Noticing the Signs of Mania in Myself
What stood out to me was how sneaky the signs of mania can be. Honestly, I always thought it would be obvious if someone was experiencing a manic episode, but when it started happening to me, it felt almost like a whirlwind. At first, I thought I was just having an incredible week – you know, when you feel like you can take on the world? But looking back, it was way more than that.
For me, it began with my energy levels skyrocketing. I was bouncing off the walls, staying up late, and feeling like I didn’t need sleep at all. I could work on creative projects for hours without feeling tired, which sounds great, right? I mean, who wouldn’t want that kind of motivation? But then I noticed that my thoughts were racing. I’d be thinking about ten different things all at once, and it was hard to keep track of what I was even saying in conversations. I remember friends looking at me with a mix of confusion and concern.
Then there were these moments when I’d suddenly get this urge to spend money on things I didn’t really need. I mean, I splurged on a guitar I had no intention of learning just because it felt right at the moment. It was exhilarating, but also kind of terrifying when I thought about my bank account later.
One of the most challenging parts was the irritability. I’d snap at people for the slightest reasons, and then feel awful about it afterward. It’s like this fog of excitement would give way to a sharpness that I just couldn’t control. It made me really reflect on how my mood shifts were impacting the people around me.
I think the biggest takeaway for me has been learning to recognize these signs earlier. I’ve started keeping a journal, where I can jot down my feelings and energy levels throughout the day. It helps me see patterns and gives me a heads-up when I might be hitting that manic high. Plus, it’s nice to have something tangible to look back on when I’m trying to make sense of things.
I guess what I’m really trying to say is that noticing these signs isn’t always easy, but it’s a crucial step in understanding myself better. I’d love to hear if anyone else has experienced similar things. How do you manage those high-energy times? What tricks have you found to keep yourself grounded? Let’s chat about it!