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.
Very good information. I appreciate you helping to dispel some of the stigma and shame and helping people realize this is an illness which needs our care and not judgement.
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