When I was manic, the only thing that completely kept me from losing my mind (at first) was writing. I had to write and write and write and WRITE all of those racing thoughts I had. It kept me somewhat grounded. I think it was my version of how you guys obsessively listen to music. Once I started, I had to seriously MAKE myself stop.

Sorry for just jumping in on that. It's not very important. Just thought it was interesting.

I had a mini meltdown in the hospital when they wouldn't let me write in my room (no pens... might stab my eyeballs out or something, you know). After they took my pen away I spent about an hour ripping out notebook paper (notebook paper without wire of course) and crumbling it up and throwing it all over my room. Luckily I had a nice nurse who kind of bent the rules for me and gave me an hour allotted time with a pen.

And then later I got a marker. They were fine with me having that alone in my room.