Pre-medication, books used to do this sort of thing to me all the time. Not so much so now. But here's the thing: handled and channeled rightly, I think what you are describing can actually be a good thing. Get a hold of Caroline Myss "Sacred Contracts". If the Messiah archetype holds that powerful a draw for you, it might hold important lessons.

I think our mania pulls us into a sense of self-importance, and this leaves us open for a shadow bond with the archetypes. I have a powerful bond with the Knight, for example. Renaissance fair? I'm there. New movie about King Arthur or the crusades? Where does the line start? Community theater doing "Man of La Mancha?" I'm volunteering as an usher so I can see it every night.

Point being: my mania led me into a very destructive relationship in which I thought I was going to "save" someone. Ignore the verbal abuse. She just needs her loyal knight to stand by her, and love her unconditionally.

6 years, 2 kids, 2 mental health hospitalizations, and a divorce later....I think you get the picture. "Aldonza" is still "Aldonza" and she ain't magically turning into "Dulcinea".

So much for the shadow bond. Do we just take to our beds like Don Quixote? Or is there something that goes beyond the shadow bond? Something that nudges me out of bed, even when the depression and agoraphobia are at their worst? Something that takes one look at the huge pile of rehab paperwork - then another at the church calendar - then repeats Henry V's pep talk to his troops at Agincourt? And coaches as I forge through it all?

Something that whispers "Mercy and Courtesy" (Knightly virtues) when I want to scream and rant at some inconsiderate driver? Or suppose a "chatty Cathy" comes around, offering sympathy - and obviously hoping I'll cough up some gossip about my ex. That voice whispers "Until the divorce is final - she's still your 'Lady' - and she will always be the mother of your children."

Oh, I'm rambling. But I hope that gives you something to think about.