Happiness In Disguise

One of the most common, but highly ignored symptom of bipolar disorder is hypomania. In relation to a typical bipolar driven cycle, hypomania sits directly mania within the bipolar spectrum and can be very dangerous for a bipolar sufferer as at this point, any number of triggers may fire off into a full-blown manic episode.

What is hypomania?
In a nut shell, hypomania exhibits a slightly higher than normal state of activity and can offer the sufferer a feeling of positivity and happiness. To the untrained, this display can simply be blown off as being in a good mood, but it at this point of the phase where it is critical that supporters and sufferers alike exercise a higher sense of caution.

It is during the phase of hypomania that one is overwhelmed with a euphoric sense of everything being “right” in the world and there is a greater sense of both productivity and well-being. Here is an actual statement from an affected sufferer during a hypomania phase:

At first when I’m high, it’s tremendous … ideas are fast … like shooting stars you follow until brighter ones appear… . All shyness disappears, the right words and gestures are suddenly there … uninteresting people, things become intensely interesting. Sensuality is pervasive, the desire to seduce and be seduced is irresistible. Your marrow is infused with unbelievable feelings of ease, power, well-being, omnipotence, euphoria … you can do anything … but somewhere this changes.

The description above is very well said in not only what may be going on with a bipolar mind, and as supporters, we are able to truly digest this information and apply it to our own situations. The transition from hypomania to a full blown manic episode is quite alarming in and of itself, however, in some rare occasions, one may switch directly from hypomania to the other side of the spectrum and end up in a depressive episode.

There have been many instances where my wife has experienced both transitions, and with her ultradian cycling, I have actually witnessed a transition from hypomania to full mania, and then to a depressive state in a matter of minutes. When something like this occurs, it becomes extremely difficult to support our loved one as these cycles are extremely fast, and difficult to keep up with. It is imperative to keep connected to the sufferer at this point as to ensure that they do not put themselves in any real danger.

Managing a relationship with a bipolar spouse or loved one is indeed tricky and it is not easy to differentiate between a “normal” phase and that of a potential hypomania phase. We must keep in mind that the disorder does not define who our loved one truly is and not every display of happiness or joy should be considered an automatic episode. However, at the time same, it’s just as important to keep a cautious eye open just in case there is a potential trigger right around the corner that may throw us off guard.

With a passion to reach out and to help others, Rich opens up a direct view into the trials and tribulations that come with managing a bipolar relationship and how to use real-world techniques to aid in stability and support.

Rich Wallace

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