The end of August and beginning of September is the worst time of year for me mania-wise. I'm on spending lockdown, when all I want to do is shop on-line and plan vacations. I talk a mile a minute to any poor soul in my wake. Ah, pressure of speech: You have to really love someone with bipolar disorder during - God forbid - full-blown mania. Luckily I've learned to take action and know my patterns now. It's still hard to stop the freight train and these days even I want to be around me.
With each pasing year, our loved ones, certainly mine after twenty years, become more adept at recognizing and handling us when it hits. In my family, the pressure of speech is what first gives me away. Then it's the spending. (My bank and credit cards get confiscated by my partner; although I get aggravated, I'm used to the routine.)
To combat mania, once I recognize it, I flip through the rolodex in my mind.
Here's what I'm doing and recommend:
- Increase frequency of appointments with psychiatrist and psychologist (or social worker, therapist, CADC, etc.)
- Go to bed earlier and sleep longer.
- Limit time in the sun, particularly during summer for those in a four climate region.
- Listen to people when they tell you that you've got rapid speech (or any other symptom). Chances are they're right.
- Lean on your friends, family and mental health network.
- Force yourself to go to your meetings - your regulars, mental health or otherwise - and ask for help. (You should have the energy!)
- Spend time in nature, meditate, take baths, listen to calm music, use aromatherapy such as lavender oil - anything that calms you.
- Turn off your computer and electronics earlier in the p.m. than usual.
- Dim lights and try lighting candles at night.
