Extreme Changes in Moods? Early Stage of Hypomania

TW heavy description of hypomania

Good evening 🍋8️⃣ residents,

How are you doing today? I hope you’re well. Been a while since our last bipolar talk so I thought I’d have one with you and today is about hypomania!

Mania and hypomania are two distinct types of episodes, but they have the same symptoms. Mania is more severe than hypomania and causes more noticeable problems at work, school and social activities, as well as relationship difficulties. Mania may also trigger a break from reality (psychosis) and require hospitalization. Hypomania may be lighter, but that doesn’t mean it’s not painful.

These are some of the early symptoms and how to prevent them💕

1) decreased need for sleep

This is also related to having racing thoughts and ideas in your head that forces you to work all night doing the ‘thing that must be done’. It can go for days and the crash/depression right after can be debilitating.

2) exaggerated self-confidence and grandiosity

When I experience hypomania, I feel like everyone is jealous of me because I am smart and beautiful. No, actually I AM the smartest and the most beautiful! But the reality is I haven’t slept in three days and I last brushed my teeth two weeks ago😂

3) poor decision-making

I have moved several times in Japan alone, and changed psychiatrists around seven times. Even now I am not sure where and when I am making poor decisions, but from what my doctors have observed I certainly have.

Bipolar disorder is hell to live with, but gaining control over your mood swings is so worth it even if it takes years, if not decades.

3 ways to lessen the consequences/severity of hypomania are:-

1- have strong support system to manage your finances

My best friend & parents always ask for receipts/proof of my rent payment. I am so grateful for them for the support.

2- See a therapist

Sometimes bipolar individuals need someone to talk to about their problems before they resort to rash decisions that could leave permanent damage. Seeing a therapist doesn’t mean your problems will be solved, but it offers more perspectives on how to deal with it.

3- have a night routine

Bipolar individuals don’t need a lot of sleep as they’re usually active people in general (I am rephrasing what my doctor says) but everyone needs HIGH QUALITY SLEEP! My night routine that lets me sleep peacefully is calling my best friend before sleep 🤗🩵

Are you an impulsive person?👻

#Lemon8Diary #bipolardisorder #bipolar #mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthjourney #mentalhealthawareness #BadExperience #NotRecommended #selfdevelopment