Bipolar disorder: Preventing manic episodes

One of the most important parts of managing a manic episode is recognizing the early warning signs. You may have unique warning signs, although many will be common among all people with bipolar illness. It is important to know your warning signs so that you can start treatment early, perhaps preventing a more severe manic episode. Charting your mood is one way you can begin to identify your patterns and symptoms.

A journal, where you can record how you feel each day, will help you recognize patterns in your mood and identify early warning signs. At about the same time every day, ask yourself, "How did I feel today?" Use a scale from –5 (depressed) to +5 (manic), with 0 being normal, and give yourself a daily score. If you have any new or different symptoms, write them down. Also note anything stressful or unusual that disrupted your routine. Did you take your medicine properly? Did you sleep well, eat regular meals, exercise, or drink alcohol? You might discover certain things that trigger a change in your mood, which can lead to more severe symptoms, and avoid those things in the future.

As you chart your mood, ask your friends and family to let you know if they notice any signs of a mood change. Record those in your mood journal as well.

Common early warning signs of a manic episode include:

• Needing less sleep.
• Being more active.
• Feeling unusually happy, irritable, or energetic.
• Making unrealistic plans or focusing intensely on a goal.
• Being easily distracted and having racing thoughts.
• Having unrealistic feelings of self-importance.
• Becoming more talkative.

Test Your Knowledge

1. Some of the early warning signs of a manic episode include feeling unusually energetic or irritable or needing less sleep.

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