Mania is a defining characteristic of bipolar disorder, a mental health condition that involves extreme shifts in mood, energy, and behavior. During a manic episode, individuals may feel euphoric, overly energetic, and invincible, but they may also experience impulsivity, poor judgment, and a lack of awareness of the consequences of their actions. While mania can feel exhilarating, it often leads to significant disruptions in personal, social, and professional life, as well as risky behaviors that can have long-lasting consequences.
For individuals living with bipolar disorder, understanding what should be avoided during a manic episode is essential to managing the condition effectively and preventing harmful outcomes. In this article, we will explore some of the critical things to avoid when manic, offering a comprehensive guide to individuals with bipolar disorder and their loved ones on how to navigate this challenging period. By recognizing the signs of mania and knowing what not to do, individuals can take proactive steps to protect themselves and maintain stability.
Understanding Mania and Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by extreme mood swings, which include periods of mania or hypomania (less severe manic episodes) and depression. These mood swings can be drastic, often affecting a person’s thoughts, feelings, and behavior. There are two main types of bipolar disorder:
Bipolar I Disorder: This type involves manic episodes that last at least seven days or require hospitalization to prevent harm, along with depressive episodes that last at least two weeks.
Bipolar II Disorder: This type involves hypomanic episodes (less intense than full-blown mania) and depressive episodes. While hypomania can cause distress, it does not typically lead to the level of impairment seen in mania.
Manic episodes are marked by heightened energy levels, an inflated sense of self-esteem, racing thoughts, and often reckless or impulsive behavior. During this time, individuals may feel they can accomplish anything and may be less aware of the potential risks associated with their actions. Mania can significantly affect relationships, work, and overall life satisfaction.
The Impact of Mania
Mania affects individuals differently, but there are common signs and behaviors associated with the episode:
Increased Energy: A person in a manic state may experience a surge of energy and feel like they can do multiple tasks simultaneously. This can lead to excessive involvement in activities and an inability to rest.
Grandiosity: An inflated sense of self-importance or superiority is common in manic episodes. This can result in risky decision-making, such as making large financial investments or engaging in unsafe activities.
Impulsivity: People may act impulsively, making decisions without considering the consequences. This could include spending money excessively, engaging in sexual risk-taking behaviors, or quitting jobs without a backup plan.
Decreased Need for Sleep: Individuals may feel rested after only a few hours of sleep or may forgo sleep altogether, leading to exhaustion and impaired decision-making.
Racing Thoughts and Speech: A person in a manic state may speak quickly, jump from one topic to another, and have difficulty focusing on a single subject.
Irritability: Although mania is typically associated with elevated mood, irritability can also occur, especially when the individual feels thwarted or challenged.
While mania may feel pleasurable or empowering in the moment, it often leads to negative consequences. Individuals may engage in harmful behaviors that could strain relationships, damage their financial stability, or jeopardize their health. Recognizing the dangers of mania and understanding what not to do during these episodes can help reduce these risks.
What Not to Do When Manic
Managing mania involves being mindful of the behaviors and decisions that may exacerbate the episode or lead to serious consequences. Here are some critical things to avoid when experiencing a manic episode:
1. Do Not Make Impulsive Financial Decisions
During a manic episode, individuals may feel invincible, leading them to engage in reckless financial behaviors. Some people might spend large amounts of money on unnecessary items, gamble excessively, or make impulsive investments without regard for the consequences. This behavior can result in significant financial losses, which can create long-term stress and anxiety once the manic episode subsides.
Why it’s important to avoid: Excessive spending during a manic episode can have lasting consequences. After the episode ends, the individual may face a difficult financial situation, which can contribute to feelings of shame, guilt, and depression.
What to do instead: It is advisable to avoid making any major financial decisions during a manic episode. If possible, involve a trusted family member or friend in managing finances during this time. Set up safeguards such as limiting access to credit cards or bank accounts to reduce the temptation to overspend.
2. Avoid Risky Sexual Behavior
Manic episodes can lead to heightened libido and a lack of consideration for personal boundaries. This can result in engaging in unprotected sex, risky sexual encounters, or infidelity, all of which can have significant physical, emotional, and social consequences.
Why it’s important to avoid: Risky sexual behavior can lead to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unwanted pregnancies, or damaged relationships. The impulsive nature of these actions often results in regret once the manic episode subsides.
What to do instead: During a manic episode, it is important to have a trusted individual to help manage sexual boundaries. Using protection and practicing safe sex is essential. Additionally, consider discussing a treatment plan with your healthcare provider that helps address the issue of impulsive sexual behavior.
