Hypomania
Hypomania is mania that last for a couple of days and presents itself as behaviour which is not normal for you. It affects those around you and have an impact on work, day to day life and the relationships you have with others. No hospitalisation is usually required as it passes and does not show psychotic symptoms.
Mania
Mania last for a week or more. Work, everyday life and relationships are severely affected... Often to the point of no return. Hospitalisation may be required as mania comes with psychotic symptoms such as hearing voices, delusions and hallucinations. Hospitalisation can be used for treatment and to keep yourself and others safe.
There are many symptoms that cover both Hypomania and mania. You may experience some or all of the symptoms.
- feelings of false happiness or a 'high' feeling which usually appears very extreme.
- An increase in irritability and aggression. This causes problems in relationships and out in social areas. It can cause friction within a family environment and in severe cases cause crimes to be committed.
- Increased confidence and self esteem. This can become very dangerous as underneath the person is usually very vulnerable. It can lead to situations in which the person cannot control or stop.
- A reduced need for sleep/ insomnia. During severe mania a person does not appear to need sleep. It can increase mania and stop a proper level of functioning.
- Talkativness and fast talking. This can sometimes be at inappropriate times or places. From personal experience I have been know to babble on when no one is listening about random things.
- Racing thoughts, usually represents itself as being ' full of ideas' some of no use or relevance
-An increase in energy leading to manic episodes and an increase of physical movements. For me this would be manic cleaning or scrubbing of the skin.
- An exaggerated feeling of self importance. For me this presents as me needing to help and protect my loved ones and a feeling that if I wasn't there they could not look after or protect themselves. My older husband also gets told how to do things, which he has done for years.
- Wrestlessness and an inability to relax, this usually leads to an increase of energy and a manic episode.
- Unable to concentrate and becoming easily distracted from simple tasks. A person may be unable to watch t.v or read
- An increase in social activity. If the people you are around are not listening or replying or taking notice of your increased talking, you look somewhere else for it. A friend, another relative and even strangers. Talking to strangers in a public area along with a false sense of confidence can be harmful for vulnerable people.
-Risky behaviour. This could be gambling, shopping sprees, impulsive behaviour etc.
-loss of inabitions and fear of consequence.
- Increades sexual desire. This can lead to serious situations, promiscuity, infidelity and pushing your usual partner away if they are not 'available' enough.
- Poor judgments. Often placing trust where it can be dangerous.
- Senses can become sharper and more intense touch, sight, hearing, smells and taste.
For people experience it first hand and the people around them it can cause problems in life and relationships. Those who do not understand what is happening do not understand or anticipate this kind of behaviour. People who do not suffer from mania can also be guilty of black and white thinking, wrong or right without understanding it as a part of an illness.
I personally have dealt with both types of mania and it has nearly left me without a partner, a family and without friends. This in turn affects your mood and vunerability within any other mental health problems you may face. After hitting rock bottom and seeing NOTHING in front of me and without a future it has taken me 2 years to build the healthy relationships and leave the unhealthy ones behind. I lost the man I loved and have spent many months earning his trust back. I am thankful that I hit the floor as soon as I did, I managed to rebuild my trust and relationships, have a wonderful family surround me and a husband I will truly cherish, respect and be faithful to for the rest of my life.
Dont judge without asking. Granted people do bad things or make mistakes, but when all of the above are what you experience all day, everyday it actually becomes a way of life.