It is interesting how when we get a break from depression and start to feel well again, feel like ourselves again, care about things again..... we worry a little we might be cycling into mania. 'Am I manic or is this a good place? It feels like a good place. I like how I feel right now.' I can so relate to wondering the same thing when I get a break from the depression.

Perhaps if you are really concerned you may be cycling into some type of mania you need to be especially attentive to things that might open the door.

For me that means trying harder to stick to a regular sleep pattern, watch my diet a little more closely, pay attention to the speed of my movements, any other changes that I have identified over the years as indicators.

I think I have managed to hold off mania or at least reduced it to some degree by being especially mindful when I am on the up swing so it doesn't catch me by surprise.

Without obsessing about the possibility of mania I try to take special self care to not feed into it by skipping sleep or forgetting to eat or letting myself work too long without a break. I guess my lesson is to lessen the concern about mania by ensuring I don't set myself up for it or fall into the patterns that feed mania.

Enjoy each day with gladness. Wishing you well.