Mania is a condition that causes people to exhibit abnormally elevated activity and energy levels, irritability, racing thoughts and noticeably extreme behaviors. A manic episode can also include symptoms of psychosis like delusions and hallucinations, which represent a break from reality.

While mania interspersed with depression is typical in people with bipolar disorder, there are other causes for this condition. During a manic episode, the noticeable changes in your behavior may include the following.

Signs of a Manic Episode

Mania represents a severe mental health crisis because someone experiencing a manic episode can be a danger to themselves and others. For instance, hallucinations and delusions require attention from a doctor or psychiatrist, since they make it difficult for people to determine what’s real and what isn’t.

Here are some other characteristics of a manic episode.

Sleep Deprivation

The extreme bursts of energy associated with mania can make you feel you need little to no sleep to function. You may stay up all night because you’re too excited or on edge to fall asleep, or you might go to bed, only to wake up fully alert and ready to go a few hours later.

Multitasking

During a manic episode, you’ll need an outlet for all your excess energy. That might involve tackling several ambitious projects or being far more productive and motivated than usual.

Racing Thoughts and Rapid Speech

Mania can cause you to have an assortment of uncontrollable thoughts crowding your mind, and in the urge to express them all at once, the words can tumble out of your mouth in a rush. If you usually take time to think before you speak, but find yourself talking quickly and loudly, you may be in the earliest stages of a manic episode. Your ideas may also flow illogically or in a disconnected progression, jumping from one topic to another with no coherent connection.

Irresponsible Behavior

Mania can make you feel invincible, as if you will never experience any negative consequences resulting from your actions. As a result, you might engage in dangerous or reckless activities, like gambling or driving under the influence.

Grandiosity

Another characteristic of a manic episode is an inflated sense of importance. Often, people in the grip of mania think they are powerful, famous, accomplished or have access to exclusive information that others lack. For example, you may believe you don’t need to follow the same rules that apply to everyone else.

Irritability

Unpredictable bursts of hostility can also accompany a manic episode. You could become irrationally angry and lash out at those around you, even with no provocation.

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At Serene Behavioral Health, we believe everyone deserves confidence, happiness and self-worth. If you are experiencing disruptions in your mental well-being that interfere with your quality of life, our knowledgeable clinicians are here for you. Contact us today to learn more about our levels of care and the evidence-based treatment modalities we offer.