What is Mania?
Mania is often over simplified as a state of euphoria. While it is true that during and episode of mania a person will often feel euphoric, it is also true than mania is a severe, destructive condition that can have a devastating effect on the lives of those affected by it.
During a manic episode a person may feel/appear to be highly energised, excitable, confident and full of self esteem. Unfortunately the increased confidence and self esteem will often make it difficult for a person to realise that they are thinking or acting differently and it is often other people who notice something is wrong.
The symptoms of mania can include the following:
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Feeling constantly happy, elated or euphoric |
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Increased Confidence/Self esteem |
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Decreased need for sleep |
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More Talkative, rapid often pressured speech |
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Incoherent, disjointed thinking |
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Racing thoughts, 'flights' of ideas - rapidly changing plans, often unrealistic |
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Hypersexuality |
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Impaired judgment |
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The feeling of 'invincibility', over-estimation of one's own abilities |
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Impatience, irritability and agitation |
These symptoms can be so severe that people experiencing a manic episode will often make rash decisions/engage in activities with devastating consequences. These can include such things as leaving a job/family, spending too much money (often people with bipolar affective disorder experience financial difficulty because of this). They may engage in activities with little awareness/concern for the dangers, such as promiscuity with little concern for personal safety.
Mania can sometimes be so severe that a person loses touch with reality entirely, they may have hallucinations and delusions, this is called psychosis.
Mania is often thought of as a pleasurable experience, it is important to note that it can also be an extremely frightening, anxious, uncertain time for the people experiencing it and their loved ones.
