Question about Mania and Manic Depression - what is Mania like?

Question

I've suffered from depression on and off for about 6 years, and have been treated a few times for this.
I'm starting to wonder if I have manic depression. My lows usually last a few months, then I'll feel fine for a few months.
When I'm good, I feel great - I'm socialable, happy, party animal. i get loads of things done, well I start loads. I want to be moving all the time - its like the blood in my body is on fire, I want to be going something. I want to party, and drink and smoke and go wild. I'm brilliant like this, I feel so much fun. but it is frustrating, as no one keeps up- its like time drags, the world moves slowly but I want it to go as fast as my thoughts.
Can anyone shed some light on this?

I am far more sexual and I suppose I am taking more risks.
I'm trying really hard to control these feelings, but I'm struggling.
is there anyway to beat this alone, or do I have to see my doctor?
My husbands dad is bi polar, so hubby hates talking about this, and won't accept that i might be ill

Thanks for the help :)

I was raped 6 years ago, that triggered my first depressive spell.
My official diagnosise was clinical depression and generalised anxiety disorder.
Depression is horrid, suicidal at times. Can't do anything, can't sleep, work, wash, dress, talk to people, have panic attacks, suicial thoughts, just want to die basically.
I've not ever mentioned this 'up' side to my doctor, it usually just flips one day - i always end up walking out of treatment cos I'm all better suddenly.

Answer 1

You're not manic depressive at all. You were raped and are suffering from PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). Rape victims often have feelings of self-hatred and shame about the event and therefore act out in unusual behavior patterns. What you describe as a 'high' sounds like self-destructive behavior. Are you also doing drugs and engaging in risky sexual behavior? Please find yourself a really good therapist that has worked with rape victims in the past. You should also try to take part in a rape support group. It'll be hard at first to really dig into those feelings, but keep your focus on the future.

Answer 2

My friend had manic depression and was medicated but still had "episodes" now & then, go into a facility get her medication sorted & return to us in a "normal" state.
Her depressions were so deep she would not get out of bed for days at a time. Her teeth became decayed as she didnt clean them or shower.
Her manic stage had her washing the walls of the house & sweeping the gutters clear of gravel outside her home. Spending money she didnt have on useless items. Every item in her drawers was folded with the seams perfectly aligned.
She could go from one to the other in a blink of an eye. One day they found her car left in the street with the door still open, she had "lost it" while driving, got out & walked home.
I know this condition can be different for different people but if you have any symptoms get them checked - the medication does work! Seek a 2nd opinion if necessary - dont let it get on top of you and ask for help if you need it.

Answer 3

Mania doesn't feel like anything, really. For me, the only thing I noticed was that people around me were really slow and dumb.

The reality was that I was running at 200%. Pressured, rapid speech, grand plans, new projects that never went anywhere, short attention span, massive risk taking and hypersexuality, crazy spending, living on next to no sleep but feeling permanently alert.

So in that respect, you certaily sound as though you have experienced mania. You need to document it in a mood diary and show it to your psychiatrist.

You should be aware that if you have a predisposition to bipolar, it can be triggered by anti-depressants. Did your manic episodes follow teratment for depression?

Answer 4

Beauty,

You really need to speak with a doctor if you feel you are manic depressive aka bipolar. This is a very serious condition that reputable doctors will only diagnose if they can trace the symptoms thoroughly. Rightfully so, as the medication and psychotherapy plans for bipolar disorder are as complex as the condition itself.

I can go into anicdotes and personal experiences of how the condition effected me, but it's pointless, untill you get diagnosed. I would strongly suggest that you seek guidence from your general practitionor or a trusted pyschiatrist and get a firm diagnosis on whether or not you are bipolar, before you jump to any conclusions.

If you are bipolar, it's going to take an agressive medication management plan in addition to intense psychotherapy to control it. Before you go that route, let a trusted pro give you a diagnosis.

Cheers and good luck

Answer 5

When I'm manic I mess my life up just as much as I do when I'm depressed, I just enjoy it more. Seriously, when I'm manic I alienate friends and family, put myself into dangerous situations, spend too much money, start huge projects, get overwhelmed and drop them etc. I'm not sure which is worse for my life, but I guess if I'm going to be screwing it up anyway, I might as well be smiling.

Answer 6

Geez. Sorry about the tragedy. But mine is characterized by staying up for excessive amounts of time. Like 40 hours straight. Overly sexed.
You sound very much like myself. I just started taking a new prescription (for me) Lamactil? something like that. It seems to be working fine. The doctor said in about a week she will put me on Ritalin? hopefully that'll do it. Good luck to you. And don't be afraid to ask for help, whether from a doc or a friend. I find it helps to talk off some of the anxiety.

Answer 7

Yep, you described it perfectly. Mania will make you feel better, youll feel high, like youll have alot of energy and youll get alot done. Youre on top of the world and you cant do enough. Your mind is working faster than your body. You want to do something right NOW, you dont want to wait, youll feel impatient.

BUT THEN, the depression will hit, and it lasts longer than you want it to.

Id talk to a doc and try some meds again. And your hubby needs to accept it.

Answer 8

You sound like you are bi polar. My foster son is bi polar and has mania episodes, like eating little or lot, on fire can not be still, thoughts race, he thinks at times that he has super powers, he is also ADHD.He sees a doctor monthly and therapist weekly. Please get help. Do not try to self medicate, go to a doctor, and listen to him or her and take your meds. God bless you and good luck. The reason that you feel better is that you are doing what is right for you. Do not stop your treatment you have to continue it all the time, like any other illness what the treatment is will make you better, but if you had cancer you would know that just because you feel better that you can not stop treatment. Please get help, sorry your hubby is not supporting you, but you have to do this for you. Please. Lost one family member to this disease that why we are trying to help our foster son.

Answer 9

I have Hypermaina or (Manic Depression) I have been coping with it for 22yrs. It is a very complicated thing to explain. It is in fact a disease -" Dis ease" Not every-body has the same experiences, look it up on the net, I checked it out, I think you will get a better idea of whats going on with you .

Answer 10

a manic depessive has very sudden moods swing from feeling on top of the world to gravely depressed. you do seem to have some tendances of manic depression. seasonal changes play a big part in depression for instance suffer's S.a.d. . There is lots of information and support for you on the internet youre not on youre own ......