Manic Panic

[TedX2]

Now whenever I get excited about something or even just interested in a new subject-gardening for example-I freak out wondering if this is just a manic episode trying to kick in. HELP!! Can I be normal and just have fun, interesting exciting ideas like other people without thinking I'm just "off" and running? I'm new to all this so this is just one of the many things i've been wondering about lately

 

[IKTCA]

Brother Ted:
I wouldn't worry about it. I suggest that you enjoy gardening as much as intended by God. I say this because I like gardening myself. That seeds have life, that a plant grows out of a seed, that God nourishes a plant with the sun, rain, and air, all these excite me. Why don't we enjoy the God-given privilege?

Rupert

 

[vibrant]

study mania. know it's symptoms, know your symptoms and warning signs, so
that you can distinguish what's good and what's a sign. knowledge empowers.

hypomania - seductive and addictive. it's the state before full blown mania.

• increased energy level
• rapid thinking and speaking
• irritability
• elevated mood
• increased confidence, grandiosity
• increased desire towards normally pleasurable things

mania - euphoric, hyperactive, overly optimistic.

• Excessive energy, activity, restlessness, racing thoughts and rapid talking
• Denial that anything is wrong
• Extreme "high" or euphoric feelings — a person may feel "on top of the
world" and nothing, including bad news or tragic events, can change this
"happiness."
• Easily irritated or distracted
• Decreased need for sleep – an individual may last for days with little or no
sleep without feeling tired.
• Unrealistic beliefs in one’s ability and powers — a person may experience
feelings of exaggerated confidence or unwarranted optimism. This can lead to
overly ambitious work plans and the belief that nothing can stop him or her
from accomplishing any task...
• Uncharacteristically poor judgment — a person may make poor decisions
which may lead to unrealistic involvement in activities, meetings and
deadlines, reckless driving, spending sprees and foolish business ventures.
• Sustained period of behavior that is different from usual — a person may
dress and/or act differently than he or she usually does, become a collector
of various items, become indifferent to personal grooming, become obsessed
with writing, or experience delusions.
• Unusual sexual drive
• Abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine, alcohol or sleeping medications
• Provocative, intrusive or aggressive behavior — a person may become
enraged or paranoid if his or her grand ideas are stopped or excessive social
plans are refused.

then there are the pyschotic symptoms

• hallucinations
• delusions
• grandiose delusions
• suicidal thoughts

do the same thing with depression.

http://www.nmha.org/bipolar/public/signs.cfm - thansk i'ddie4him
bipolar disorder: a guide for patients and families

 

[vibrant]

also, it's multiple symptoms over several days which constitute an episode of mania.

 

[NewCovenant]

Anytime I express an interest in anything, my family would think I was manic. When I bought my first computer like 15 years ago, my mother thought I was manic (it was sort of an obsession at first, but in fact I was determined to teach myself everything, and I did). When I became I Christian, my mother thought I was manic. It's been 11 years and I haven't wavered. Once I was labeled as BP, everytime I went "OH LOOK!" my family said, "Oh, there she goes again." They just can't seem to believe I'm stable.

 

[TedX2]

I feel that I'm under that microscope too, but that might not be true as I am kind of paranoid too.

 

[TedX2]

Thanks vibrant for the huge post!!

 

[RedTulipMom]

Vibrant said:
then there are the pyschotic symptoms

• hallucinations
• delusions
• grandiose delusions
• suicidal thoughts

----------------------

Are these syptoms also sometimes part of bipolar? How common are they? The reason i ask is because Saturday night my teenage son went crazy and had a major episode and the police got called and they reqested a psych evaluation on him. The Psychiatrist told me this morning that my son is bipolar and they are putting him on depakote. Then i come to find out later in the day that he is having all kinds of hallucinations and so they have to give him and anti-psychotic drug. If someone knows more about these hallucinations and how they relate to bipolar disorder or has any good links or advice i would really appreciate it. thanks!
karen

 

[Zita123]

Always remember the saying, " Grow where your planted.."

Now whenever I get excited about something or even just interested in a new subject-gardening for example-I freak out wondering if this is just a manic episode trying to kick in. HELP!! Can I be normal and just have fun, interesting exciting ideas like other people without thinking I'm just "off" and running? I'm new to all this so this is just one of the many things i've been wondering about lately

 

[4childofgod]

I feel that I'm under that microscope too, but that might not be true as I am kind of paranoid too.

Me too! If i start to really laugh or am really outgoing or talkative my Husbands like oh she is manic needs more meds. I hate that can't I just be manic in peace and enjoy the high?

 

[Jeshu]

Vibrant said:
then there are the pyschotic symptoms

• hallucinations
• delusions
• grandiose delusions
• suicidal thoughts

----------------------

Are these syptoms also sometimes part of bipolar? How common are they? The reason i ask is because Saturday night my teenage son went crazy and had a major episode and the police got called and they reqested a psych evaluation on him. The Psychiatrist told me this morning that my son is bipolar and they are putting him on depakote. Then i come to find out later in the day that he is having all kinds of hallucinations and so they have to give him and anti-psychotic drug. If someone knows more about these hallucinations and how they relate to bipolar disorder or has any good links or advice i would really appreciate it. thanks!
karen

Dear Karen

• hallucinations
• delusions
• grandiose delusions
• suicidal thoughts

The above have always been a part of my mental make-up and though I'm schizo-effective, it is very normal for bipolar people to have them before and after a major episode - like your son just had. You can expect these symptoms to last for some time yet. It depends what anti-psychotic medication they are going to put him on. But depakote, the same drug I'm on, though good, will on its own not take the psychotic side of the illness away, so yes a good anti-psychotic is needed.
Watchout for the depression which will almost certainly come (usually after few months) especially because suicidal thoughts are already part of his psychological make-up. Education about bipolar is important as it is going to take your son some time to come to grips with the fact that he has a mental illness -- took me a good three years for example.

I want to wish you and your son God's strength you are more than likely going to need it.

Regards