Guest Blog - Mania Is Such Fun by Laura

So when we think about Bi Polar what do we associate it with…depression…mood swings….hyper mania…..mania….ah…mania! now this is what I want to talk about!

Mania…it’s great! Well that’s what most people will say. Euphoric highs, creativity and bundles of energy. Wonderful colours, bunnies and magical friends!!

Many people if you ask them would like to be either manic or at least hypo manic most of the time. If you measured it on a scale of 1 – 10 1 being depressed 5 being “normal” mood, and 10 being manic. Most people would like to function at about 6-8? right??

We hear A LOT about depression and how it can ruin lives and relationships. What I personally feel is that we do not hear enough about how Mania can ruin lives and relationships.

Mania episodes like depression can result in hospitalization as people can be a danger to themselves and others.

The down sides to mania can result in terrible things and rather sticky situations. I know of people who have got into a lot of debt when manic and loose things precious to them. Others will go out on spending sprees with credit cards and work up a massive bill on items not even needed! like shoes….can’t believe as a woman I just typed that!!!

People can be over promiscuous which can lead to awkward situations, while others are very arrogant thinking that they are right and they are the only ones in the world who are better than anyone else!

Sometimes people are more prone to take these risks, and will do it. One of the most lethal of all risks I believe is getting behind the steering wheel of a car. Essentially your driving a death machine powered by someone who has absolutely no regard to be able to make informed decisions and takes risks! now that’s scary. 1st, 2nd, 3rd gear swerve left right, oh quick I can make those lights if I just….smash!!!! That’s not going to be a good day….police, criminal prosecution, driving licence revoked and insurance cost going up…..it’s not worth it.

For me my mouth tends to be the one which gets me in hot water….I have before been in a situation with a neighbour who now does not speak to me as I was aggressive and bolshy with her as my mania made me think I was right! I insulted her sister without even thinking about it and had absolutely NO regard for their feelings in the situation. Although when I tell the story it sounds funny, in reality I was in a place where I was very ill and needed help. When mania sets in it’s very hard to accept that help when it’s all creativity and sunshine. However with anything it can turn….

Mania is something which can drive people apart and can ruin lives and IS NOTHING to be embarrassed about.

I would like to see the same level of awareness for THIS type of Mania as I believe this is SO important.