Hypomania is a milder form of mania, characterized by elevated mood and increased energy, but not as extreme or disruptive as mania. People experiencing hypomania often feel unusually upbeat, energized, or even euphoric, but they don’t usually lose touch with reality or make risky decisions that cause major problems in their lives. Common signs of hypomania include:
- Increased energy and activity: A person might feel more productive, focused, or driven than usual. They may take on new tasks or projects with enthusiasm, often feeling like they can do more than usual.
- Elevated mood: They may feel unusually happy, optimistic, or confident. Some people may feel “on top of the world,” with an improved outlook on life.
- Racing thoughts: Like in mania, thoughts may come quickly and jump from one topic to another. However, during hypomania, this doesn’t usually make the person feel overwhelmed or disconnected.
- Talkativeness: People in a hypomanic state may talk faster than usual and be more social, often engaging in conversations with many different people.
- Increased productivity: Hypomania can sometimes lead to bursts of creativity or high productivity, like completing tasks or projects more quickly than usual. However, they might struggle to maintain focus or follow through on everything they start.
Unlike mania, hypomania doesn’t typically cause significant issues in a person’s work, relationships, or everyday life. It can even seem like a “high-functioning” period where a person feels great, but without the disruptive consequences of mania. However, even though hypomania might not be as intense or problematic, it still requires attention, especially if it’s part of a pattern of mood swings or if it progresses into mania.