I'm new to PsychCentral, so cut me some slack on this one...I'm sure it's been addressed many times:

I'm just coming down of about a month of manic/hypomanic action. It seems fun when you're in the midst of it, but coming back to earth is very difficult. I've been off the hook for quite some time because I BSed my pdoc enough to stay out of the hospital; seemed like a good idea at the time, but my lack of impulse control during that period was costly -- the bills are coming due -- in the form of personal relationships, that is.

In addition to being BP1, I'm also a recovering alcoholic, so I know what it's like to apologize for things I've said & done during drinking black-outs. Although I've been sober nine years, I still remember what it's like to have to apologize for things I don't remember...it's a pretty humbling experience.

With my mania/hypomania, however, I remember everything I said & wrote during the past month (to the best of my recollection, that is). I've burned a lot of bridges as a result. They were "things that seemed like a good idea at the time," but now that I'm coming down to earth, I'm examining the wreckage I left in my wake. Oh, man! The hurt & guilt I feel right now is pretty consuming. In retrospect, the drinking black-outs almost seem a blessing, as you at least have the excuse that you don't remember anything -- an amnesic blessing, of sorts. I don't have that luxury with my BP, though...

I know many of you have experienced the same thing, so I guess I'm just looking for a sense of perspective at this point. To paraphrase momma, mania's "alot of fun until someone puts an eye out." Similar experiences? I'd like to hear them.