I’ve taught myself to recognize mania from the beginning. That is the answer to how you keep from getting lost in mania. Once it is to the point that you can’t see it, it’s too late. For example, right now due to the stress of my latest project (I’m writing a children’s book), I’m going in and out of hypomania. I know the signs from my Health Cards of what this mania looks like.
When I start to talk a bit too loudly and can’t hear it. When I don’t care about seeing my nephew as much and become more selfish. These are signs.
I now know this is not natural for me. When I think about men more than usual, I don’t just let myself explain this away that it’s normal for a woman to think about men.
The only way to prevent mania is to write down your symptoms and memorize them and then make the decision that you choose stability over mania.
My mania usually feels good- really good. People say heroin and cocaine feel good as well- but look what happens after the good is gone. It’s the same with mania.
Giving in to mania is a choice. I want to make better choices in life that living in mania.
Here is an article from BP Magazine that I wrote on the topic called Bipolar Mania: Am I Having Too Much Fun?
I struggle regularly with the balance between wanting to get things done and not giving in to euphoric mania. I see it as my challenge in life. You are not alone!
