#118: Summer is High Time for Mania

FROM THIS SHOW…

What do you think of most when you think of the summertime? Is it the beach? Or some good ‘ole family barbeque? Do you think of when you first fell in love? Or are you just incredibly thankful that you don’t have to shovel your driveway at 5 o’clock in the morning for at least another 5 months?

For most people, summer can’t wait. But for those with bipolar disorders, the long warm days signal that time of year when all hell can break loose, in the form of bipolar manias.

On today’s episode of The Bipolar Now Podcast, Mike shares a strategy he uses to stay one step ahead of disaster. It’s an easy formula to remember year round, since manic episodes can also pounce in the colder months.

You don’t want to miss this show filled with surprise stories and big takeaways!

Listen to the podcast:

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TAKEAWAYS

• There are at least two types of clinically recognized bipolar mania. One is called “full-blown mania” and the other is known as “hypomania”. Full-blown episodes can completely disable a person, whereas hypomania can actually enhance performance, temporarily.

• Bipolar disorder is syndrome-like in that it causes (generally) the same symptoms and generates the same stories across the population, no matter who you are or what your personality is like.

• Summer’s influence on manic symptoms is undeniable and therefore several precautions must be taken, like protecting your sleep health during these warm and stimulating months.

Lifer Discussion Guide

Use the questions in today’s Lifer Guide to assist you over any hurdles you may have to clear as you address your mental health. These are special conversations!

“Lifers” are people who have unwavering faithfulness. This assures you that they’ll stick by you through all the highs and lows that are normal for a life with mental health challenges. If you haven’t nominated a lifelong family member or friend as part of your non-medical support team, what are you waiting for? :-)

The Questions:

1) What are some of your earliest memories of summertime? / What did your family do?

2) Can you remember what month or season it was when you first experienced a bipolar manic episode? / What did you think was going on?

3) Have you had several manic episodes, or just one or two? / Which one sticks out to you the most and why?

4) How much of a plan do you have in place for when symptoms of mania arise?

5) How consistently are you sleeping? / And if not well then what do you plan to do about it?

6) Where could you go to learn more about manic triggers and symptoms?

7) Do you believe this is an area of your mental health that you can get better at? / Why or why not?

Join the Tribe!

Once you’ve had a chance to talk or journal about these things you might have a question from this episode. If so, make sure you head on over to The Bipolar Now Podcast Network on Facebook! There’s quite a few people over there who are also taking a new step in their mental health. And we’d love for you to share your story with us when you’re ready. So don’t miss out!