Do you feel like you’re on top of the world most of the time? Are you ultra-productive, motivated, and full of energy? You may be experiencing hypomania. This is a milder form of mania that can be helpful in some ways but can also cause problems if it’s not managed properly. In this blog post, we will discuss the signs and symptoms of hypomania as well as tips to manage it.
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Hypomania Symptoms
Hypomanic is described as a “milder” or “less severe” form of mania. It shares many of the same symptoms as mania but to a lesser degree. This is a part of bipolar disorder that is characterized by a “high-energy” state.
The symptoms of hypomanic are not as severe as those of full-blown mania, but they can still be disruptive. It is important to pay attention to your mood and behavior if you think you may be experiencing hypomania. Here are 11 signs that you may be experiencing hypomania:
Unusually happy or upbeat
It is one of the most noticeable signs of hypomania. If you are usually a happy person, you may notice that your mood is even more elevated than usual. You may feel like you are on top of the world and that nothing can bring you down. For example, you may feel happy even when something bad happens. And this may last for days or weeks at a time.
Moreover, being unusually happy and upbeat can also manifest itself in physical ways. For example, you may have more energy than usual and feel like you can’t sit still. However, this can also lead to restlessness and insomnia.
Increased energy
Generally, in hypomanic symptoms, people tend to feel more energetic. This may manifest as feeling wired, having a decreased need for sleep, or being more productive than usual. When you have increased energy you may feel like you can do anything and may take on more projects than you can actually handle.
It’s important to be aware of this so that you can manage your energy levels and not burn yourself out. More often, increased energy makes people feel good and they may not even realize that they’re in a hypomanic state. Pay attention to how your body feels and be mindful of when you start to feel overly tired.
Easily distracted
Easily distraction is one of the most common symptoms of hypomania. If you find yourself unable to focus on tasks or conversations, or if you are constantly switching between activities, it may be a sign that you are experiencing hypomania. Let’s understand with an example if you are working on a project and suddenly you get an urge to do something else, like clean your house or go for a run, then it’s a sign of distraction.
Moreover, distraction is not only about being unable to focus on a task, it’s also about being pulled away from the people around you. If you find yourself losing interest in the people and things around you, or if you find yourself drawn to new and exciting people and things, it may be a sign of hypomania.
Excessive talking
People with hypomania may talk faster than usual. They may also speak more loudly or quickly switch topics. This can make it hard for others to keep up with the conversation. Also, this symptom can be mistaken for symptoms of ADHD. Because of ADHD, some people may have trouble focusing and also talk quickly.
However, there are differences between ADHD symptoms and hypomania. For example, people with hypomania may be more likely to talk about their accomplishments or ideas. They may also be more easily distracted by things that are going on around them.
Impulsive and racing thoughts
It seems very convenient and normal to live impulsively and make decisions without thinking them through when you’re hypomanic. You may feel like you can’t help it, but acting impulsively can lead to some very regrettable decisions – especially when it comes to your finances, job, or relationships. Also, there is always the potential for risky behaviors like excessive spending, drug use, or promiscuous sex. If you find yourself making impulsive decisions more often than usual, it may be a sign of hypomania.
Grandiose thinking
When you’re hypomanic, you may start to think very highly of yourself – to the point where you feel like you’re better than everyone else. You may start to believe that you’re destined for greatness and that you can do anything you set your mind to. This can lead to risky behavior, as you may start to take chances that you wouldn’t normally take.
However, grandiose thinking is generally associated with a more positive outlook on life and may not necessarily be a bad thing. If you’re able to keep your ego in check, then hypomania can actually be quite beneficial.
Irritability
This is one of the most common signs that you may be experiencing hypomania. You may find yourself getting easily irritated or angry for no reason. This can be a sign that your mood is starting to become unstable. For example, you may find yourself snapping at your partner or family members for small things. If you notice that you are becoming more irritable than usual, it’s important to take note of this change in mood.
Spend money recklessly
It is not uncommon for people in a hypomanic state to spend money recklessly. They may make impulsive purchases, max out their credit cards, or take out loans they can’t afford. This can lead to financial problems down the road. However, the reason behind this spending is not always clear. Some people may do it to feel good at the moment, while others may be trying to keep up with a perceived “perfect” life they see on social media.
For example, you may see someone posting about a luxurious vacation they just took or a new car they just bought. If you can’t afford those things, it can trigger feelings of inadequacy or envy. This can lead to overspending in an attempt to keep up with others.
Unable to slow down or rest
In hypomanic symptoms, it is difficult to slow down or relax. This can manifest as feeling restless, having racing thoughts, being easily distracted, and talking quickly. In fact, it can be the opposite of feeling depressed, where everything feels sluggish. For example, if you’re used to working out five times a week, during hypomania you may work out seven or eight times. Or if you’re a night owl, you may find yourself staying up later and feeling more energetic at night.
Decreased need for sleep
This is one of the most common symptoms of hypomania. People who are experiencing hypomania will often have difficulty sleeping or they may not need as much sleep as they normally do. They may also find themselves sleeping more during the day. For instance, if someone normally sleeps for eight hours at night, they may only need four or five hours of sleep during a hypomanic episode.
In fact, changes in sleep patterns can lead to further problems. People who are not getting enough sleep may find it difficult to concentrate, which can impact their work or school performance. They may also become irritable and have difficulty controlling their emotions.
