[Igenio]

Hey,
I had a hypomanic episode about two weeks ago and my t asked me to come up with ways to prevent and stop such things when they occur again. Do any of you know how to deal with a hypomanic episode. What are the do's and don'ts

[~Christina]

Drop any caffeine.
Get yourself on a schedule and stick to it. Get up at X go to bed at X time,
If you cant sleep basically force yourself to lay there, Its often boring enough you might fall asleep.
Cardio exercise , helps burn off some of the hypo.
Eat healthy foods.
If you are on meds take them as prescribed.
Monitor your mood closely a couple times a day.
Try new hobbies to see what you can do to distract yourself.
Mindfulness

Exercise , yeah I already said that but seriously it helps.

Many Pdocs prefer to knock the Hypo down before it goes all huge and overwhelming

[HALLIEBETH87]

Strict schedule to fill your time
No caffeine
Give credit cards to someone to hold
Exercise to get energy out
Get a project to work on

[bbTofu]

Some of the don't would include;

Don't let yourself go on a sleep-less night.
Don't eat before bed.
Don't take TOO many projects.
Don't break the law.

[Ocean Swimmer]

Some other don't s
Do not drink alcohol
" ". Smoke weed
"""""" Go to bed w strangers
""""". Eat a lot of sugar
""""""" Go online shopping.
"""". Or to a bunch of stores
""""". Or cut your hair or self.
""""". Drive your car fast or long distances.

I've been manic my whole life. ( depressed too) but I know more about the pitfalls of manic
What you want is a way to stay stable and not keep going higher and higher. These activities on the do not do list are things that contribute to Psycotic mania. ( you don't want that!)
Luck &love. Maxy

Aside from the countermeasures already suggested by others:

Don't kid yourself into thinking that you're capable of mitigating or even self-diagnosing a hypomanic episode. This disease is so insidious because hypomania can be subtle and easily denied or explained away, especially by the hypomanic. It's the nature of the illness that you don't necessarily know when you're sick, let alone have the focus and presence of mind to take measures to 'prevent and stop' the sickness. Avoid stress, practice what I've seen someone on here, I think ~Christina, refer to as 'sleep hygeine', which presumably means consistent and sufficient sleep, and exercise/stretch/breathe to whatever extent you can, but never forget that you're never that far from the brink, and you can't count on your own brain to warn you when you're close. Rely on the constant analysis and assistance of professionals and the feedback of those around you whom you trust.

[Jim62]

Are you allowed to take extra meds as needed? When i become hypo-manic i always get a funny feeling in the pit of my stomach so i know it is time to take an additional anti-manic (geodon). that works for me.

[jacky8807]

.Do ppl really try to stop them lol??
I love hypo (just being honest))
I would just say get at least some sleep in

[Slowbrains]

I can stop it only by meds. Nowadays I'm more aware that i'll eventually burn myself out by staying hypo, so I'm motivated to take my meds. I know that after few days with good dose of Seroquel i'll calm down (I'm allowed to adjust dosage by myself). So far I haven't been able to lessen it by any other means, some day i hope i will. Maybe begin by checking your medication first and take them precisely?

All the selfceare mentioned here is good. Also your doc can give you anti-physchotics,
sleeping pills or tranquilizers.

[scatterbrained04]

I think getting sleep is one of the most important things to stop hypomania. So start there. Meanwhile, give the credit cards to someone to hold.