Hi,
It took me a number of years and hospitalizations, but I know the early signs now. My sleep starts to change, at first just a little less sleep. My mind becomes more active. Ideas just keep popping into my head, and I start to think I can do them all. Here is where my family helps because I usually try to enlist them in my seemingly wonderful creative projects. They now know this is a red flag.

I definitely talk more and louder. I even talk to telemarketers. Here again, those around me raise the red flag on this. Oh, shopping for me. The Internet is great for this. Packages start arriving at the house non stop. I tried to hide this. But if my husband or son notice, my PDOC is notified.

I even notice I drive a little faster. I don't drink, but I start to crave wine. I think this is probably a self medication thing.

Even after writing all this, and there is more, It is hard to admit to myself I am getting Manic because in the beginning it feels so darn good. Oh another clue your judgement goes off. That is why it is hard to notice.

For me Depression happens more often and feels so so bad, I am always on the phone with my PDOC to help me.

I think with Mania and the fact one of the symptoms is your judgement becomes impaired you have to get loved ones involved. They have to know your early signs and call the PDOC for you. Because if you are like me after a bad bout of depression you don't want anyone to stop this 'wonderful' mood.

I think you are right noticing it in the beginning is very tricky.