do not respond to other treatments, doctors may also consider treatments such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) . This is a safe treatment that is performed under anesthesia.

What can I do while living with mania?

In addition to receiving treatment, making small changes to your lifestyle can go a long way in controlling this condition.

• Maintain a regular routine: Go to bed, wake up, eat, and exercise at the same time. This will help regulate your body clock.
• Avoid overstimulating places: If you feel like you're about to enter a manic phase, stay away from crowded, noisy places. Try to stay in a calm, relaxed environment.
• Postpone making big decisions: Do not make big life decisions like large financial investments, job changes, or marriage during a mania phase.
• Stay away from alcohol and drugs completely: These can make your condition worse.
• Entrust your money management to someone you trust: To avoid unnecessary spending during mania, you can temporarily entrust your financial affairs to someone you trust.

Mania, Bipolar, Bipolar disorder, Mental health, Symptoms, Treatment, Manic episode