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| What to Know and Do When Coming Out of a Manic Episode |
Mania, or episodes of abnormally high mood and energy, can have an impact on your relationships and finances, among other things. You can decrease the impact of manic episodes on your life by learning to identify when they are ending and developing coping mechanisms afterwards.
A physiological state characterised by abnormally high mood, energy, and activity is called mania. It frequently entails euphoric, impetuous, or grandiose feelings.
Many people suffer from agitation, both mentally and physically, exhibiting signs like restlessness, fast speaking, and reduced sleep needs.
Significant impairment can result from a clinical episode of mania that lasts for at least seven days. Mania is thought to be a characteristic of bipolar disorders, however, it can also happen in other situations, like a severe brain injury.
Whatever the reason, manic episodes can seriously disrupt your daily life. One strategy to lessen the impact of mania in your life is to be able to identify when an episode of mania is coming to an end and to know how to handle yourself afterwards.
Signs and symptoms of a manic episode
Generally speaking, a manic episode is characterised by an exceptionally high and vivacious mood. You may think you can accomplish anything. However, you can also experience excessive irritability.
Other signs and symptoms that you could encounter during a manic episode include:
- talking fast
- racing thoughts
- profound joy or exhilaration
- an endless surge of energy
- participating in risky activities, such as shopping binges or sexual transgressions
- a heightened sense of significance or self-esteem
- a sensation that you require little or no sleep
Signs a manic episode is ending
Elevated mood and increased energy are linked to mania. Consequently, the waning of those symptoms is usually indicative of the conclusion of a manic episode.
According to Irina Baechle, a licenced clinical social worker in Raleigh, North Carolina, "these signs vary from person to person, but generally speaking, a person feels a return to typical functioning, including reduced irritability, normalisation of sleep patterns, decreased energy levels and harmful behaviours, and lessened talking activity."
Modifications are typically slow and may consist of:
- improved sleep
- reduced drive to take risks
- improved impulse control
- reduced or sluggish speech production
- a return to a more composed, even-tempered attitude
- more concentrated and lucid thought
- more tranquil physical condition
- the weakened feeling of overall urgency
What happens when a manic episode ends?
The cessation of a manic episode involves more than just getting back to your baseline state of functioning.
Losing the intensity of mania can initially feel routine and boring, according to Malibu, California-based associate marital and family therapist Jacob Wilen. Both physical and mental exhaustion are possible, and common emotions include rage, frustration, regret, and guilt.
"A profound spiral of shame and, eventually, severe depression can result from realising the damage and facing the consequences," according to Wilen. "What goes up, must come down," as the saying goes.
He continues by saying that drugs like antipsychotics and mood stabilisers can prevent a depressed collapse while stopping manic episodes, lessen obsessive behaviours, and help you regain emotional equilibrium.
However, as your body gets used to some drugs, you may experience extreme weariness and cognitive fog.
"During this vulnerable time, working closely with a psychiatrist and therapist is essential," he states. "With the aid of an excellent treatment team, you can recover and the fog will eventually lift."
Managing and coping after a manic episode ends
Although a manic episode might be upsetting, you can assist yourself in getting back on track by continuing to take initiative and positioning yourself for success.
Be gentle with yourself
Wilen advises being kind to oneself. "Your brain and body have just experienced a great deal. Don't take on new tasks, defer important choices, or cancel any upcoming travel. "Keep things simple and try to minimise stress whenever you can," he suggests.
Keep up with healthy lifestyle habits
Establishing good lifestyle practices during a manic episode can help you keep them up during a neutral state.
One way to encourage your body to naturally desire to sleep and wake up at the same time is to develop a consistent sleep schedule. It can set you up for success, even though it might not always be able to quell maniacal cravings.
According to Kim Homan, a certified marital and family therapist from Nashville, Tennessee, "managing stress, keeping a regular sleep schedule, and avoiding substances that can trigger mania (such as alcohol and drugs) can help," even if it's difficult to completely prevent manic episodes.
"It's also critical to follow any treatment regimens, including prescription drugs and counselling, that your healthcare provider recommends."
Rely on your support network
After a manic episode, having a support network can be reassuring and enlightening. Family members, close friends, medical experts, and formal groups of people with similar experiences can all serve as support networks.
"Speak with your family, friends, therapist, or health coach," advises Baechle. "Your nervous system is soothed and a much-needed release and hope is provided when you process your inner world with a specialised guide and feel heard and seen."
According to Wilen, a typical recommendation for the treatment of bipolar disorder is enrollment in an intense outpatient programme (IOP).
"Four to five days a week, IOPs offer group therapy where you can process your experiences with others who have similar diagnoses," the spokesperson said. If addiction is a co-occurring issue, some IOPs provide sobriety groups, yoga, and nutrition counselling.
Consulting with your mental health professional
Medication and focused therapies are effective ways to manage and frequently improve manic symptoms.
Speak with your mental health professional if you had a manic episode recently to make sure you are taking your medication as prescribed and that your treatment plan doesn't need to be changed.
FAQs
Gaining knowledge about mania can enable you and others close to you to identify when manic episodes are coming to an end and what to do in their aftermath.
Can a manic episode be prevented?
Baechle suggests that while total prevention might not be achievable because of the intricate relationships between brain chemistry and heredity, episodes can be lessened in frequency and severity.
How do you calm a manic episode naturally?
When it comes to manic episodes, Wilen says the evidence is clear: the only effective kind of intervention is medication.
Homan does, however, note that in addition to medical care, the following natural methods can be used:
- deep-breathing exercises
- mindfulness meditation
- moderate exercise, like walking
- lowering stimuli like bright lights and loud noises
The takeaway
An elevated energy and mood that lasts for at least a week is called mania. Although it can happen in other situations, bipolar disorders are most frequently linked to it.
Indications that suggest you might be coming out of a manic episode include decreased energy, better sleep, sharper thinking, and slower speech.
It's also normal to have a range of negative emotions after emerging from manic episodes. You can recover as quickly as possible by continuing your supportive networks, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and practising self-compassion.
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