Avoid patronizing or combative words “Don't assume I'm manic just because I'm upbeat or exaggerated, I might just be in a great mood. Don't tell me to calm down or stop because it's not something I can physically control.” – Crystal G.
But don't argue or debate with a person during a manic episode. Avoid intense conversation. Don't take comments or behavior personally. During periods of high energy, a person often says and does things that he or she would not usually say or do.
A portion of the bipolar population becomes “controlling.” This at first can show up as a talkative and outgoing, but soon suggestions and discussions become manipulative. Examples of controlling statements include: “Why would you do that?” “Does that really make sense?”
You may feel frustrated around a person with bipolar disorder who is having a manic episode. The high energy level can be tiring or even scary. The person may also actually enjoy the mania and may not take medicines, which can make the episode last longer. Also, the person may say and do unusual or hurtful things.
High levels of stress. Changes in sleep patterns or lack of sleep. Using recreational drugs or alcohol. Seasonal changes – for example, some people are more likely to experience hypomania and mania in spring.
Mania in particular tends to trigger aggressive emotions and anger. The racing thoughts and high energy levels you experience can leave you feeling angry, irritable, and frustrated. Those angry emotions, in turn, can cause aggressive and inappropriate behaviors.
Early signs (called “prodromal symptoms”) that you're getting ready to have a manic episode can last weeks to months. If you're not already receiving treatment, episodes of bipolar-related mania can last between three and six months. With effective treatment, a manic episode usually improves within about three months.
But don't argue or debate with a person during a manic episode. Avoid intense conversation. Don't take comments or behavior personally. During periods of high energy, a person often says and does things that he or she would not usually say or do.
Manipulation isn't a formal symptom of bipolar disorder, although some people with the condition may exhibit this behavior. In some cases, manipulative behavior is a result of living with another mental health condition, such as personality disorders, substance use disorders, or trauma.
A bipolar person may avoid relationships because they don't feel good enough for other people. Sometimes these feelings come on quickly and cause those with mental health conditions to push away others in existing relationships. This can lead to social isolation.
One of the hallmark signs of mania is impaired judgment. This causes you to participate in extremely risky or dangerous behaviors. You do things without even considering the consequences of your actions. Gambling and hypersexuality are some of the risky behaviors linked to manic episodes.
Signs of A Bipolar Meltdown
The extreme mood swings that occur in bipolar disorder are accompanied by changes in sleep patterns, eating habits, emotions, and behaviors. People with bipolar disorder can experience periods of mania and depression, and the timing of these episodes can be difficult to predict.
The vast majority of people with severe mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder, are not violent. However, there's a moderate link between violence and bipolar disorder.
Symptoms of manic episodes include showing very high energy in speech and activity, agitation, and a reduced need for sleep. Symptoms of depressive episodes include low energy and motivation, lack of interest in daily activities and sometimes suicidal thoughts.
Typical Symptoms of “Mean and Nasty” Bipolar Episodes
Physical anger—your arms and legs want to punch and kick whatever is around you. Talking more forcefully and sometimes more loudly than normal. A marked increase in cussing and language you would not normally use in a normal conversation.
That is, patients with manic symptoms had lower empathy for other people's pain compared to non-manic patients due to specific processing deficits.
If your loved one with bipolar disorder is suicidal or violent, don't try to handle the situation alone. If you're worried that your loved one may hurt you, get to safety and then call the police. If your loved one is suicidal, don't leave them alone. Call for an ambulance and stay with your loved one until it arrives.
You may find yourself believing strange things about yourself, making bad judgements and behaving in embarrassing, harmful and sometimes even dangerous ways. Mania can make it difficult or impossible to deal with life in an effective way.