Living Through Mania: My Journey with Bipolar Disorder and Finding Support
Living Through Mania: My Journey with Bipolar Disorder and Finding Support
Living with bipolar disorder feels like being on a rollercoaster that I can’t get off. One of the most intense parts of that ride is experiencing mania, a high that brings incredible energy but also unique challenges. I want to share my personal journey with mania, the euphoric highs, the sleepless nights, and the toll it takes on my mental and physical well-being. Here at Evolve Supply Co., we believe that building a supportive mental health community is essential. That’s why we donate 20% of our profits to cover therapy costs for people who need it but can’t afford it. We’re committed to fostering a space where we can openly share our struggles and, hopefully, make each other’s journeys a little easier.
What is Mania?
Mania is a defining characteristic of bipolar disorder, marked by periods of extreme energy, heightened mood, and often risky behavior. It’s not just about being excited or happy—it’s a state that can take over your entire life. Statistics show that 2.8% of the U.S. adult population is diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and most of them will experience manic phases. For some, mania can be exhilarating, while for others, it can be overwhelming and even dangerous.
My Personal Experience with Mania
When I enter a manic phase, it feels like I’m invincible. It’s as if I’ve unlocked a part of myself that’s capable of anything. I can go days without sleeping, and it’s not unusual for me to skip meals because I’m so caught up in the energy that I simply forget to eat. The world seems brighter, sharper, and full of endless possibilities. It’s like I have a constant adrenaline rush, and it’s both exhilarating and exhausting.
During these phases, my mind becomes a whirlwind of ideas. I hyperfocus on projects, sometimes starting several at once because I feel this relentless drive to create, accomplish, and succeed. In these moments, I genuinely believe I can take on the world. I might stay up all night sketching out business plans, envisioning new ventures, or diving into hobbies that suddenly consume me. This hyperfocus can lead to productive bursts of creativity, but it also has a darker side. I’ll often find myself knee-deep in projects that I can’t possibly finish or spending money impulsively, convinced in the moment that it’s a “brilliant” idea.
Mania often makes me feel like I’m seeing the world through a lens of boundless opportunity. But the intensity can turn overwhelming. Sometimes, I get frustrated with others because they can’t keep up with my fast-paced thoughts or ideas, which only feeds into the feeling of invincibility. There’s a sense of urgency and impatience that comes with mania—I want to do everything now, and any delay feels unbearable. My relationships can become strained during these phases because I’m operating on a level that feels detached from reality, chasing ideas that may not even make sense once the mania subsides.
As powerful as mania feels in the moment, I’ve come to realize that it’s also destructive. The “invincible” feeling can lead me to make decisions without fully considering the consequences, which I later regret. The crash that follows a manic episode is often just as intense, leaving me physically and emotionally exhausted. But over the years, I’ve learned strategies to manage these phases, which helps me feel a bit more in control.
Tips for Managing Mania
Living with mania isn’t easy, but here are some strategies that have helped me ground myself and keep things manageable:
1. Establish a Routine: One of the biggest challenges with mania is the temptation to abandon routines, but I’ve found that sticking to a schedule—even just for meals and sleep—helps create a sense of stability. Knowing that certain parts of my day are structured helps me feel more anchored, even during manic phases.
2. Avoid Stimulants: When I feel mania coming on, I avoid caffeine and sugar as much as possible. I don’t want to feed the fire, so I try to focus on calming practices instead. Cutting back on stimulants helps slow the rapid energy that fuels mania.
3. Grounding Practices: Practicing mindfulness or even just taking a few moments to breathe deeply can make a huge difference. Sometimes I need a physical reminder to slow down, and grounding exercises or meditation give me that space to refocus and reconnect with reality.
4. Reach Out for Support: I’ve learned the importance of checking in with friends, family, or my therapist when I feel like mania is taking over. Talking through my thoughts and feelings helps me process them, and my support system keeps me grounded when I’m tempted to lose myself in manic energy.
5. Set Project Boundaries: Mania makes me want to do everything at once, but I’ve learned to limit myself. I choose one or two tasks that feel manageable and remind myself that the rest can wait. It’s a hard boundary to set, but it keeps me from feeling too overwhelmed or overcommitted.
Building a Community Around Mental Health
At Evolve Supply Co., we believe that mental health challenges are something no one should face alone. Our mission is to build a community where mental health can be discussed openly, and people can find support and understanding. We want to help make therapy accessible, so 20% of our profits go to Rise Above The Disorder, a nonprofit organization that covers therapy costs for those who lack access.
My experiences with mania are deeply personal, but sharing them here is part of our effort to break down the stigma around mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that you’re not alone. Whether you’re navigating the highs of mania, the lows of depression, or the challenges of anxiety, there are people who understand and want to help.
Final Thoughts
Mania is a part of my life, and while it has its thrilling highs, it also comes with challenges I continue to navigate. Through the ups and downs, I’ve learned resilience and self-compassion. Evolve Supply Co. is here to support others on similar journeys. We’re dedicated to building a future where mental health support is accessible to all and where we can openly share our experiences to foster understanding and healing.
Thank you for being a part of our community and for joining us in the journey toward a world where mental health is openly supported and understood. Together, we can make a difference.
XO
Tyler