[Zen888]

What are some signs or symptoms that you may be going into a manic episode? What things can bring a manic episode on?

For me I know I'm going into a manic or hypo manic episode when I require very little sleep (about 3 hrs. a night), yet I feel very energized. In fact, I feel GREAT. My self-esteem goes up. I become very enthusistic about many different projects. (I call them my causes--I've done everything from trying to get pornography off the newspaper machines in the BART stations in Nor.Calif. (rapid transit), even went on TV for that one. I sign up for everything & spend too much money (anyone need an $800.00 vacuum cleaner or gold-plated tweezers?)

What can bring an episode on is traveling where your sleep cycle is messed up, too much stimulation in your environment--like during the holidays. Stress. Some people get triggered into a mania when exposed to too much sunlight (this happens to me in the spring) or when using one of those light boxes. Everyone is unique & you need to chart your acitivities & moods to determine what triggers you to go into mania or depression & to take steps to ward off a full-blown episode.--Suzy