In order to understand how to manage mania, we must first understand what it is. Mania is typically associated with Bipolar Disorder 1 but can present itself in other mental illnesses, as well, such as Schizophrenia.
A “manic episode” is an episode wherein someone with mental illness will experience an abnormally elevated mood, a persistently irritable mood, and/or it may be accompanied by an unusually energetic mood. The current version of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual “DSM-5,” a diagnostic healthcare codebook accredited by the American Psychological Association which governs diagnostic criteria indicates a person must experience these symptoms for at least one week at a time.
Preparation and self-awareness are nine-tenths the battle in managing mania. While some can recognize when they are heading towards a manic episode, some cannot. The best way to self-identify having a manic episode is by recognizing its’ onset. Those who can identify the warning symptoms have, most likely, experienced such a state and are thus, able to identify it.
How to Manage Mania
- The most important thing you can do immediately if you feel the onset of a manic episode is to immediately contact a mental health provider. A mental health provider includes a Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Social Worker, or other mental health professional. If the onset of the episode is too overwhelming and you are unable to contact anyone you should head to an emergency room where you can hopefully immediately attain medical assistance.
- Avoid triggers such as alcohol, illegal drugs, and mood-altering prescription drugs that can manifest the onset of a manic episode if you have a mental illness.
- Get plenty of sleep and maintain a healthy diet.
- Beware of sudden, excessive compulsive tendencies such as over-the-top shopping or spending sprees.
- Learn to identify emotional highs and lows over and above what your diagnosis usually dictates and immediately reach out for help should you identify “over the top” behaviors.
Living with a mental illness, though often arduous, can be simplified by educating yourself about the warning signs of the onset of manic episodes or “decompensation” which will often give themselves away in the forms of sudden outbursts and extreme tendencies that you ordinarily do not endure.
Above all, be certain to take any medications you are prescribed consistently and on time. If you or a family member needs help to manage mania or other mental illnesses, contact O’Connor Professional Group.
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