Posted by ST on May 16, 2002, at 4:08:41
In reply to Re: Yeah-mania doesn't always = elation, posted by bookgurl99 on May 14, 2002, at 10:35:53
Although I've never technically had a "manic" episode, only "hypomanic", I would assume they both can last around the same amount of time. Mine usually were about 2-5 days when unmedicated.
Yes, I think the illness can set on with hyomanic symptoms. Mostly bi polars go and get help when they crash and get depressed, not when they are hypomanic. I've heard statistically there are more cases of this. Usually when one is hypomanic, one doesn't really feel they need as much help as when one is in the pit of depression! So I think it's a common misconception that mani-depression only starts with depressive episodes. I think it just gets to a point where it's so dark that the person finally seeks help and then is diagnosed for the first time, perhaps, with manic-depression.
Also, bi polar illness manifests itself differently in every person. (As you probably know, bi pollar I is characterized by manic - not hypomanic - episodes as well as depression) As far as bi polar II goes, from what I understand, some have major depressive episodes with few hypomanic episodes (like me). Others have almost continous hypomanic episodes with small intervals of depression. Usually these people are realy success driven and/or are workaholics (I have a friend like this who sleeps 3 hours a night, is a raging, agitated b*tch to everyone and runs a successful thetare comapny in a major US city. She's unmedicated, obviously!). And some have long periods of time when they feel "normal", interspersed with hypomania and depression.
I have to point out that the fact that you feel you may be hypomanic at times is a good sign. You're aware of what's going on with you and this type of awareness will really help you find the best treatment.Good luck!
Sarah
> How long would a manic episode normally last?
>
> I've had a few 'normal' days in the last 2 months, but mostly (I think) hypomanic-style symptoms. Would the illness set on this way?
poster:ST
thread:105981
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020510/msgs/106615.html