Gioia: I'm feeling very alone and scared of what I'm capable of on a high. I know I need to seek medical help, am in process of sorting all this, but just want to know if anyone else has difficulty in this area.

Hello Gioia,
It's my understanding that like overspending, hypersexuality, promiscuity and risky sexual choices can be part of the behaviors seen in a manic episode. On the flip side, any regret and shame may later become part of a depressive episode.

You seem to recognize that your behavior is linked to mania and that your marital relationship is at risk. These impulses may pass with treatment but you will likely be left to deal with some fallout in terms of your marital relationship.

It would probably be helpful if you could find a way of stopping your behavior until you have received treatment and are stable once more. Any permanent decisions regarding your marriage would probably be better addressed at that time as opposed to in the midst of a hypomanic or manic episode. If you don't think you'll be capable of ending your extra-marital relationships, you could consider voluntarily entering a hospital as a means of trying to protect your marriage.

These links may also be helpful:

- Acting on Impulse

- Confronting Mania's Secret Symptom: Opening the Door on Hypersexuality

- marriagebuilders.com

Best of luck to you and your husband.