Responding to Mania

Last week we looked at the symptoms of depression, and this week we will look at the opposite symptom--mania.  Mania is a symptom of bipolar disorder, an illness in which a person experiences both mania and depression.

During a manic episode, a client suffers a break with reality, often referred to as a “nervous breakdown.” Although the term “nervous breakdown” is commonly used, it is a slang term and not a clinical one.  Symptoms of mania may include inflated self-esteem or grandiosity, decreased need for sleep, talkativeness, racing thoughts, being easily distracted, psychomotor agitation, or risky and unwise decisions. (For more details on exactly how a manic episode is diagnosed, you can see the DSM-V book on p. 124).

Obviously, there are many challenges to getting a manic person help.  Family and friends may think the client’s actions are comical, and they unknowingly encourage manic behavior. Even when loved ones do recognize something is wrong, the client is often enjoying the feelings of euphoria and therefore resents someone trying to intervene and say he or she is sick.

It is wise to be aware of emergency psychiatric resources and how to develop a plan of action. Since an individual experiencing severe mania is unable to reason, traditional counseling is ineffective. They need immediate, specialized help. If you ever experience someone having a manic episode, there are several appropriate resources. At NSCC, you can contact Security, Dean for Students, or the Access Center. We can contact a crisis counselor to get a person help.  If you ever experience a family member or a friend having a manic episode, you can take them to a psychiatric hospital such as Parthenon Pavilion, Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital, or Skyline Madison. You can also call the crisis line at (615) 244-7444.

If you ever need to call the crisis line or take someone to a psychiatric hospital, it is important to stay with the client until they are no longer alone.  It would be unsafe for the person to be left alone, since mania impairs clear thinking. Clients may seem angry or agitated and tell you to go away, but they need your support, whether they realize it or not.

The Access Center staff hopes that this information has prepared you to effectively recognize mania and how to react.  A manic episode can be frightening and overwhelming for everyone involved, but when it is treated effectively, clients can become safe and healthy.