My dad struggles with type I bipolar disorder. He is diagnosed and is prescribed to lithium. Most of the time my dad is able to stay balanced, but every now and then he has manic episodes followed by a period of depression. His episodes are often triggered by life changes. Also, he usually experiences a mild manic phase at the beginning of spring/summer.
Recently, I’ve noticed my father has slipped into a manic episode. I think the triggers were a combination of the change in season, his new romantic relationship, and my sister’s college graduation. I spent last weekend with him in Winona for the graduation. Over the weekend, I took note of his manic or unusual behaviors and also had conversations with him about his struggles.
One thing I noticed was my dad seemed constantly restless and seemed to have an extremely high energy level consistently throughout the day.
• He was frequently tapping his feet or fiddling with his fingers
• He could not sit still very long and when waiting he would get up and walk around
• He also struggled to get sleep, he went to bed late and got up early both days

Another thing I noticed was that my dad was very impulsive:
• He bought a 400 dollar video camera and tripod to film the graduation
• He told me he started a music business called Heart to Hart incorporated and had already gotten a business visa card
• One morning he got up early to go to a garage sale where he ended up buying 10 miscellaneous items
• Before leaving he picked up an old torn up dresser on the side of the rode that he said he wanted to repair.
He also seemed to lose his sense of social boundaries and awareness. He seemed to have lost his theory of mind:
• Almost all of his conversations were based on his perspective and train of thought, and he would dominate the conversation without leaving room for feedback from the other person.
• He would drag on conversations without picking up on cues that a person wanted to end the conversation
• He would often violate the personal space comfort level by getting too close to people
• He would engage in conversations with strangers that made them feel awkward
• He did not have a strong content filter and would talk about certain things that weren’t appropriate to discuss with certain people
• He would randomly sing songs in public and do stretches
My father also displayed changes in overall personality and identity. He shaved his beard and started dressing differently. His interest for everyday things drastically increased, and he also became very passionate about making music and writing poetry (he would also get way to into songs during car rides). He told me he knows people think he’s weird but he doesn’t care because he is finally being himself.
It is difficult seeing my dad go through these struggles. It is challenging because I know there is a part of my dad that enjoys being this way, and there are limitations in what I can do because I can’t force him to do things. In this state of mind he does not take advice very well, and he is easily upset if your way of thinking goes against his. However, out of my family members, my dad seems to be the least defensive towards me. He doesn’t think I’m just trying to “pop his bubble” but often places some value in the things I say. I try my best to help him understand his unhealthy behaviors and work on changing them. After the weekend I convinced my dad to go into the doctor to get an adjustment for his medication. I’m trying my best to help him work on strategies that will help him identify his own unhealthy behaviors so he can maintain control during his episodes.