Mania is a defining symptom of bipolar disorder – an intense state of heightened energy, impulsivity and euphoria that can lead to risky behavior and long-term consequences. Despite the temporary sense of invincibility it provides, mania is a severe mental health condition that requires professional treatment.

What Is a Manic Episode?

A manic episode is a period of abnormally elevated mood, energy and activity that lasts at least one week. Manic episodes are a feature of bipolar I disorder, while a milder form called hypomania is a hallmark of bipolar II disorder.

Mania can be intense enough to inspire irresponsible decisions that could lead to financial ruin, relationship breakdowns or legal trouble. The heightened energy and impulsivity may feel positive at first, but mania can spiral out of control without treatment, persisting for months and possibly transitioning into depression.

Several factors influence the length and intensity of mania, including:

• Your stress levels and lifestyle habits
• Ignoring your prescribed medication regimen
• Substance use, which can trigger or prolong mania

Symptoms of Mania

A manic episode goes beyond feeling happy or excited – it’s a drastic shift in your behavior and perception.

• Extreme euphoria or irritability
• Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity
• Racing thoughts, excessive talking and rapid speech
• Feeling energized with little to no sleep
• Increased distractibility
• Impulsivity and poor decision-making
• Engaging in high-risk activities (reckless spending, unsafe sex, gambling, substance use)
• Having lofty, potentially unrealistic ideas that you cannot follow through on
• Making drastic life changes

In severe cases, mania may also involve delusions or hallucinations, leading to a complete break from reality.

What Does Mania Feel Like?

For some, mania feels electrifying – a surge of boundless energy, intense focus and self-confidence. Many people believe they are unstoppable, as if they’ve unlocked a higher level of thinking and capability.

However, this intensified state can quickly turn into agitation, paranoia and emotional exhaustion. People around you may notice your behavior becoming increasingly erratic, reckless or even dangerous.

Despite the initial allure of mania, the fallout can be devastating, leading to consequences such as:

• Financial hardship from reckless spending
• Strained relationships
• Physical exhaustion and health issues
• Legal trouble
• Hospitalization for psychosis or self-harm risks

When to Get Professional Help for Mania

During a manic episode, you may not feel you need medical attention – but this is precisely when intervention is most crucial. Remember, believing that nothing is wrong and that you are in complete control is part of the disorder.

Ignoring mania can result in longer and more severe future episodes with increased chances of hospitalization or long-term impairment. Serene Behavioral Health offers evidence-based treatments to stabilize your mood and prevent manic episodes from spiraling out of control.

Our programming includes:

• Medication management
• Evidence-based therapies such as DBT and CBT
• Holistic approaches, including mindfulness, sleep regulation and self-care strategies
• A healing environment that fosters long-term recovery

If you experience manic episodes, don’t wait for your symptoms to escalate. Reach out today to learn how we can help you regain stability and control over your life.