Shelbee Says…Recognizing the Dangers of Spring Mania

May 13, 2018 / 22 Comments

Recognizing the Dangers of Spring Mania

*Originally printed in the Spring Issue of Resilientista Magazine.

Did you know that approximately 51 million people worldwide suffer from Bipolar Disorder? With a population that large, surely almost everyone knows someone with a Bipolar diagnosis. If you do not suffer personally, it could be a co-worker, a relative, a friend, or even your spouse. Living with Bipolar Disorder, whether you suffer from it yourself or someone close to you does, presents a unique set of challenges with the changing of the seasons.

Many people, even those not afflicted with an official diagnosis of mental illness, are familiar with seasonal affective disorder, a change in mood that occurs during the Winter months when the hours of daylight are significantly reduced. The amount of Vitamin D absorbed by our bodies during longer hours of daylight has a proven impact on our moods. When the amount of Vitamin D is drastically reduced due to less sun exposure, it is not uncommon for feelings of depression to sneak up on us. Oftentimes, adding Vitamin D supplements to our diets during the Winter can be all it takes to ease the symptoms of the Winter blues. Once Springtime arrives, the symptoms of depression quickly disappear.

However, for people with Bipolar Disorder, the Winter blues are more severe than that. The lack of sunshine, the shorter hours of daylight, the inability to get outside and experience the benefits of fresh air and exercise take a major toll on the Bipolar brain creating an environment that is perfect for fostering a deep depressive state. For a person with a simple case of Winter blues, the arrival of Spring and longer hours of daylight is all it takes to ease the depressed mood that set in during the Winter months. But for a person with Bipolar Disorder, the effects of Spring bring a much more drastic change, one that can actually become quite dangerous.

As a person cycles from a deep depression into a dramatic state of mania, they begin to feel invincible. Their energy levels increase, there is a significant rise in their daily productivity, and they require less sleep. All of these seemingly positive symptoms contribute to elevating an already elevated mood. There is a major misconception that mania is a good thing because it can feel really quite amazing especially in contrast to the deep Winter depression from which you just emerged. And to an observer, all they see is a very happy person where a depressed one once stood. However, there are many dangers involved in manic episodes.

A little known fact about mania and Bipolar Disorder is that more suicide attempts occur during a manic episode than during a depressive state. When a person is feeling so energized, they can often get on such a high that it becomes difficult to come back down to a steady state. Sleep deprivation can often occur which begins to lead to anxiety and physical exhaustion. And when the body needs rest that the mind won’t permit, this often leads to thoughts of suicide as the only means to come down from that high. Suicide attempts occur and are often successful because a person in a manic is state is much more willing and ready to take action than a depressed person.

10 Symptoms Indicating a Manic Episode

*It is important for both the Bipolar patient as well as their loved ones to be able to recognize when mania is occurring.

1. Dramatically increased energy levels.
2. Higher levels of motivation.
3. Increased productivity.
4. Feelings of elation and extreme happiness all of the time.
5. Requiring much less sleep than normal.
6. Requiring much less food than normal.
7. Speech becomes very fast and often scattered.
8. Thoughts become erratic and uncontrollable.
9. Behaviors become careless and often reckless.
10. Irritability sets in which will ultimately cycle back around to depression.

5 Tips for Managing Mania

1. Learn to recognize the triggers and symptoms and avoid them if possible. These are unique to each individual.
2. If taking psychotropic medications, continue taking them as prescribed. It is too common for a person to discontinue medications because they are feeling great.
3. Maintain a regular sleep schedule ensuring that the body is getting a sufficient amount of rest.
4. Practice a regular exercise regimen, eat a balanced diet, and stick to a routine.
5. Have an action plan in place and a support network available in the event that the manic episodes get out of control.

If you or a loved one is in crisis, please contact your local crisis center or emergency room immediately.

Do you know anyone who suffers from Bipolar Disorder? Have you discovered other coping mechanisms that could help a person who is in a manic episode? Any experience shared is an experience that could benefit someone else.

Keeping it on the edge,

Shelbee

Linking up with these Fabulous Link Ups.

*Photos by Sarissa Melissa Photography.

 

I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.

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22 Comments

  • Maria | passion fruit, paws and peonies

    May 14, 2018 at 11:36 am Reply

    So interesting! I keep hearing about the side effects from the lack of Vitamin D. Most English are in Spring and it takes ages to build back up. I’ve been eating butter for months and I honestly think it’s helped me with my own issues. We really aren’t designed to be tucked in the shade are we!? xx

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 14, 2018 at 12:28 pm Reply

      Maria, I am telling you I really felt the effects this winter. I just had blood work done for my hormone issues and had them check my Vitamin D levels as well. I am waiting now for my appointment next week to discuss the results. It is crazy how the seasons can affect us, then add a mental health issue to the mix and you may have some serious problems. Thanks so much for reading and commenting.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Gigi Kiersten

    May 14, 2018 at 7:12 pm Reply

    Thanks for this very informative post! I think the more that we learn about the mental health, the better we can support the people in our lives who suffer from it. As for this dress, it’s giving me flapper feels. I love the color on you and those shoes are super cute!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 15, 2018 at 10:25 am Reply

      Gigi, thanks so much for reading and for sharing your input on the mental health topic. I agree with you completely that we need to keep spreading awareness to remove the stigma and shame that tends to be attached to mental health issues. As for my dress, it is one of my favorites. A totally unnecessary purchase last spring that I simply could not resist!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Amanda

    May 16, 2018 at 5:58 pm Reply

    That is some great information! It is amazing how much of a swing can happen to the mind and body as the seasons change. Though I don’t suffer from bipolar disorder, these are still important to keep in mind to make sure that I stay healthy in mind and body as Spring really gets into full swing.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 18, 2018 at 1:17 pm Reply

      Amanda, thanks so much for sharing that insight. I agree completely that even those without Bipolar can experience dramatic effects from the change of seasons. And these tips are for sure relevant across the board. I do hope your mind and body are healthy heading into Spring and Summer!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Marie Moody aka XmasDolly

    May 17, 2018 at 12:14 am Reply

    I couldn’t agree with you more, but I’ve opened the door for our Spring. In fact, hubby and I just planted my tomato garden. Yep all kinds of tomatoes. We love em’! Did you ever try a tomato sandwich on rye toast with mayo cut in half, & salt & pepper??? YUMMMMMMMERS!!!!

  • Marilee Gramith

    May 30, 2018 at 6:25 am Reply

    I had no idea that the manic phases could also be periods of greater vulnerability. I’m learning so much!
    You really look beautiful in green Shelbee. I’m also loving your little fascinator! 🙂

  • Divya

    June 4, 2018 at 4:38 pm Reply

    Emotional and mental issues like depression and bipolar disorder is not easy to deal with. It requires a lot of patience, understanding and acceptance not just from the person who is undergoing it but also from their family members. Kudos to you for talking about this important topic.
    PS: You do look beautiful in this fascinator

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      June 4, 2018 at 5:10 pm Reply

      Divya, thank you so very much your kind words and compliments. One of my missions with my blog space is to spread awareness about mental health issues, open the conversation, and remove the shame that so many feel. How can we possibly heal if we can’t even talk about the issues without being ashamed? Thank you so very much for validating my work! I appreciate it more than you know.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

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