Do a search about Bipolar disorder and you’ll
find thousands of results explaining every aspect from depression to mania,
medication, depression and the lesser known hypo-mania. My partner
recently read an article about hypo-mania and how it is often a prelude to
either a severe depression or more sever mania. The beginning of the
article reads like a warning label, “Hypo-Mania – Danger Alert,” and while the
symptoms listed are correct, it should not be written as a warning of impending
doom for those who may be just learning about Bipolar Disorder, whether it is
the individual or their friends and family.
The reality is
hypomania, yes can be a pre-cursor to a full blown manic episode or a
depressive episode, there is no denying that; however, let’s look at it from
another point of view.
· Learn what hypomania is and how it is different
for each person. A blanket description only tells you what could
happen. You have to discover for yourself, with the help of a partner,
friends and your doctor, what triggers your mood and what symptoms are
dominant.
· Make a list of your symptoms, how they affect
you and those around you. Both the good and bad.
· Keep track of how long the cycle lasts and
what happens as it dissipates. This is important as it will give you the
information you need if you then become depressed or actions become more
intense leading to a full blown manic episode.
a.
To monitor my moods I
use a daily chart and track my level of depression, anxiety, mania and
sleep. By looking at these numbers I am able to see when I was up or down
and can then correlate that with a particular event or see a pattern evolve
over a couple weeks, or if the seasons have changed. The seasons can play
a large part in our mood cycles.
· The symptoms of hypomania without a doubt can
be harmful, but that does not mean you should be protected from life and kept
sheltered.
a.
If you have a history
of spending money while manic, have a limit set on your credit cards and bank
card, so you can only spend a certain amount. If you are in a
relationship and have a joint account, let your partner know how you are
feeling. This can be one of the hardest things to do, as when mania hits
it feels good and the last thing we want is someone to take that feeling
away.
b.
Anger and irritability
are common. Try yoga to relax or writing to help clear your mind.
c.
If there is a tendency
for promiscuity, have someone you trust be an accountability partner. If you go
to a party, don’t go alone and have someone else drive who is aware of you
illness and will be your “wing man” for the evening.
d.
Projects are probably
one of the most common signs. I can’t tell you how many I have planned,
started and never finished. On a good note it shows creativity and that
we are alive and capable of many things, however, ideas can get away from us
and accumulate quickly, leading to being overwhelmed and confused. Make a
list of your ideas and the steps it would take to achieve them and if you would
be able to do it, even after the hypomania ends. As hard as it may be,
pick one or two to focus on for a week. This makes it more manageable.
If after a week you want to try something else, stop one or both of the
previous projects before starting the new one.
It is important to not look at hypomania, or even mania itself
and the ideas and projects that can come from them as all bad, they are things
that you are obviously passionate about and are important, the problem is we
want to do them all at the same time. Learning to harness the excitement
and energy is key. It is possible,
to use hypomania to
your advantage as you get to know your symptoms, triggers and how you react to
the cycles.
As with most things, there is the good and bad, what it
important here is to look deeper into the information you are seeking, there
will be numerous articles all claiming to have the answer and telling you what
to expect, take them at face value and see what works for you. You are
the one who matters and needs to educate not only yourself, but those around
you as well.
