[bluematador]

The mania begins. Ideas race through my mind. I want to write a book, start a health center, volunteer,paint some pictures,make a film and create my own recipes. I start to feel a kind of affection for everyone. I smile and talk to strangers like they are old friends. I have to remember that's this is the honeymoon period when everything seems possible and I have not lost complete control. Next comes the delusional.thinking and reckless behavior. I will start climbing trees in the rain, spending money on antique furs and Persian carpets. I will wear cashmere dresses and metallic lipstick. I will buy books on beekeeping and electric cars. I am frightened of this mania.I can't seem to stop it.I am taking my medication but it doesn't seem to be working. During my last Manichean episode I entered a state of psychosis.I became convinced my ancestors were calling me back to the dream time. I took 2 bottles of anticonvulsants, half a bottle of dilaudid, and a bottle of maxalt. I ended up spending three weeks in the hospital.

[RapidFlyer]

Have you considered calling your PDoc or T hotline or after office numbers if you have any? it might help you avoid a trip to the psych ward.

That's what I do when I get like this and I am aware of it.

It's always better to call in for early intervention when dealing with mania. The longer it goes on for the harder it can be to treat.

And your story sounds extremely familiar to me. I know it's a scary place and a scary feeling. Last time I "had" little people hiding in my closest and following me around in public, this lasted for months. Just try to do the things you know to keep safe. Make a call to your pdoc, try to make sure you are getting sleep.

And keep us posted ok? Hopefully this will not end like last time.

[bluematador]

I'm going to call tomorrow when the office opens. I'm trying to halt this progression earlier this time but I'm not sure how. I am forcing myself to sleep regular hours but the mind won't stop racing. Once the mania takes it's course I go into complete denial and lose all sense of judgement. The little people hiding in the closet sounds scary.

Originally Posted by Anika

It's always better to call in for early intervention when dealing with mania. The longer it goes on for the harder it can be to treat.

And your story sounds extremely familiar to me. I know it's a scary place and a scary feeling. Last time I "had" little people hiding in my closest and following me around in public, this lasted for months. Just try to do the things you know to keep safe. Make a call to your pdoc, try to make sure you are getting sleep.

And keep us posted ok? Hopefully this will not end like last time.

It's unfortunate but I find there isn't as many tools for stopping mania as depression. Aside from working out the meds and sleep, using safety measures.

Things like not having access to all your money, or dangerous amounts of medication ect. Do you live alone? I do, but when I am manic I need people around me a whole lot more, to help keep me grounded and safe. Even if it's having a relative or friend come over. Also doing simple things like puzzles, distraction. That does help sometimes.

I don't know about your meds, but ativan or the like can help to slow things down a bit, if you are prescribed that. Also avoiding things like caffine. I'm sure you know this, just gentle reminders.

The little people were very scary to me. I had even convinced myself that if I had pictures of monkey's in every room , this would keep me safe. Feeling like the monkey's could be my protectors. I get psychosis quite a bit when manic. So just so you know your not alone.

Anyways, your call to the Pdoc is the first step in halting the progression, so you're doing the right thing. Sometimes it's really hard to make that call, for numerous reasons, especially when manic.

[Moose72]

Hugs! What you wrote is not unfamiliar. Never thought of monkeys in each room though.