There's a pattern to my manic phases - I develop a very strong desire to spend money. I'm not leaving my address in case someone decides to fly over to hang around waiting for my next manic phase. I'm usually very careful with how I spend money, so the desire to spend is immediately noticed by family members.

My garage is full of agricultural equipment arising from one of my splurges. Another time it was clothes. Most recently I went through spending ideas faster than I have ever done before: first it was a new house, then a wooden chalet in the Ardennes, then a motorbike, then a 4x4 and finally, phew!, surveillance cameras. I bought and had installed the cameras without telling anyone, knowing that I would be quizzed as to it's rationale. I didn't want anyone to know that I often experience auditory hallucinations; people standing in my drive talking or playing a radio. The cameras allow me to check whether anyone is really there. Is that sad or is that sad?

My psychiatrist suggested that I refer any impulses to spend more than €500 to my ex wife who remains a great friend. But that is so rational. Rational thinking goes out the window when I'm manic. Thanks for listening.