One of the main characteristics of bipolar disorder is the manic episode, but what are manic episodes? Psych Central defines a manic episode as a “period of time where an elevated, expansive or notably irritable mood is present, lasting for at least one week.”
Some symptoms of a manic episode include an extreme sense of self-esteem, grandiosity, slurred or rushed speech and racing thoughts.
But what does all of that actually mean? Definitions cannot provide one with an understanding of what a manic episode feels like or looks like. Below are a few descriptions of what someone with bipolar disorder is thinking and feeling verses what onlookers see.
Bipolar Disorder Perspective on a Manic Episode
After working out for the past month I have lost 10 pounds and feel like a new person. My jeans are loose, my shirt is not hugging my new curves and my hair seems frail. I should buy myself a new outfit as a reward for sticking to my diet. While at the mall I find a new shirt that looks exceptional on me, so I grab a few. Now some new jeans to go with my new shirts and a couple pairs of new shoes to help me with my new makeover. A quick stop at the salon to get my hair styled and I will have justly rewarded myself for my hard work and determination.
What Everyone Else Sees
A woman walking very quickly through a mall stops in stores just long enough to try on a couple of items then leaves with two bags full of merchandise. When she speaks to the store clerks she is speaking so quickly that they barely understand her. While at the salon she decides on ten different styles and consistently changes her mind as the stylist is proceeding. Before leaving she decides that she needs a full set of acrylic nails.
When her husband receives the bank statement he finds that she spent around $400 at each store and over $100 at the salon for hair, nails and five different shampoos.
It is quiet common for those with bipolar disorder to spend large amounts of money or do things equally insensible during a manic episode. During these times a bipolar person has no understanding of consequences and when left untreated there is no end to the damage we can cause during a manic episode.
Another classic sign of bipolar disorder and manic episodes is skewed memory. If you are worried about a loved one because you keep getting in arguments over things that either did not happen or happened differently than you remember there is a good chance you are coping with a bipolar person. As the above story states the bipolar woman saw things very differently from everyone around her, she is going to remember it the way her mind saw it. She felt very level headed. It is a good thing to reward yourself for sticking to a diet and losing ten pounds, it is not okay to spend over $1,000 on a reward when the household income is less than $3,000 a month.
If you are worried that you or a loved one is suffering from bipolar disorder and manic episodes please seek professional help as soon as possible. The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) has quizzes on their website that can help with knowing if you or your loved one is showing the signs and symptoms of bipolar manic episodes. The DBSA also has listings for medical professionals in your area and online support groups for anyone who knows or thinks they or a loved one may have bipolar disorder.
Know that recovery is possible; one with bipolar disorder can learn to lead a normal life with the help of medication and therapy.
For more information on manic episodes please check out:
Bipolar Disorder: Through My Eyes
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
Psych Central
