[ceramichornets]

Hello, all. I have bipolar type 2 and am currently in a manic episode that has been going on for approximately 3ish days. I can't seem to slow down my speech, have delusional thinking, am yelling at people for no reason other than to feel the energy bubble out of me, and am incredibly irritated. I'm snapping at my boyfriend over literally nothing and embarrassing him in front of people. I'm aware of what I'm doing, but for some reason I feel like I can't stop myself. I don't know what to do.

There isn't a lot of info on the web for how to relieve oneself from manic episodes, so I was hoping those with experience with the disease might be able to help. I can't exercise because a few medical, physical conditions are at their worst right now, and I can't properly express myself in a creative way. They were my two go-to's for days like this.

Any ideas?

[lunaticfringe]

Definitely make sure you're getting plenty of sleep and taking meds as prescribed. I'd say stay away from alcohol and other recreational stuff. Eat regularly and focus on self care. See your therapist and go to support groups. Get a med adjustment perhaps. Fighting manic symptoms is a constant struggle for me these days so I can relate. Sometimes no matter how well you're taking care of yourself the symptoms break through. It's really a daily battle but if you're really diligent with self care you may be able to tackle it. If worse comes to worst you could always check yourself into the hospital for a little while and get straightened out.

[czarina1984]

Last time I was manic I found that being in the dark really helped. I also wore earplugs to stop sound. By shutting down two of your senses it provides less stimulation for your brain to feed on.

Avoiding things/situations/tasks that have shown themselves in the past to tend towards being frustrating for you. It's probably an obvious one, but for myself, until I consciously did this, I'd stubbornly try to do it anyway(!) Which inevitably caused me to launch.

And distraction. Maybe watching funny shows or movies. It can help draw you out of your head (if your thoughts are tending to fuel the agitation). And it doesn't require interaction. Interaction is so hard when agitated. Well, positive interaction anyway...

[~Christina]

Hot showers.. They can often burn out some of my manic-y anger and whatnot. Meditation and mindfulness.

Hope your feeling better soon.

[Lunaysol24]

I just think it's hard to control and some medications like Clonazapan and Lamictal help me. I like to just not care because the rumination is too much to bear. Wondering about everyone around me.

[ceramichornets]

Originally Posted by lunaticfringe

Definitely make sure you're getting plenty of sleep and taking meds as prescribed. I'd say stay away from alcohol and other recreational stuff. Eat regularly and focus on self care. See your therapist and go to support groups. Get a med adjustment perhaps. Fighting manic symptoms is a constant struggle for me these days so I can relate. Sometimes no matter how well you're taking care of yourself the symptoms break through. It's really a daily battle but if you're really diligent with self care you may be able to tackle it. If worse comes to worst you could always check yourself into the hospital for a little while and get straightened out.

I would do all of that, but sadly I can't get in touch with my doctor and thus I've been off meds for about four months now. I don't have a therapist because I can't afford it but I'm still actively searching for support groups in my area.

I know what you mean. Thanks for the advice!

[ceramichornets]

Thanks for the tips, everyone! I'm going to tuck this away for future use.

[quasicrystalline]

Sleep as much as you possibly can! I cannot emphasize that enough. Sleeping pills or not, just make sure you're sleeping. I say this because sleep is the difference between functional mania and "I've checked into the Twilight Zone" mania for me.

During the daytime, try to expend as much energy as you can. Go for a walk. Exercise. Go on a cleaning binge. Pick up a new hobby you've always wanted to. Try to harness all that energy in a productive, safe way. Distractibility does get to be an issue at times with this, but I find it's better than trying to sit still.

[manicattack]

Originally Posted by ceramichornets

Hello, all. I have bipolar type 2 and am currently in a manic episode that has been going on for approximately 3ish days. I can't seem to slow down my speech, have delusional thinking, am yelling at people for no reason other than to feel the energy bubble out of me, and am incredibly irritated. I'm snapping at my boyfriend over literally nothing and embarrassing him in front of people. I'm aware of what I'm doing, but for some reason I feel like I can't stop myself. I don't know what to do.

There isn't a lot of info on the web for how to relieve oneself from manic episodes, so I was hoping those with experience with the disease might be able to help. I can't exercise because a few medical, physical conditions are at their worst right now, and I can't properly express myself in a creative way. They were my two go-to's for days like this.

Any ideas?

I used to exercise. Walking, running, going to the gym. Physically exhausting myself was sometimes the only way to shut myself up (inside my head).

These days I write. Or read. Or knit/crochet. If it's nice out, I'll go for a walk or do yard work.

Now that the snow is melting, I can't wait to rake leaves to exhaust my mania.