Coping with a Bipolar Disorder Manic Episode

One rarely realizes the full scope of a manic episode until after the episode has run its course. This leads to problems in diagnosis and management. In hindsight, my manic episodes are usually far worse than my depression episodes. Here are a few ways to cope with a bipolar disorder manic episode:

1. If in doubt, call the psychiatrist or therapist. This is one sure-fire way to get a dependable answer, since every patient is somewhat different from the next.

2. If the bipolar disorder mania has gotten too severe in behavior, it is important to get the manic individual to the nearest hospital capable of caring for psychiatric patients. The hospital can then provide immediate care and assistance.

3. Avoid caffeine-rich beverages. Some individuals with bipolar disorder can become agitated during mania if beverages with a large amount of caffeine are consumed.

4. The manic individual should consider handing over control of his or her bank account and credit cards to a loved one during the early phases of mania to prevent overspending.

5. Shopping should be performed by a loved one as another effort to prevent overspending.

6. Hypersexuality can be an issue for some individuals during a manic episode, so it is important to avoid situations with strangers that may lead to sexual encounter.

7. It is absolutely critical that an individual in a bipolar disorder manic phase continues to take his or her medication, no matter how wonderful he or she feels. The medication should hopefully help the individual "come down" from the manic episode sooner.

8. Some individuals with bipolar disorder may lose touch with reality. It is important to get these individuals to the nearest facility capable of handling psychiatric patients.

9. Individuals during a manic phase should avoid alcohol. Alcohol can interact badly with medications and body chemistry.

10. Individuals during a manic episode may sleep very little without feeling fatigued. Some sleep medications may help the individual sleep and also start to level off in terms of mood.

There is no easy way to cope with a bipolar disorder manic episode, but there are a few ways to shorten the episode and improve the symptoms slightly. If in doubt, feel free to contact the psychiatrist or therapist treating the individual. That is the best source of advice.

Source:

National Institute of Mental Health. 2009. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder/complete-index