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Manic episodes caused bybipolar disordercan feel unpredictableand sometimes a little unnerving.
Jocelyn Tsaih
Yourmood may shift suddenly, leading you to do and say out-of-character things.
(A health care provider can help you figure out what this looks like for you.)
She says preparation is the best way to brace for and potentially soften the impact when they do happen.
By preparing coping strategies and creating a support plan, you might feel empowered and safe, she explains.
Know the signs of your manic episodes.
A stressful event2say, a death in the family or job losscould contribute to one.
An episode itself can look different from person to person.
Perhaps you take uncharacteristic risks, jump to conclusions, or are quick to act on serious things.
You might just also just move a lot faster through thoughts, ideas, or conversations.
How can you tell the difference?
According to Dr. Daramus, youre looking for extreme versions of those behaviors, rather than run-of-the-mill emotional responses.
Are your episodes shorter or longer as the weeks and months pass?
Create a safety plan ahead of time.
If you often take risks in mania, ask for backup.
There are also ways to do some damage control solo.
Stick to a routine as best as you’re free to.
Dr. Rubenstein recommendstracking your mood and symptoms regularlyoutside of manic episodes too.
This can help identify early warning signs of a manic episode and allow for early intervention, she says.
you’re free to also identify and avoid triggers, such as alcohol and caffeine.
Dont stop taking your medications.
Maybe you love how mellow you feel when taking yourmood-stabilizing medications, but you experience frustrating side effects.
Remember that circle of loved ones you might have asked to look out for you?
Dont be afraid to loop them in on your medication tracking, too.
Be real with your health care providers.
Going through a manic episode can lead you to feel some conflicting, confusing things.
You might feel ashamed to be vulnerable with a therapist or psychiatrist about them.
Acompassionate, knowledgeable professionalwont judge or critique you when voicing your concerns or sharing your experience with bipolar I.
If you dont feel comfortable being frank with your care team, speak up to a trusted loved one.
They can potentially help you find new health care providers to meet with.
Remember: Youve got this.
The ups and downs of bipolar I can be exhausting.
Would you judge a friend going through a similar situation?
Give yourself some credit for how far youve come.