Bipolar and "happiness"

Hi all,

I'm new here so hello to everyone! =) I have a question for all of you. Do you ever find yourself feeling good, like pretty darn happy, and then all the sudden you freak out a bit and wonder if it's the beginning of mania?? That's one thing I do quite a bit. I'll be at home or work and I'll think, "hey, I feel really good!" and smile. But then the thoughts creep up like, oh no, is this the onset of a manic episode?! Or am I just feeling happy like a non-bipolar??

I don't know about you but it's a real downer! I've gotten to the point where I'm like, screw it, even if it is the onset of mania, I'm going to enjoy my life!

So far, my worries have been unfounded. I've still only had the one major manic episode and that was three years ago. (Thank you, Geodon!)

Have any of you felt that way?

Hi there, I was diagnosed with BP2 many years ago, and I hear you!

I've come to the conclusion that there is no normal and probably never will be. I don't know what normal feels like. I quite enjoy feeling slightly manic. As long as I don't get myself into trouble I just kinda sit back and enjoy it.

electricbipolar wrote:Hi all,

I've gotten to the point where I'm like, screw it, even if it is the onset of mania, I'm going to enjoy my life!

So far, my worries have been unfounded. I've still only had the one major manic episode and that was three years ago. (Thank you, Geodon!)
Have any of you felt that way?

Full blown mania (with hallucinations, delusions, poor judgement, risky behavior...) is rare for me, thanks to my medication. But there are days I feel good to be alive and celebrate my happiness. I'm thankful, but watch closely that I don't spend money recklessly (one of my early indicators of mania)

I look at my situation. Is life going particularly well? Is there anything exciting that would push my mood into mania? I try not to be loud and silly but I do enjoy feeling good.

So, if it is life going well, then enjoy it and be thankful, but watch for symptomatic behavior of mania. Tell somebody who knows your condition to watch out for you too, and if necessary, see your doctor before your mania makes you do something stupid.


Take care.

Thank you for both of your responses. I'm going to try my best to stop worrying about it and just enjoy when I feel good for as long as I can. And I will put my family on notice to watch out if I start talking (and talking and talking and talking!) and seem euphoric. I would like to believe that at this point I could spot mania coming down the pike, but I didn't the first time, so I don't trust my own judgment sometimes.

So anyway, I'm just going to sit back and enjoy it. Thanks again.

Glad to hear you have your family for support, and that they can talk to you if you get a little two excitable. Enjoy feeling good!

I learned that I get hypomanic for short periods of time and nothing happens. Well, nothing except for spending unplanned 30 euro on a t-shirt or, how do I put this nicely, slight hypersexuality. That's how I notice. I made a list of further symptoms and gave it to those closest to me to watch for, so if I start opening new businesses, buying pianos or organising orgies I'll be gently stopped and led to the nearest doctor.

I agree with piscesmama -- normal is a setting on a washing machine. Stay out of trouble, tell your family what to watch for, enjoy Big hugs.

You all are great! Thanks for taking the time to respond. It's been helpful. Hugs to all!

Hi Everyone,
So I just joined this site tonight and came across ''Bipolar and Happiness" and kinda sarcastically chuckled to myself, because Happiniess is the furthest thing from my mind right now. I have been stuck in major depression for going on almost 10mths now. I, not taking any medication nor am I seeing anyone to talk about my feelings. This is why this is my last resort...make friends over the internet. I find it a lot easier talking to people that don't know me personally rather then family or friends. Although I don't have a single friend in the world right now. Because of my depression I push everyone away and am left alone. Anyways Im not looking for sympathy I just really would like to talk to someone and maybe that will help sort out some major issues I have within myself. I cant do this alone anymore!! Thanks for your time.

Hi Raindropz,

sorry to hear about your depression. Are you unmedicated by choice? Bipolar depression is caused by chemical imbalance -- I heard from people who managed to combat it without meds but for me personally they are a godsend.

Hope you'll find some friends here -- it's a welcoming and open community.

Big hugs!

Yes its my personal choice. I was diagnosed in 2009 and the same day found out I was pregnent. So for the safety of my unborn child decided not to take any. I thought I could manage it on my own. But clearly I cant. Im probably at my worst right now. I find my days are really hard to bare. If it wasnt for my son, Im not sure Id get outta bed. Hes what keeps me going.