How to Avoid Mania When Hypomanic? - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

neon_dreamer · 07-29-2007, 09:03 PM

Hi everyone,

What are some things a person can do while hypomanic to avoid experiencing full blown mania?

I'm hypomanic right now and don't have an appointment with my pdoc until Friday. In the meantime, my PCP has given me samples of Ambien to help me sleep.

The last manic episode I had (last year) was quite severe and included the following symptoms: extreme confusion/irritability, auditory hallucinations, persecutory delusions, excitement, racing thoughts and rapid speech. I also didn't eat or sleep for a week.

Over the past several days I've kept to myself and have tried to keep stimulation down to a minimum since stress was part of the reason I experienced my manic episode last year.

Any suggestions?

Many thanks!

neon_dreamer

tsohl · 07-29-2007, 10:55 PM

Hello neon_dreamer,

Try to pay attention to your diet, avoiding sugars, caffeine and remembering to drink lots of water.

Try to keep stimulation to a minimum as you mentioned. If you have a quiet, soothing CD, listen to it in a quiet room and concentrate on your breathing. Have you ever practiced yoga? That is the sort of breathing that can slow down your heartbeat and calm you. You could try a teeny drop of lavendar oil on your pillow to help calm you into sleep.

Engage in some calming exercise, like yoga or walking, simple rhythmic stretches, again with deep, regular breathing. Try to ignore the urge to run around doing things!!

If none of this works, call your pdoc's office and tell them. They can tweak your meds so that you avoid going into a manic episode.

Hang in there!!
Tsohl

neon_dreamer · 07-30-2007, 09:23 AM

Tsohl,

Those are some great suggestions -- thanks so much! I especially like the idea of listening to a soothing CD.

Since the weather is beautiful here today, I plan to spend some time outdoors and go for a walk.

I'll let you know how I'm doing later today or tomorrow.

Thanks again!

Hugs,

neon_dreamer

jendg28 · 07-30-2007, 11:37 AM

Someone may have already said this, but if you can, sleep. Lack of sleep is one sure fire way of blasting me into a manic episode. Also, make sure you stay on your meds.

tsohl · 07-30-2007, 12:40 PM

You could go down to the lake shore, with your water bottle of course

, and sit on the rocks and watch the water roll in and practice your deep breathing.

Hope you have a nice, calming day.

Tsohl