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Mania or Something Else?

I think I've been experiencing mania, but I am not sure. I think I am in a manic state right now, because I am writing too much about mental illness. Over the last week I've written more blog entries than usual. And when I've recorded all I want to share on my blog I surf the web for other blogs to read and comment, which is not a habit, although I've come across some good blogs.
Also, I am overly excited about a couple of projects to the extent that I cannot sleep or do anything else but record my thoughts and focus on the project. I am spending too much time on the laptop, and I know it but still I engage it. Writing is very therapeutic to me. Right now it is calming my anxiousness.
 
Lastly, my mood had been up, way up, and then down and irritable because of small disappointments and this usually wouldn't effect me as much.
 
I want to know if this is a form of mania or not, and if so, how to overcome it?
 
To learn more about schizophrenia visit Embracing My Mind, NAMI, Choices in Recovery, or Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia (Canada),
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Comments

K.C. Jones said…
It could be a form of hypomania. I would make an appointment with your doctor. I used to force myself to read things slowly, which takes a lot of concentration when my mind is racing in order to help me calm down. Doing art or writing or really anything that requires concentration can be helpful.
January 13, 2013 at 9:07 PM
Unknown said…
I think you showed empathy to me in the email you sent me earlier today concerned if you had inflicted uncomfortable feelings upon me with a public concern (which you didn't by the way). Mania, as I have learned from my bipolar friend, comes with lack of empathy for people. I can't say what the rest of your week has been like nor can I give you a proper prognosis, but this example shows me you feel pains for other people, something a manic person would not do.

I would also like to state that my bipolar friend who has many manic episodes isn't a bad person because he sometimes lacks empathy or doesn't care about his friend's concerns or problems. He realizes this is an issue and is considerably concerned for himself during these manic periods. Even manic with limited empathy he is still a wonderful human being with a great conscience.
January 13, 2013 at 9:36 PM
Ashley Smith said…
I also failed to mention that I've had moments like this before. An incidence that I can remember was when I was starting Embracing My Mind in 2009- I worked on its website non-stop and published it about two weeks after I started the online network.

In addition to that, there are other factors that may contribute to this experience- PMS, disagreements with my partner, and poor sleeping habits, which may explain the irritability, but not the upward feeling; or it can altogether be a rare moment of frenzy.


Hi K.C. Jones,
Thank you for your insight. I do have an appointment with my doctor in a little over a week when I can ask questions and get his opinion. I think I can hold out until then because despite these out of the ordinary moments, I am not hurting anybody. I will tell my doctor about this.


Samantha,
Thank you for sharing your knowledge of mania. Again our own experience coupled with an understanding of our peer's experience is very beneficial to getting a better understanding of mental health related concerns.


Thank you both for answering my question.
January 14, 2013 at 1:47 AM
Tour Guide said…
It was interesting you said the writing calmed anxiety. Maybe the anxiety is the problem, not the mania? Anyway, just food for thought. On the plus side, your writing on my blog has helped me a lot. Thanks for that.
January 14, 2013 at 10:17 AM
Ashley Smith said…
Tour Guide,

I did not consider my anxiety as the root of the problem, but now your making me analyze this possibility- thank you.
January 14, 2013 at 10:56 AM
bkbug said…
Ashley, you seem to be describing what I just went through last week. It has since taken a nose dive the opposite way. I don't think I have any anxiety because of anything that I know of. I've had these "episodes" once and a while over the last several years. I'll be interested to see what your doctor says. Hypomania could be the answer. Now what do we do about that if so?
January 15, 2013 at 11:15 PM
Ashley Smith said…
bkbug,

Thank you for sharing the fact that you can relate to me in this strange ride of moods. I will try to provide an update after my visit with the doctor.
January 16, 2013 at 4:08 AM
Anonymous said…
I have been told by a medical professional that over-the-counter cold/cough medicines can cause neurological imbalances.I used to get sick a lot in my early life, and used Robitussin,NyQuil etc...I think this contributed to my own Manic Episode, "Addict Personality Defects",and illict drug abuse. While "Cleaning up" I tried many antidepressant types also. I'm not sure if the legal/illegal drugs are to blame, or if I was born predisposed to mental illness and the drugs triggered mental illness? I experience very similar symptoms as you have described Ashley.And sadly once the imbalance is initiated there is no cure...
January 16, 2013 at 7:39 PM
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