Humans are prone to mood changes because we are driven by emotions. There are days when we feel energetic about work, while some days seem to just drag. We love, hate, admire, adore, get angry, and experience all forms of mood changes.
For people with mania, emotions and behavior become extreme. Someone experiencing mania might feel an intense surge of energy, talk nonstop, or go for days without sleep. In some cases, they might be reckless and spend their entire paycheck in a single day without considering the consequences. Although mania is usually associated with bipolar disorder, it can also occur due to substance use, medical conditions, or even extreme stress.
Mania should be treated as early as possible to maintain good mental health. An untreated mania can disrupt work, relationships, and personal well-being.
This blog explores five key signs of mania to help you understand when it might be time to seek help.
1. Unusually High Energy and Grandiose Thinking
One of the major red flags of mania is an extreme, almost unstoppable surge of energy. Someone experiencing a manic episode may feel like they can take on the world. They might suddenly believe they are a genius inventor, a famous celebrity, or even that they have special abilities.
For example, a college student in a manic episode might believe they can pass their final exams without studying. They will skip classes for days because they feel so confident in their knowledge. Another person might quit their stable job on a whim because they believe they can launch a million-dollar business overnight. This is despite having no real plan or experience.
This overwhelming self-confidence often leads to impulsive behavior such as:
- Taking financial risks
- Making unrealistic promises
- Getting into heated arguments with others who challenge their beliefs
2. Sleeping Less But Still Feeling Energized
Have you ever pulled an all-nighter? How do you often feel the next day? Most likely exhausted. However, someone in a manic episode may go days with little or no sleep and still feel perfectly fine. While regular sleep disturbances lead to sluggishness, people with mania stay highly active and alert.
For example, an artist might suddenly start working on multiple paintings at once, stay up all night, and barely stop to eat. They may feel as if they’re creating their masterpiece, even if their work is scattered and unfinished. Similarly, a student might decide to clean their entire apartment at 3 a.m., convinced it’s the most important task at the moment.
Although this might sound productive, the lack of sleep only fuels mood swings and racing thoughts, making it harder to slow down or recognize reality.
3. Racing Thoughts and Talking Nonstop
Another clear sign of mania is when a person’s thoughts seem to move at lightning speed. They may jump from one idea to another so quickly that even they can’t keep up. This can result in rapid speech, where they talk so fast and so much that others struggle to get a word in.
For instance, an old friend might start telling you about their vacation, then immediately switch to their new business idea, and then suddenly mention that they haven’t eaten all day. All the talk is happening without pausing between thoughts. If you try to respond, they might interrupt or completely ignore what you’re saying.
This type of racing thoughts can make it hard to focus, leading to unfinished projects and a sense of chaos. It can also contribute to irritability, especially if they feel like others aren’t keeping up with them.
4. Risky and Impulsive Behavior
One of the most dangerous aspects of mania is the tendency to act without thinking. Impulsive behavior can take many forms, and in some cases, it leads to serious consequences.
Some common risky behaviors during manic episodes include:
- Spending sprees: Someone might max out their credit cards on luxury items they don’t need.
- Unprotected sex: They may engage in sexual behavior that puts them at risk for STIs or unwanted pregnancies.
- Substance abuse: Some people drink excessively or experiment with drugs without considering the risks.
- Reckless driving: Feeling invincible, they may speed, ignore traffic rules, or take dangerous risks behind the wheel.
5. Irritability and Sudden Mood Swings
Manic episodes do not always involve happiness or excitement. In some cases, mania can make a person irritable and aggressive. They may snap at loved ones, argue over minor things, or become easily frustrated when things don’t go their way.
For instance, someone waiting in line at a coffee shop and experiencing mania might suddenly lash out at the cashier for being too slow, even if there’s no real delay. At home, they could get into an argument over something as small as a misplaced remote control, escalating to yelling or even throwing objects.
This irritability often comes in waves. It shifts between moments of excitement and intense frustration. It can make relationships difficult, as friends and family may not know how to respond.
Why It’s Important to Seek Help for Mania
Someone experiencing mania usually has no idea that anything is wrong. That’s because the increased energy boost brings about grandiosity. These people do not recognize the long-term impact of their “invincibility.” Untreated manic episodes often lead to undesirable consequences such as hospitalization, financial troubles, or even legal issues.
There are various ways of treating mania, including the following:
- Medication such as mood stabilizers can help regulate extreme emotions.
- Therapy, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), can help individuals recognize unhealthy thought patterns.
- A structured routine, adequate sleep, and stress management techniques can reduce symptoms.
People with bipolar disorder often require a personalized treatment plan to help them maintain long-term mental health.
How We Help at American Treatment Network
Mania can be managed, and American Treatment Network takes a whole-person approach when it comes to mental health care. Mania often coexists with other challenges, such as addiction, anxiety, and PTSD. Our treatment plans incorporate both mental health and substance abuse for a well-rounded recovery.
Our approach includes the following:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps patients identify harmful thought patterns.
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is used to teach emotional regulation and distress tolerance.
- Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) helps patients develop healthier ways of thinking.
- Dual Diagnosis Treatment to treat co-occurring conditions like bipolar disorder and addiction.
We also offer a Recovery Transition Plan to help our patients receive ongoing support even after completing treatment.
If you or a loved one is experiencing mania, mood swings, or impulsive behavior, reach out to us today for consultation.
