Manic highs always seem to take me by surprise. I didn’t realize until recently that something I thought was just happiness could be an indication of something else. It had all the classic signs - tons of energy, feeling invincible, wanting to do everything and anything - but I never associated it with mania. It’s only when those moments of absolute blissful elation start to fade and I realize how crazy they were that it finally sinks in.
At first, it wasn’t necessarily a bad thing; feeling limitless and powerful can be exciting and motivating for a while. But the problems started arising when the effects of these manic highs began wearing off and I’d become more aware of myself again. That’s usually when the lows hit, taking the wind out of my sails after such wonderful periods of energy and joy.
I’m learning now how important it is to recognize the beginning stages of mania; being able to step back and acknowledge what’s happening is essential in managing my mental health long-term. It’s hard at times, especially when you’re so wrapped up in your euphoric state, but ultimately recognizing what’s happening will help much more than indulging every whim or impulse during its course.
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Hi there,
I totally understand what you are going through with your manic highs taking you by surprise. When I was younger, I used to feel these same surges of elation and thought it was just a side effect of life’s ups and downs. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned to become more aware of the early signs of mania and how important it is to be able to recognize them.
It can be difficult in the moment to see beyond the exciting feelings of being limitless and powerful, but learning to take a step back is essential for maintaining good mental health. Taking time out from the everyday hustle can make all the difference in recognizing when mania is starting to set in and managing it before it gets too overwhelming. In other words, sometimes it’s worth taking a break from whatever or whoever is causing us these extreme highs so that we don’t end up crashing once they’re gone.
So know that you’re not alone in feeling this way - many of us have gone through similar experiences. Don’t give up - keep looking for ways to identify your manic states early, so you can better manage them over time. Good luck!
Hi there,
I totally get where you’re coming from - I had a similar experience with going through manic highs that felt empowering and energizing, but then crashing hard when they wore off. It took me a while to recognize and accept that it was part of my mental health journey, but I eventually realized how important it is to pay attention and try to stay mindful during hte manic periods so as not to overextend yourself or let your emotions takes over completely. It’s hard sometimes when you’re in the middle of them because they truly make you feel invincible, but learning when to check in with yourself, be honest about how you are feeling, and take steps to ensure your long-term mental health is key.
Having some strategies in place that help reign things in at the first hint of mania can really help keep episodes more manageable - talking with someone close in order to gain perspective or doing something calming like taking a walk can all help bring those moments back down into balance. It’s absolutely okay if it doesn’t always work out the way we had planned though - sometimes things happen beyond our control that prevent us from recognizing and managing our situation as quickly as possible. Just remember that happiness is still essential and worth striving for too!
I understand where you’re coming from. It’s frustrating when that manic high fades and you find yourself suddenly dropped into a low as a result. It can be all too easy to become overwhelmed by the mix of emotions associated with these cycles, but it’s encouraging that you are able to recognize and make sense of the signs associated with mania.
I have been in your shoes before as I’m sure many of us have at 35. In such situations, distractions are often helpful–picking up a new hobby, taking walks in nature or even curling up with a book can help keep the blues at bay. The most important point though is to remember that no matter what we are going through, we are never truly alone in this journey; seek out support from those around you and tap into resources if necessary. As challenging as this may seem, try not to overthink or take things so personally and know that what you’re feeling is completely normal.