Mania is a period of unusually elevated or irritable mood, energy, and activity levels. People experiencing mania may feel euphoric, overly confident, or extremely energetic. They may also become easily irritated or angry. Common signs of mania include:
- Increased energy: The person might feel like they have boundless energy, unable to sit still or sleep. They may talk rapidly or jump from one topic to another without finishing their thoughts.
- Euphoric or overly confident mood: A person might feel overly happy, invincible, or like they can accomplish anything. This can lead them to make decisions without considering the consequences, like spending large amounts of money or taking risky actions.
- Racing thoughts: Thoughts may feel fast and out of control, making it hard for the person to focus on one thing for long. This can cause them to feel scattered or disconnected from reality.
- Irritability or agitation: Sometimes, mania can make people easily upset or angry, even over small things. They may feel impatient or intolerant of others.
- Poor judgment: People in a manic state might make impulsive decisions, like starting new projects without finishing others, engaging in risky behaviors (such as unsafe driving or sexual activity), or making large financial purchases they can’t afford.
Mania can last for several days or even weeks and may cause significant problems in a person’s work, relationships, and overall functioning. It’s important to recognize mania early, as it can sometimes lead to serious consequences, like harm to oneself or others.