3. Do Not Engage in Dangerous Physical Activities
Mania can make people feel as if they are invincible, leading them to engage in risky physical activities such as dangerous driving, excessive exercise, or reckless stunts. These actions can result in injury or harm to the individual or others.
Why it’s important to avoid: Engaging in dangerous physical activities can have serious consequences, including car accidents, sports injuries, or exhaustion. The lack of impulse control and judgment during mania often results in underestimating the risks involved.
What to do instead: During a manic episode, avoid engaging in activities that require focused attention, such as driving. If possible, ask someone to help with transportation and avoid risky physical activities. It’s important to prioritize safety and limit exposure to potential harm.
4. Do Not Make Major Life Decisions
Mania can cloud judgment and decision-making, leading to impulsive and poor choices. Major life decisions such as quitting a job, ending relationships, or making significant lifestyle changes should be avoided during a manic episode.
Why it’s important to avoid: Major decisions made in the heat of a manic episode are often regretted once the episode subsides. Individuals may end up losing relationships, jobs, or important opportunities due to impulsive actions taken during a manic period.
What to do instead: If you are considering a major life change, such as leaving a job or making a significant financial decision, wait until the manic episode has subsided. Take time to reflect and consult with trusted individuals who can provide perspective.
5. Avoid Substance Abuse
During a manic episode, individuals may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way of enhancing their sense of euphoria or coping with the overwhelming emotions that come with mania. Substance use can exacerbate the symptoms of mania and lead to dangerous consequences, including addiction, impaired judgment, or physical harm.
Why it’s important to avoid: Alcohol and drugs can interfere with the effectiveness of medication, disrupt sleep, and increase the risk of making impulsive and harmful decisions. Substance abuse can also heighten irritability and aggression, leading to conflicts with others.
What to do instead: Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs during manic episodes. If substance abuse is a recurring issue, seek professional help to address both the mania and the substance use. Enlist the help of a therapist or psychiatrist to develop healthier coping mechanisms.
6. Do Not Isolate Yourself
Although some individuals may feel overly energetic or euphoric during mania, others may experience irritability or anger, leading them to withdraw from social interactions. Isolation during a manic episode can further exacerbate feelings of instability and loneliness.
Why it’s important to avoid: Isolation can lead to feelings of increased distress and may contribute to a worsening of depressive symptoms once the manic episode ends. Additionally, withdrawing from social support may make it harder to recognize the need for treatment or intervention.
What to do instead: While it’s important to avoid overextending yourself socially, it is still beneficial to maintain contact with close friends or family members. Having trusted people around who understand your condition can provide support and help keep you grounded.
7. Avoid Overworking or Overcommitting Yourself
People in manic episodes often have an increased sense of productivity and may feel like they can take on multiple tasks at once. This can lead to overworking, taking on too many projects, or agreeing to commitments that are unsustainable.
Why it’s important to avoid: Overworking or taking on too many commitments during a manic episode can lead to burnout, frustration, and ultimately, exhaustion. It may also create conflicts in personal and professional relationships.
What to do instead: During a manic episode, it’s important to set boundaries and avoid overcommitting yourself. Prioritize essential tasks and avoid taking on more than you can handle. If necessary, ask for help or delegate tasks to others.
8. Do Not Ignore Medication or Treatment Plans
Bipolar disorder requires consistent treatment, including medication and therapy. Some individuals may stop taking their prescribed medications during a manic episode, either because they feel overly confident or due to the belief that they don’t need treatment when they’re feeling good.
Why it’s important to avoid: Discontinuing medication during mania can lead to a worsening of symptoms and increase the likelihood of future manic or depressive episodes. Skipping medications or therapy can disrupt long-term management of bipolar disorder.
What to do instead: Stick to your prescribed treatment plan, even if you’re feeling better. If you have concerns about your medication or its side effects, speak with your healthcare provider about adjusting your treatment plan.
Conclusion
Manic episodes can be both exhilarating and challenging, but they require careful management to prevent dangerous or harmful outcomes. Recognizing what to avoid during mania—such as impulsive financial decisions, risky behaviors, isolation, and substance abuse—can help individuals with bipolar disorder navigate this difficult time and maintain their overall well-being. It is essential to maintain open communication with mental health professionals, trusted friends, and family members during manic episodes, as their support can help guide you through challenging moments.
By being aware of the potential risks of mania and taking proactive steps to avoid them, individuals with bipolar disorder can minimize the negative impact of manic episodes and create a foundation for more stable and fulfilling lives.
Related topics:
What’s the Effect of Bipolar Disorder
What Type of Condition is Bipolar Disorder
How Bipolar 1 Disorder Develops
