It's unfortunate but I find there isn't as many tools for stopping mania as depression. Aside from working out the meds and sleep, using safety measures.

Things like not having access to all your money, or dangerous amounts of medication ect. Do you live alone? I do, but when I am manic I need people around me a whole lot more, to help keep me grounded and safe. Even if it's having a relative or friend come over. Also doing simple things like puzzles, distraction. That does help sometimes.

I don't know about your meds, but ativan or the like can help to slow things down a bit, if you are prescribed that. Also avoiding things like caffine. I'm sure you know this, just gentle reminders.

The little people were very scary to me. I had even convinced myself that if I had pictures of monkey's in every room , this would keep me safe. Feeling like the monkey's could be my protectors. I get psychosis quite a bit when manic. So just so you know your not alone.

Anyways, your call to the Pdoc is the first step in halting the progression, so you're doing the right thing. Sometimes it's really hard to make that call, for numerous reasons, especially when manic.