Mania is often misunderstood as being a period of high energy and good mood which a lot of us casually use to discuss days in which we are more active or productive than usual. However, this isn’t very accurate since mania is much more complex and, potentially, devastating.
Mania can best be described as excess energy that manifests itself in accordance with the personality of the sufferer. The following symptoms can be found in mania:
- Hyperactivity due to high energy with the sufferer taking up different ideas and tasks
- Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity with the sufferer feeling that they are highly gifted or possess special powers.
- Intense happiness or irritability
- Recklessness and poor judgement resulting in decisions that may be harmful such as speeding or spending too much
- Dis inhibition and impulsiveness causing the sufferer to engage in risky behaviors such as sexual promiscuity, excessive drinking or gambling.
Mania occurs in a mental illness known as bipolar disorder. If you feel that you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms then learn more about managing mental illness, caring for sufferers or seek help.