Appetite changes
Another common symptom of hypomania is a change in appetite. People may find themselves eating more or less than usual. They may also have cravings for certain foods that they normally wouldn’t eat. And it is believed that these changes in diet can trigger hypomania episodes.
For instance, if you’re not eating enough, your blood sugar levels may drop which can lead to irritability and mood swings. On the other hand, if you’re eating too much sugary or fatty foods, it can also affect your mood and energy levels. So it’s important to pay attention to your diet and make sure you’re getting the nutrients your body needs.
All in all, these are some signs that you may be experiencing hypomania. If you think you might be, it’s important to talk to your doctor so they can help you manage it. You should not try to self-diagnose or self-treat hypomania as it can worsen your condition. But always remember that you are not alone and there is help available.
What Does A Hypomanic Episode Feel Like?
A hypomanic episode is described as a period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood. It’s similar to a manic episode, but the symptoms are not as severe. During a hypomanic episode, you may feel like you are on top of the world, have tons of energy, and can accomplish anything. You may feel like you are invincible and that nothing can stop you.
The symptoms of a hypomanic episode can vary from person to person. Some people may only experience a few symptoms, while others may experience all of them. But the feeling of having a hypomanic symptom can be described as “high” or euphoric.
According to studies, hypomania is more common in people with bipolar disorder type II. But, it can also occur in people with bipolar disorder type I and people who don’t have any mental health disorders. So it is important to understand what the symptoms of a hypomanic episode are so that you can identify it if it happens to you.
What Are The Possible Triggers?
If someone is suffering from bipolar disorder, there are several possible triggers for hypomania. Here are a few possible causes and triggers for hypomania symptoms:
- Sleeping too little or going without sleep for long periods of time. It seems common sense that if we don’t get enough sleep, our bodies and minds would be more likely to become unbalanced.
- Extreme stress or trauma. We all have a breaking point and when we experience too much stress, our bodies can start to shut down. This can lead to mental imbalances like hypomania.
- Drug abuse or alcohol abuse. It’s no secret that drugs and alcohol can cause major problems in our lives. Not only can they lead to addiction, but they can also cause serious mental health issues.
- Certain medications. Some medications can trigger hypomania symptoms, especially if they are not taken as prescribed.
- Hormonal changes. This one is especially common in women. Hormonal changes can cause all sorts of mental and physical health issues, including hypomania.
- Changes in the seasons. It is not uncommon for people to experience changes in their moods and energy levels with the changing seasons. This is known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and can be a trigger for hypomania.
So these are some possible triggers for hypomania symptoms. If you think you may be suffering from hypomania, it’s important to talk to your doctor or mental health professional. They will be able to help you manage your symptoms and get the treatment you need.
How To Manage Hypomanic Symptoms?
There are a few things you can do to help manage your hypomanic symptoms:
Keep a stable schedule
This should be an important part of everyone’s life, especially if you experience hypomania. Having a set schedule for yourself will help to provide some structure in your life which can help to ground you. For example, going to bed and waking up at the same time each day can help to regulate your natural body clock and energy levels.
Exercise regularly
Not only is exercise good for your physical health, but it can also be very beneficial for your mental health. Exercise can help to release endorphins which have mood-boosting properties. It can also help to reduce stress and anxiety levels. It is believed that people who exercise regularly are less likely to experience episodes of hypomania.
Avoid drugs and alcohol
While it may be tempting to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol when you’re feeling high, it is important to remember that this can actually make your symptoms worse. Drugs and alcohol can act as triggers for episodes of hypomania. They can also interfere with your sleep and make it more difficult to manage your symptoms.
Talk to someone you trust
It can be helpful to talk to somebody about what you’re going through, whether that’s a friend, family member, therapist, or doctor. Talking openly about your symptoms can help you to feel more in control of them. It can also help you to identify any triggers that may be causing your episodes.
Be mindful of your triggers
What sets off your hypomanic episodes? Is it stress from work? Not getting enough sleep? Be sure to avoid these triggers as much as possible. Because when you are able to identify your triggers, you are one step closer to managing your hypomania. For example, if you know that not getting enough sleep is a trigger for you, be sure to make sleep a priority in your life.
Seek professional help
If your hypomanic episodes are starting to affect your work, school, or social life, it’s time to seek professional help. A therapist can help you manage your symptoms and develop coping mechanisms for when you start to feel hypomanic. You might also benefit from medication. If you have bipolar disorder, your doctor may prescribe mood stabilizers or antipsychotics to help control your episodes of hypomania.
All in all, these are some helpful and important tips to keep in mind if you think you may be experiencing hypomania. If you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional for help. It will be worth it.
Conclusion
To conclude hypomania symptoms are numerous and can be difficult to manage without help. This situation is simply described as an elevated mood which can be characterized by an optimistic outlook, high energy levels, decreased need for sleep, and a decreased appetite. However, if left unchecked hypomania can develop into full-blown mania or even lead to psychotic episodes.
It is important to seek professional help if you think you may be experiencing hypomania. A qualified mental health professional can help you develop a plan to manage your symptoms and avoid any potential complications.
You can also contact Therapy Mantra for affordable online counseling services. We have a team of professional therapists who can provide you with the support and guidance you need to recover from this condition. Contact us today to learn more about our services. You can also book an online therapy session or download our free Android or iOS app.
