Help qusetions about hypomania/mania

[lovelulu]

I have no idea what been going on with me for these past 2-ish weeks—but they've been closest to the symptoms of hypomania/mania. But of course, im not trying to self diagnose at all. I have a therapy appointment coming up, so I believe I'll mention all of this to her. Anyway, When you're in hypomania/mania, can you be aware that you are? But my biggest question is this: My symptoms are not as severe as they would in mania compared to hypomania, but its been lasting way longer than hypomania usually would. Of course I could just be wrong and this could be something totally different—but also I've been told by many people that I seem very bipolar/have lots of symptoms of bipolar. But again, I dont want to self diagnose...

 

[LostHighway]

I had hypomania due to a reaction to a new medication. I knew I had it. I liked it, but I knew it was unsustainable. AND I knew I was driving my loved ones nuts. It was exhausting for them. They picked up on my pressured speech, giddy enthusiasm and desire to do new things (which is good if it comes from a stable place), and talkativeness.

 

[whitetaildeer]

I'm professionally diagnosed w/ bipolar, so I might be able to weigh in here. Usually with manic episodes, I've never been able to tell that I'm manic; at best, I know something is wrong, and it gnaws at me, but I can never pin down that it's a manic episode. The same goes for depressive and even mixed episodes. It takes someone from the outside looking in to help me realize I'm—putting it generously—off my fucking rocker.

You've mentioned therapy, so I'd assume you have learned to become more self-aware of yourself and your emotions through it. I can totally see someone in therapy and/or on medication knowing what's going on with them. Definitely talk to your therapist about this. Best of luck.

 

[instormdrains]

I had depressive psychosis I dont think I was ever manic and psychosis isnt exactly the same thing but I was aware that I was psychotic as I was going through it

 

[ladybird jones drew]

You can definitely be aware of where you're at manic/depressive-wise. I stop to ask myself a couple times a day where I'm at on the scale (1 - 10). Sometimes my feelings give my actions context (ie I'm feeling above a 5 today - that explains why I was social this morning) and sometimes my actions can illuminate my feelings (ie I just spent a lot of money or made decisions - am I in a manic phase or is this a coincidence of life's circumstances?).
I've lived with bipolar for a while now. Being able to recognize where I'm at and understand the rhythm of my mood has helped with managing it.
Good luck! Mania is a challenge to reign in.